Home and fashion retailer teams up with The Less Packaging Company to launch Packspec as part of its Plan A commitment to reduce packaging on its general merchandise ranges.
As part of the implementation of Packspec, Less Packaging is working closely with Marks & Spencer's domestic and international suppliers to develop packaging standards that are suitable for each product type and that can be easily produced in each geographical region.

M&S suppliers will be able to download pre-approved packaging templates that have been created by Less Packaging, amend them to suit their product and re-submit for approval.

As a result, M&S will be able to communicate and control best practice retail and transit packaging across its entire global supply base. The new online tool is in keeping with the retailer's Plan A environmental programme, where it has committed to reduce its general merchandise transit packaging by 25% by 2015.

Less Packaging managing partner Greg Lawson said: "As packaging specialists, we can help suppliers by providing them with the resources and templates they need to effectively transport their products for M&S. Packaging compliance is becoming increasingly important, as retailers continue to focus on automation across their supply chain and ensure they responsibly source raw materials. Being able to communicate and control how product should be packaged remotely is a significant step forward for any retailers or brand owner sourcing product and packaging from overseas."