British multinational retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) has broadened its Beauty Takeback Scheme in partnership with HANDLE, increasing the participating stores from 40 to 100 across the UK.  

The expansion of the Beauty Takeback Scheme is a strategic move by M&S to enhance product design longevity and offer services that encourage reuse and recycling among consumers. 

The initiative, part of the retailer's 'Plan A' roadmap to net zero, allows customers to recycle plastic and aluminium beauty packaging from any brand.  

Since its launch in June 2023, the scheme has seen more than 1.6 tonnes (t) of packaging recycled. 

The additional 60 stores now participating include locations such as Birmingham Bullring, Cardiff, and Inverness.  

This expansion makes it easier for customers nationwide to contribute to sustainability efforts by disposing of their beauty packaging responsibly. 

The scheme accepts a variety of packaging materials, including bottles, tubes, caps, pumps, and tubs.

In addition to expanding the takeback service, M&S has worked with HANDLE to create a wide-toothed hair comb.  

Containing at least 98% of the recycled packaging collected under the scheme, the comb will be retailed for £8 ($10.14) online and in-store.

M&S Sustainability, Clothing & Home head Katharine Beacham said: “At M&S, we want to play our part in driving a more circular economy and the circularity services we offer are key to this. Since launching last year, our Beauty Takeback Scheme has proven hugely popular, providing a convenient option for customers to recycle their beauty products.  

“We’re delighted to be able to introduce the scheme to even more of our stores across the UK this month, to enable them to give their empty beauty packaging Another life.”  

Last month, M&S announced plans to recruit more than 11,000 new customer assistants to support its stores across the UK during the upcoming festive period.