M&S to expand successful trial of fill-your-own container scheme

Exclusive: Retailer says 25 of 44 products offered loose have outsold packaged equivalents

Marks & Spencer is to extend its trial of a refill scheme that enables shoppers to replenish their own food containers, after its research revealed that more than three-quarters of consumers said they were trying to reduce the amount of packaging they use.

The retailer's initial trial of its "fill your own" scheme at its Hedge End store in Southampton, which offers 44 packaging-free products from coffee to confectionery, will be expanded this month to include a second store in Manchester city centre.