M&S reduces waste with eco-friendly printers

M&S has rolled out new printers to reduce cost as well as its carbon footprint

Marks & Spencer (M&S) is looking to reduce waste through the introduction of solid ink printers for the production of in-store shelf edge labels.

More than 1,000 colour printers have been installed across all 602 M&S stores nationwide as part of the retailer’s five-year "eco-plan", dubbed Plan A.

M&S said that the solid ink sticks used in the printers generate substantial cost savings when compared with laser-based technology. The equipment has also helped M&S cut down on waste "significantly", with a 90 per cent reduction in landfill per printer, according to the company.

“Not only are the devices providing us with significant cost savings, vital at this time of economic instability, but they are helping us with the successful execution of Plan A,” said M&S sustainable development manager Carmel McQuaid.

The printers were supplied by Xerox.