M&S, the UK retail giant, has announced that all of its stores across the UK will replace ‘use by’ dates with ‘best before’ dates for fresh milk. The change, aimed at reducing household waste, is being implemented from this week. M&S has become the first retailer to use ‘best before’ labelling on fully recyclable milk bottles after removing coloured plastic caps earlier this year.
According to the M&S Family Matters Index, 72% of UK families are taking steps to reduce their household waste. Over half of these families (55%) want retailers to offer more sustainable choices for them. The move to ‘best before’ dates is an attempt by the retailer to help its customers reduce waste without damaging the quality, sourcing standards, or value of its milk.
In recent years, improvements in the shelf life and overall quality of milk have made this change possible. Customers can now use their own judgement to determine whether milk is still good to be consumed or not before disposing of it unnecessarily.
The UK wastes an estimated 490 million pints of milk every year, according to the Waste and Resources Action Program (WRAP). M&S is hoping that this change will help customers reduce their levels of milk waste, while continuing to enjoy the exceptional quality products for which the retailer is known.