Marks and Spencer has taken a bold step towards transforming Britain’s throwaway fashion culture with an innovative scheme that rewards customers for giving their old clothes a second life. The retail giant’s partnership with eBay and specialist company Reskinned marks a watershed moment in the UK’s journey towards sustainable shopping, offering shoppers a financial incentive to embrace circular fashion whilst tackling the nation’s mounting textile waste crisis.
The initiative, launched in August 2024, allows customers to trade in their pre-loved M&S garments, shoes and accessories in exchange for vouchers worth five pounds. It represents the culmination of over a decade of sustainability efforts from one of Britain’s most beloved retailers, and arrives at a time when UK consumers are increasingly demanding more environmentally responsible options from the brands they trust.
How the M&S Voucher Scheme Actually Works
The mechanics of the programme are refreshingly straightforward. Customers can register their unwanted items either through the M&S website or by scanning QR codes displayed in M&S Fashion, Home and Beauty stores across the country. Once registered, items are collected free of charge through a courier service and sent to Reskinned, the circular fashion specialist handling the logistics.
The crucial detail lies in what qualifies for the voucher. Each parcel must contain at least one item bearing the M&S label to unlock the five-pound reward, which can be redeemed against purchases of thirty-five pounds or more on fashion, home and beauty products. The voucher remains valid for four weeks from the date of issue.
What happens next reveals the scheme’s true environmental credentials. Reskinned’s team meticulously inspects each item, professionally cleaning and repairing garments that can be worn again. These refurbished pieces then appear for sale on the official M&S x eBay store, giving shoppers access to quality pre-loved items from previous seasons they might have missed.
Items beyond repair do not end up in landfill. Instead, they are responsibly recycled or repurposed, ensuring nothing goes to waste. This represents a significant expansion on M&S’s existing in-store recycling scheme, now accepting footwear, handbags, belts, hats and scarves that were previously excluded.
The Driving Force Behind the Initiative
The launch comes as Britain grapples with a textile waste emergency of staggering proportions. Recent figures reveal that approximately 711,000 tonnes of used textiles were discarded in household bins in 2021, with nearly half of all used textiles in the UK disposed of as general waste. That translates to 35 items per person per year on average, with 84 per cent incinerated and 11 per cent sent to landfill.
The scale of the problem has not gone unnoticed in Westminster. Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh, who oversees the government’s sustainability policy, welcomed the M&S initiative as part of the broader effort to address the 700,000 tonnes of clothing Britain discards annually. “Only government and businesses working together can stop fashion costing the earth,” Creagh stated at the launch.
Her comments reflect the government’s commitment to developing a comprehensive Circular Economy Strategy, with textiles identified as one of five priority sectors alongside transport, construction, agri-food, and chemicals. The strategy, scheduled for publication in autumn 2025, aims to provide long-term regulatory frameworks specific to each sector.
The Partnership Powering the Programme
The collaboration brings together three distinct players, each contributing unique capabilities to make the scheme viable at scale. eBay, where M&S ranks as one of the most searched-for brands, provides access to millions of fashion-conscious shoppers already primed for pre-loved purchases. Nearly 40 per cent of clothing, shoes and accessories sold on eBay in 2024 were classified as pre-owned, demonstrating the platform’s credentials in the resale space.
Reskinned, the certified B Corporation at the heart of the operation, brings two decades of textile recycling expertise combined with innovative technology. Founded in 2020 and based in London’s Canning Town, the company lists around 1,000 items daily and manages a live inventory of roughly 60,000 garments. Their water-free ozone cleaning process and brand-approved repair standards ensure items meet quality expectations.
The partnership maintains M&S’s long-standing relationship with Oxfam, with 15 per cent of profits from every item sold on the eBay store going to the charity. This continues a collaboration dating back to 2008, when M&S became the first major UK retailer to launch a clothes recycling scheme.
Understanding the Another Life Programme
The voucher scheme represents the final piece in M&S’s Another Life programme, which brings together the retailer’s circular fashion commitments under four pillars: Rewear, Repair, Recycle and Resale. The programme forms part of Plan A, M&S’s industry-leading sustainability strategy launched in 2007, well before most mainstream businesses considered such initiatives.
Plan A has delivered remarkable results over its lifetime. By 2012, M&S had achieved carbon neutrality in its UK and Ireland operations and diverted 100 per cent of operational waste from landfill. Energy-saving measures saved the business over thirty million pounds annually, whilst waste management improvements cut disposal costs significantly. In 2014, M&S reported that Plan A had delivered net benefits of 145 million pounds to the business, challenging the myth that sustainability must compromise profitability.
The Another Life programme builds on this foundation with ambitious new targets. M&S has committed to achieving net zero across its entire value chain by 2040, ten years earlier than the UK government’s nationwide target. Over 70 per cent of M&S polyester now comes from verified recycled sources, whilst 100 per cent of cotton uses responsible sourcing practices.
Since the original Shwopping initiative launched in 2008, over 36.5 million clothing items have been collected and given a second life. The new resale platform aims to accelerate this progress significantly by making participation more convenient and rewarding for customers.
The Explosive Growth of UK Second-Hand Shopping
The timing of M&S’s expanded offering aligns perfectly with seismic shifts in British shopping habits. The UK second-hand online market reached 4.3 billion pounds in 2024, with clothing dominating as the most popular category. Over half of Britons, specifically 54 per cent, purchased second-hand clothing online in 2024, positioning fashion as the leading category in the second-hand shopping sector.
Even more striking is the pace of change. Over the past five years, average monthly spending on second-hand items among UK shoppers has surged by 113 per cent, climbing from £58.40 to £124.80. UK shoppers now lead globally in purchasing pre-loved items, with nearly half buying second-hand goods at least once a month.
The demographic breakdown reveals clear generational divides. Seventy-four per cent of individuals aged 34 or below engage in second-hand shopping, compared to just 52 per cent among those over 55. This younger cohort is driving significant growth, with 59 per cent of Gen Z and 56 per cent of Millennials planning to increase spending on pre-loved goods.
Three primary factors explain the shift towards pre-owned products. Financial constraints due to cost-of-living pressures rank first at 31 per cent, followed by a broader range of available products at 26 per cent, and heightened environmental consciousness at 25 per cent. UK consumers collectively saved 5.6 billion pounds in 2024 by choosing second-hand goods.
Consumer Attitudes Towards Sustainability
The appetite for sustainable fashion extends beyond second-hand purchases. Research commissioned by Deloitte found that 73 per cent of UK consumers reported recycling household waste in the past 12 months, 68 per cent reduced food waste, and 58 per cent reduced the number of new products they bought. Another 56 per cent repaired products rather than replacing them.
When it comes to willingness to pay for sustainability, the picture is nuanced. Whilst 80 per cent of consumers say they are willing to pay more for sustainably produced goods, actual premiums average 9.7 per cent. This reflects the tension between environmental values and economic pressures, particularly as inflation and cost-of-living concerns weigh heavily on household budgets.
Younger consumers show greater openness to paying premiums for eco-friendly products, with sustainability-focused segments like “Planet Protectors” making up 21 per cent of the UK population. However, 76 per cent of consumers perceive eco-friendly products as more expensive, which may explain why sustainable shopping has not yet become fully mainstream.
The research reveals that consumers assess sustainability through tangible attributes including production methods and recycling (40 per cent), eco-friendly packaging (38 per cent), and positive impact on nature and water conservation (34 per cent). This suggests that visible, understandable initiatives like M&S’s voucher scheme may resonate more powerfully than abstract sustainability claims.
Expert Voices on the Initiative
Industry leaders have praised M&S’s approach as a significant milestone in making circular fashion accessible and scalable. Monique Leewenburgh, Director of Sourcing and Technology in Fashion, Home and Beauty at M&S, emphasised the retailer’s commitment to supporting customers in doing the right thing. “This not only offers more ways for customers to give items Another Life, but also an opportunity for customers to purchase items they might have missed from previous seasons,” she explained.
Kirsty Keoghan, eBay’s European Fashion General Manager, highlighted the natural fit between the two brands. “M&S is a beloved British institution known for enduring quality and style, and a staple in wardrobes across the UK,” she stated. “Welcoming M&S to the eBay marketplace represents an exciting milestone in our mission to make circular fashion more accessible, appealing and scalable.”
Matt Hanrahan, co-founder of Reskinned, articulated the partnership’s core mission: “At Reskinned our mission is to maximise the lifespan of clothing. We’re making it easy for brands and their customers to rehome unwanted clothes, whether that’s reselling, repairing or if it’s end-of-life recycling it responsibly”.
The political endorsement from Minister Mary Creagh adds significant weight to the initiative. Her statement that the government’s Plan for Change focuses on “cleaning up Britain, ending our throwaway culture and ensuring that the 700,000 odd tonnes of clothes we throw away each year are worn more” signals official support for such industry-led solutions.
Comparing M&S to Other Sustainability Initiatives
M&S is not alone in pursuing circular fashion, but its integrated approach sets it apart from competitors. The UK Fashion and Textile Association reports that 47 per cent of UK brands and retailers now embed circular design principles in their product ranges, rising to over 70 per cent among premium and luxury brands.
John Lewis launched a circular clothing collection in June 2024 aimed at reducing waste and increasing product longevity. The initial twenty-piece collection includes pyjamas, babywear and home textiles, with plans for expansion to thousands more items by 2028. However, this focuses primarily on design rather than take-back schemes.
H&M has deployed artificial intelligence to analyse store receipts and returns, adjusting quantities needed for stores to reduce unsold stock. Whilst this addresses overproduction, it does not directly incentivise consumer participation in recycling.
M&S’s advantage lies in completing the full circle. The retailer not only designs for durability (with initiatives like easy-grow hems on school uniforms) but also provides accessible channels for repair through partnerships with Sojo, recycling through in-store Shwopping boxes, and now resale through the eBay platform. This comprehensive ecosystem makes sustainable choices convenient at every stage of a garment’s lifecycle.
The Role of Government Policy
The broader regulatory landscape is evolving to support circular fashion initiatives. The government’s Textiles 2030 programme represents the UK’s leading voluntary effort to guide organisations in the fashion and textile industries towards sustainable and circular practices by decade’s end.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes are under consultation, which would ensure the industry contributes to the costs of recycling. Such schemes would boost reuse, better collections and recycling, drive the use of sustainable fibres, and support sustainable business models like rental schemes.
The Environment Bill grants government powers to set minimum standards for clothing on durability and recycled content, and explore ways to improve labelling and consumer information. Meanwhile, thirty million pounds has been allocated by UK Research and Innovation to establish five new research centres developing UK-based circular supply chains, one focusing specifically on circular textiles technology.
Keith James, head of public sector partnerships and policy insights at WRAP and a member of the Circular Economy Taskforce, noted that the Textiles 2030 initiative is already transforming the lifecycle of over 60 per cent of garments entering the UK market. He emphasised that the UK is well-positioned to build on these initiatives and learn from circular economies developing in the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark.
Challenges Facing the Second-Hand Market
Despite impressive growth, the second-hand clothing market faces several obstacles. Concerns about product condition top the list at 43 per cent, followed by lack of warranties at 39 per cent, and reliability of sellers at 29 per cent. Research from the British Standards Institution indicates that global adoption of circular economy practices is hindered by consumer trust issues concerning cleanliness and dependability of refurbished items.
The M&S partnership with Reskinned directly addresses these concerns through professional cleaning, repair to brand-approved standards, and the backing of the M&S name. Items sold through the official M&S x eBay store benefit from Amazon’s customer service and return policies, providing the reassurance buyers need.
Another challenge is the fragmentation of textile waste streams. A recent UKFT and University of Leeds study found that total post-consumer and industrial textile waste in the UK amounts to approximately 3,264 kilotonnes annually, split almost evenly between fashion (1,599 kilotonnes) and non-fashion (1,665 kilotonnes) materials. Non-fashion textiles from healthcare, hospitality, automotive and public services often remain excluded from circular economy strategies despite generating comparable waste volumes.
Barriers to circularity include limited data on waste composition, inadequate infrastructure for collection and recycling, and fragmentation across industries. Hygiene requirements, chemical treatments and complex fibre blends make reuse and recycling more difficult for many textile products.
What This Means for British Shoppers
For consumers, the M&S voucher scheme offers several tangible benefits beyond the financial incentive. It provides a guilt-free method of decluttering wardrobes whilst knowing items will either find new homes or be responsibly recycled rather than ending up in landfill.
The scheme makes sustainable choices remarkably simple. Instead of navigating multiple charity shops or online resale platforms, customers can drop off items at familiar M&S stores or arrange free courier collection from home. The QR code system eliminates paperwork, and the voucher arrives digitally within five working days.
Access to pre-loved M&S items through the eBay store opens opportunities to acquire quality pieces at reduced prices. Given M&S’s reputation for producing well-made clothing designed to last, these second-hand items often represent exceptional value. For shoppers who missed particular styles from previous seasons, the resale platform offers a second chance to acquire sought-after pieces.
The initiative also supports Oxfam’s poverty relief work, adding a charitable dimension to each transaction. Since the partnership began, the money raised has funded vital projects tackling poverty and inequality around the world.
The Future of Circular Fashion in Britain
Industry projections suggest the UK second-hand apparel market will continue its rapid expansion. The market, valued at approximately 3.1 billion pounds in 2023, is expected to reach over eight billion pounds by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 11.12 per cent. This growth rate significantly outpaces the UK retail clothing market as a whole, indicating a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour.
The circular fashion market globally is forecast to grow from 6.78 billion dollars in 2024 to 18.42 billion dollars by 2035. Circular fashion principles are gaining traction, with 45 per cent of major brands now actively developing circular solutions for textile-to-textile recycling, up from 38 per cent in 2023.
Technology will play an increasingly important role in advancing circularity. The ACT UK project aims to pilot a fully integrated, automated sorting and pre-processing facility for textile waste, potentially revolutionising how post-consumer textiles are sorted and processed for recycling. Digital product passports are being explored to provide detailed information about items’ lifecycles, enhancing transparency and encouraging sustainable consumer behaviour.
Design for circularity is becoming a fundamental part of fashion education and practice, with designers increasingly equipped to create garments meant to last and eventually be recycled or repurposed. M&S’s commitment to using 100 per cent verified recycled polyester for clothing and homeware by 2025/26 exemplifies this shift.
Practical Steps for Participating
For those interested in taking advantage of the M&S voucher scheme, the process requires minimal effort. Begin by sorting through wardrobes to identify unwanted M&S items, including clothing, footwear and accessories. Remember that each parcel must contain at least one M&S-labelled item to qualify for the voucher.
Visit the M&S website and complete the short registration form, or scan the QR code available in M&S Fashion, Home and Beauty stores. Arrange free courier collection through the online system, or drop items at participating stores if more convenient.
Once Reskinned receives and processes the items, the five-pound voucher will be issued digitally. Use it within four weeks against purchases of thirty-five pounds or more on fashion, home and beauty products at M&S.com or in stores.
For those interested in purchasing pre-loved M&S items, browse the official M&S x eBay store where professionally cleaned and repaired pieces are listed. Items span multiple categories including clothing, footwear and accessories, offering variety across different styles and seasons.
The Broader Impact on Retail
M&S’s move into dedicated online resale signals a significant evolution for traditional retailers. Katharine Beacham, head of sustainability in fashion at M&S, explained that the retailer had already “shifted the way people looked at clothes” through its in-store Shwopping bins. “We wanted to revamp shopping to continue to improve how customers look at clothing and how they can give clothes another life,” she added.
The partnership allows M&S to test customer appetite for branded second-hand goods before deciding whether to offer such stock through its own digital or physical outlets. This measured approach reflects the experimental nature of integrating resale into traditional retail models.
Online clothes resale continues surging across the sector, with platforms like Depop and Vinted gaining significant traction. Major retailers increasingly recognise that ignoring this trend risks losing market share to specialist resale platforms. By establishing presence in the space, M&S positions itself to capture value from the full lifecycle of its products.
The initiative demonstrates that sustainability and profitability need not conflict. By monetising returned items through resale rather than simply recycling or disposing of them, M&S creates additional revenue streams whilst enhancing its environmental credentials. The 145 million pounds in net benefits that Plan A delivered by 2014 proves that well-designed sustainability initiatives can strengthen rather than drain the bottom line.
Addressing Scepticism and Concerns
Not all reactions to corporate sustainability initiatives are uniformly positive, with some consumers expressing scepticism about greenwashing. However, M&S’s track record lends credibility to its latest efforts. The company’s Plan A strategy dates back to 2007, predating the current wave of corporate sustainability commitments by many years.
Transparency distinguishes genuine initiatives from greenwashing. M&S publishes annual sustainability reports detailing progress against specific, measurable targets. The retailer’s 2024 ESG report outlined commitments including net zero by 2040 and a 34 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2025/26.
Third-party validation adds further credibility. Reskinned holds B Corporation certification, indicating it meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. The partnership with Oxfam, a respected international charity, provides additional assurance that the scheme delivers genuine social and environmental benefits.
The voucher scheme’s structure also suggests authentic commitment rather than mere public relations. Offering financial incentives to customers costs M&S money in the short term, indicating genuine investment in changing behaviour rather than cheap marketing tactics.
What Retailers Can Learn
The M&S case study offers several lessons for other retailers considering circular fashion initiatives. First, partnerships prove essential for building capabilities that may lie outside traditional retail expertise. M&S combined eBay’s digital marketplace reach with Reskinned’s recycling and repair expertise rather than attempting to build these capabilities internally.
Second, financial incentives drive participation more effectively than appeals to environmental consciousness alone. Whilst many consumers value sustainability, the five-pound voucher provides tangible, immediate benefit that translates into action.
Third, convenience matters enormously in determining uptake. Free courier collection and in-store QR codes eliminate barriers that might otherwise prevent participation. The simpler the process, the higher the engagement.
Fourth, integration with existing operations enhances viability. By connecting the eBay resale platform with in-store Shwopping boxes and the Oxfam partnership, M&S created a comprehensive ecosystem that maximises the value extracted from each returned item.
Finally, long-term commitment distinguishes meaningful initiatives from superficial gestures. M&S’s 17-year journey with Plan A demonstrates sustained dedication rather than responding to momentary trends. This consistency builds trust with consumers increasingly wary of corporate greenwashing.
FAQs About M&S Second-Hand Clothing Vouchers
How do I qualify for the M&S five-pound voucher?
To qualify for the voucher, you must return at least one item bearing an M&S label through the scheme. Register your items on the M&S website or scan QR codes in M&S Fashion, Home and Beauty stores, then send items via the free courier service. The voucher is issued once Reskinned receives and processes your parcel.
Can I return items from other retailers through this scheme?
The M&S x eBay resale scheme specifically requires at least one M&S-labelled item in each parcel to qualify for the five-pound voucher. However, M&S’s in-store Shwopping boxes accept clothing from any retailer for recycling, though vouchers are only issued when M&S items are included through the Oxfam partnership.
How long does the voucher remain valid?
The five-pound voucher is valid for four weeks from the date of issue. It can be redeemed against purchases of thirty-five pounds or more on fashion, home and beauty products, either online at M&S.com or in physical stores.
What happens to items that cannot be resold?
Items that are too worn or damaged for resale are not sent to landfill. Instead, Reskinned ensures they are responsibly recycled or repurposed. This might include breaking down textiles into fibres for use in new materials, such as mattress filling or carpet underlay. The scheme guarantees zero waste to landfill.
Where can I purchase pre-loved M&S items?
Pre-loved M&S items are available through the official M&S x eBay store. These items have been professionally cleaned, repaired to brand-approved standards, and photographed before listing. You can browse the selection on eBay’s platform, where M&S ranks as one of the most searched-for brands.
For more UK focused stories and trending news, check these out:
- Prime Day
- DWP News Cost of Living UK 2025
- Kevin Clifton
- Cost of Living Payment Eligibility 2025
- Andrea Riseborough
- Labour News
- P&O Cruise Evacuation Southampton
- Prince William Wales Rugby Message
- Pension News
- Villa Park Aston Villa Redevelopment 2025
- BBC News
- GOV.UK