Marks & Spencer is introducing new packaging for its Swiss Chocolate Collection that can be thrown away on a compost heap or dissolved in water.

The new packaging is appearing in store this week, in time for the Christmas rush, where packaged chocolates are a popular item.

After the chocolates are finished, the tray, made of a substance called plantic, will take around three weeks to break down in compost, or a few minutes to disappear almost completely in water, according to the Guardian. The outer packaging is made from FSC-certified cardboard and the internal packaging is fully recyclable.

M&S, which was the first big UK retailer to start charging customers for plastic bags, said earlier this year that its Plan A eco and ethical programme injected more than £50m of profit back into the business during 2009.

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