The M&S top made from 11 recycled plastic bottles

Last updated at 17:29 14 February 2007


This is the jacket that could lead a green revolution in the high street.

The fleece, set to go on sale at Marks and Spencer stores this year, is made from 11 recycled plastic bottles.

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It is one of several products developed by Greenpac, which aims to bring environmentally friendly inventions to our shops.

M&S chief executive Stuart Rose, who last month announced £200 million of investment in green products, said the retailer will save 6,000 barrels of oil a year it would have used to make polyester fleeces.

The man behind the f leece is Simon Lee, 46, a former advertising executive. He said: "It's just one of our products but it was great to get M&S on board."

Mr Lee has also persuaded a retailer to do away with traditional shoeboxes. "We developed a product called pacshoe, that uses half the material of a traditional box," he said.

"It's being used by one high street store and we are talking to several more."

Greenpac is also developing a coating for organic fruit to prolong its shelf life.

"We have just been certified by the Soil Association and we are talking to several global suppliers about rolling out the first products this year," said Mr Lee.

The coating, called Natralife, slows down the respiration of fruit and vegetables.

Members of the public who tried on the fleece gave it their approval.

Anna Ward, 23, from Fulham, said: "It was very lightweight, comfortable and kept me warm.

"It seemed exactly like a normal fleece. It's amazing it was made from recycled bottles.

"It's not very glamorous but I would definitely consider buying it."

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