News & events
M&S reports on progress in year three of Plan A
10 June 2010
The report details the progress of Plan A, M&S' eco and ethical programme launched in 2007. Three years on and 62 of the original 100 commitments have been achieved, 30 are ‘on plan' to be achieved by 2012 and seven are ‘behind plan' as a result of unexpected challenges. One, the use of bio-diesel, is on-hold until sustainable supplies become available.
Other headline achievements include:
- 33 per cent less waste sent to landfill year-on-year;
- 40 per cent of electricity sourced from ‘green' tariff renewable supplies;
- 18 per cent reduction in refrigeration emissions (compared to 06/07);
- 1.8 million garments recycled through the Oxfam Clothing Exchange;
- Packaging reduced by 36 per cent on general merchandise products1;
- 84 per cent of PET food plastic packaging made using recycled materials;
- 72 per cent of wood used is Forest Stewardship Council, recycled or from sources which otherwise protect forests and communities;
- Healthier food now makes up 38 per cent of food products ranges;
- 91 per cent of food products now meet FSA salt reduction targets;
- Over £13.2 million invested last year in community projects.
Sir Stuart Rose, Chairman of Marks & Spencer, said: "Plan A is making a real difference to the environment and for our customers, employees and people working in our supply chains. We've introduced products and services to help customers live more sustainably, increased our contribution to local communities and, this year, generated £50 million additional profit which has been invested back in the business.
"We've made excellent progress, but there's no time to stand still. It is clear that evidence of environmental damage and social inequality has increased since we launched Plan A.
"That's why we're now pushing ahead with our new, bigger and bolder version of Plan A with 80 new commitments and the ultimate goal to become the world's most sustainable retailer by 2015."
Plan A was extended in March this year to incorporate 80 new commitments and extensions to the original commitments. Progress on the new and extended commitments will be reported on in the 2011 How We Do Business Report.
Anyone that wishes to view the report in full can download it from the document library or at http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/howwedobusiness.
