The 200m strategy, which also includes targets to become carbon neutral and “set new standards in ethical trading”, will see the company reducing its use of packaging by 25%, recycling back-of-store waste and stopping the sending of food waste to landfill.
 M&S; chief executive Stuart Rose has said his company will ensure none of its packaging need be thrown away under the new plan |
The company intends to use anaerobic digestion to generate energy from its food waste.
Marks and Spencer also said it would move towards using more recycled or “sustainable” packaging as well as restricting the range of packaging materials used to those which are easy to recycle or compost.
The company, which has already worked with organisations like WRAP and London Remade on its use of recycled packaging, also intends to use recycled plastic in its carrier bags, and install recycling facilities in more than 450 of its Caf Revives and staff restaurants.
A further pledge was made to ensure that “within 5 years, no M&S; clothing needs to end up in landfill by finding alternatives to disposal such as re-using, composting and recycling”. This could see much of the chain's polyester clothing made from recycled plastic bottles according to chief executive Stuart Rose.
Announcing the plans today, Mr Rose said his company would “change beyond recognition the way it operates over the next five years”.
“Responsible”
He said: “Every business and individual needs to do their bit to tackle the enormous challenges of climate change and waste. While M&S; will continue to sell great quality, stylish and innovative products, our customers, employees and shareholders now expect us to take bold steps and do business differently and responsibly. We believe a responsible business can be a profitable business.”
M&S; said it intended to meet carbon emission targets laid out by the Stern Review “nearly 40 years ahead of target” through its plans, which have been welcomed by green campaigners.
Jonathon Porritt, of Forum for the future, has advised Marks and Spencer, and said: “This plan sets a new benchmark in the way businesses should be tackling climate sustainability challenges like waste, fair-trade and climate change. It raises the bar for everyone else – not just retailers, but businesses in every sector.”
Greenpeace campaign director Blake Lee-Harwood said: “If every retailer in Britain followed Marks & Spencer's lead it would be a major step forward in meeting the challenge of creating a sustainable society.”
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