WWF-UK: Marks and Spencer launches Plan A - £200 million eco-plan
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Marks and Spencer launches Plan A - £200 million eco-plan
Plan A is a £200 million, 100-point 'eco plan' that will affect every part of M&S, changing the way they operate beyond recognition over the next five years.
With it they will, by 2012, become carbon neutral, send no waste to landfill, extend sustainable sourcing, set new standards in ethical trading and help people lead healthier lifestyles. And they plan do all this without charging their customers extra.
"Every business and individual needs to do their bit to tackle challenges like climate change and waste. While we will continue to sell great quality products, people now expect us to take bold steps in doing business responsibly. And we believe a responsible business can be a profitable business," M&S Chief Executive, Stuart Rose said. "We will also help our suppliers and customers change their behaviour. As an own-brand business, our influence extends to more than 2,000 factories, 10,000 farms and 250,000 workers worldwide, as well as the millions of customers who visit our 500-plus UK stores."
The thinking behind Plan A is not new. Last year, their 'Look behind the label' campaign showed how far M&S go to ensure everything they sell is produced in a responsible way.
Plan A is deliberately ambitious and, in some areas, difficult. "We don't have all the answers, but we're determined to work with our suppliers, partners and Government to make it happen." Said Katie Stafford, Sustainable Development Manager at M&S, "We're doing this because it's what our customers and employees want us to do."
Robert Napier, Chief Executive, WWF-UK said, "Research clearly shows us that agricultural activities and other food production and distribution have some of the greatest impacts upon our environment. It is vital that we all find ways to achieve a One Planet lifestyle. Such bold aspirations as outlined by Marks & Spencer can only help drive other supermarkets and the retail sector towards supplying products in a way that protects our planet and sustains the natural resources we depend upon."
"Every business and individual needs to do their bit to tackle challenges like climate change and waste. While we will continue to sell great quality products, people now expect us to take bold steps in doing business responsibly. And we believe a responsible business can be a profitable business," M&S Chief Executive, Stuart Rose said. "We will also help our suppliers and customers change their behaviour. As an own-brand business, our influence extends to more than 2,000 factories, 10,000 farms and 250,000 workers worldwide, as well as the millions of customers who visit our 500-plus UK stores."
The thinking behind Plan A is not new. Last year, their 'Look behind the label' campaign showed how far M&S go to ensure everything they sell is produced in a responsible way.
Plan A is deliberately ambitious and, in some areas, difficult. "We don't have all the answers, but we're determined to work with our suppliers, partners and Government to make it happen." Said Katie Stafford, Sustainable Development Manager at M&S, "We're doing this because it's what our customers and employees want us to do."
Robert Napier, Chief Executive, WWF-UK said, "Research clearly shows us that agricultural activities and other food production and distribution have some of the greatest impacts upon our environment. It is vital that we all find ways to achieve a One Planet lifestyle. Such bold aspirations as outlined by Marks & Spencer can only help drive other supermarkets and the retail sector towards supplying products in a way that protects our planet and sustains the natural resources we depend upon."