March 2, 2010 – British retailer Marks & Spencer has announced plans to become the world’s most sustainable retailer by the year 2015, including the launch of 80 new commitments under their “Plan A” program and the goal to convince all their suppliers to adopt Plan A best practices.

The company said that by incorporating the 80 new commitments into their existing 100 Plan A criteria, all 2.7 billion individual food, clothing and home items sold by the company will carry at least one sustainability attribute such as Fair-trade certification, Marine Stewardship Council Certification or the use of ethical materials. M&S hopes to convert 50% of all their products to “Plan A” products by 2015 and achieve a 100% conversion by 2020.

In addition to expanding their Plan A commitments, the company will also encourage their 21 million customers to live more sustainably through their “Your Green Idea” competition. Through this medium, customers can submit sustainability ideas for M&S to adopt, and the winning idea will receive £100,000 to be spent on greening an organization of their choice.

M&S is also tackling the issue of fair wages through the newly revamped Plan A. Working with their suppliers in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the company will ensure that fair wages are being paid in these markets before implementing any new clothing projects. They will also offer education and training assistance to workers in their supplier factories - including in basic healthcare and workers’ rights.

For more information, please visit the M&S Plan A website.

Cancel 5000 Your comment has more than 5000 characters. Please delete part of it before submitting. Enter comment text.