Marks & Spencer has reported progress on its eco and ethical programme Plan A. A further 22 commitments were achieved in 2015/16 and good progress was made in engaging its 32 million customers in Plan A, it said.
The first report under new CEO Steve Rowepledges to go even further on customer engagement by putting the customer at the heart of the plan.
Highlights from the new report include nearly three quarters (73 per cent) of all M&S products now have an eco or ethical quality (up from 64 per cent last year) notable progress on improving UK and Ireland store and warehouse energy efficiency (energy use down 39 per cent) and water efficiency (water use down 31 per cent) and several firsts including the launch of an interactive supply chain map and the publication of the M&S Human Rights report.
Speaking on the news, Steve Rowe, Marks & Spencer’s CEO, said: “We are putting customers right at the heart of our business. That includes Plan A as much as any other part of our business and that’s why Plan A is now part of our customer and marketing team.
"It is a crucial part of how we engage with our customers, gain their trust and make every moment special for them. We know that Plan A is a win-win approach – a simpler, more efficient, less wasteful business is better for the planet and our bottom line – so we’ll chase that even harder.”
Mike Barry, Director of Sustainable Business at Marks & Spencer, added: “2015 was an important year for sustainable business and Plan A. Yet again we’ve achieved tough and stretching targets.
"The successful Paris Climate negotiations and the launch of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals have created a long-term direction of travel for the global economy and companies need a bold vision and comprehensive plan to make sure they are aligned with these important agreements.
"Under Steve’s leadership we’ll continue to play our part and crucially put the customer at the heart of everything we do, nurturing the strong trust they have in us and inspiring them with new and innovative solutions to more sustainable living that feels personal and local to them.”
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