Waste is backhauled (returned in empty delivery lorries) and collected by recycling contractors from distribution centers. In some cases, M&S closes the recycling loop by sending the waste to suppliers who use it to manufacture new products for M&S. For example, M&S plastic waste is sent to make new M&S carrier bags. Cardboard waste is sent to make food waste boxes, large cardboard boxes that segregate food waste in stores.
Eighty nine per cent of M&S food waste is sent to anaerobic digestion plants which turn it into electricity, some of which M&S buys back to power stores.
[3] Six Commitments Not Met
Six of the original Plan A commitments have not been met.
Eighty four per cent of the wood used in the M&S business is from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) sources or sources that protect forests and communities. This is short of the 100 per cent target but still a leading market position and the most comprehensive sustainable wood policy in retail. Progress has been hampered by the availability of sustainable timber and M&S continues to work towards the original goal.
The Bio-Diesel commitment was not pursued due to concerns over the sustainability of crops used to make Bio-diesel fuel.
The commitment to reduce water usage by 20 per cent by 2012 was missed by two per cent. The commitment remains ongoing and M&S now aims to make a reduction of 25 per cent by 2015.
Sales of organic foods in M&S foodhalls have declined since 2007 due to reduced customer demand. M&S continues to support organic food and will monitor customer demand. Sales of organic foods in M&S cafes have, however, increased significantly.
Difficulties with availability and the complexity and length of the cotton supply chain prevented plans to convert 20 million clothing garments to Fairtrade cotton. Last year, M&S sold 4.5 million garments made from Fairtrade cotton and now plans to source 50 per cent of its cotton from more sustainable sources, which includes Fairtrade, BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) and recycled cotton, by 2015.
Converting all fresh turkey, geese, pork and duck products to free range has also not been achieved as M&S responded to customer demand to stock higher welfare turkey alongside free range and trials of selling 100 per cent free range pork proved unsuccessful. M&S researched this commitment extensively with customers, partners and suppliers, and now sells alternatives that meet high animal welfare standards.
About Plan A
M&S launched Plan A in January 2007, setting out 100 commitments to achieve in 5 years. They have now extended Plan A to 180 commitments to achieve by 2015, with the ultimate goal of becoming the world’s most sustainable major retailer. Through Plan A, they are working with their customers and suppliers to combat climate change, reduce waste, use sustainable raw materials, trade ethically, and help their customers to lead healthier lifestyles. For more details on Plan a, visit http://plana.marksandspencer.com/about.
Source: M&S.
