M&S strives for ‘most sustainable’ title

UK grocer Marks and Spencer has announced a new raft of eco and ethical commitments, in a bid to become the most sustainable retailer by 2015.

The company launched its ‘Plan A’ in 2007. Its new commitments cover all product categories. Amongst the pledges affecting food, it all individual M&S items will carry at least one sustainable or ethical quality by 2020 (50 per cent by 2015).

It has pledged to ensure that six key raw materials it uses – palm oil, soya, cocoa, beef, leather, coffee – come from sustainable sources that do not contribute to deforestation.

It will also encourage the 10,000 farmers who produce its fresh foods to join its sustainable agriculture programme, and source packaging materials via a sustainable forestry model.

www.foodnavigator.com