M&S aims to top green charts

Marks & Spencer has announced ambitious plans to become the world’s most sustainable retailer by 2015.

The upmarket retailer is to step up its plans to go "green" by opting for more sustainable ingredients and agreeing a living wage for suppliers.

M&S said its new plan would extend upon its original green targets, set out in its environmental strategy - Plan A - launched in 2007.

It said the new plans would make the company more efficient, develop new markets and build customer loyalty.

M&S said its new commitments would include making sure all 2.7 billion food, clothing and home items carried at least one sustainable or ethical quality marque, such as being Fairtrade or free range.

Chairman Stuart Rose said: "It's therefore not just the right thing to do morally but also makes strong commercial sense.

"Since we launched our eco plan, Plan A, in 2007, we have reduced our environmental impact, developed new sustainable products and services, helped improve the lives of people in our local communities and saved around 50 million pounds by being more efficient.

"Our extended Plan A will reach further and move us faster - covering every part of our business and reaching out to forests, farms, factories, lorries, warehouses and into our customers' and employees' homes."

It will also seek to determine and agree a fair, living wage for workers in a number of markets including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India, as well as provide training and education programs.