Marks & Spencer scores 9 out of 16 at Rank a Brand: Compare how transparent, green and fair your favorite brands are

Marks & Spencer Info

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9 out of 16
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Brand Owner: Marks and Spencer Group plc
Head Office: London, UK
Sector: Fashion, Clothing & Shoes
Categories: Retailer
Free Tags: Affordable Fashion

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Last Updated: 15 July 2011
Last Verified: 1 December 2011

Marks & Spencer Score Report

Questions about Climate Change/ Carbon Emissions

4 out of 4


1. Is there a policy for the brand (company) to minimize, reduce or compensate carbon emissions?	Marks & Spencer has a commitment to reduce operational carbon emissions by 35% and make their operations carbon neutral by 2012.They plan to achieve this by taking a number of actions such as improving fuel efficiency and energy use in warehouses and offices.	SOURCE
2. Has the brand (company) disclosed the annual carbon footprint of its 'own operations' and has the brand already reduced or compensated 10% of these emissions in the last 5 years?	Total CO2 emissions have been reduced by 13% since 2006/2007 (Referring specifically to Scopes 1 to 3, see page 30 of the 'How We Do Business Report 2010').	SOURCE
3. Has the brand (company) set a target to reduce the carbon footprint of its 'own operations' by at least 20% within the next 5 years?	Marks & Spencer's aims to reduce its operational carbon emissions by 35% in 2015. It is committed to make its UK and Republic of Ireland operations carbon neutral by 2012. It targets to reduce energy consumption and reach 100% use of 'green' energy by 2012. Taking into account renewable energy consumption, a 20% reduction by 2012 is within their goals.	SOURCE
4. Does the brand (company) also have a policy to reduce/compensate carbon emissions generated from the product supply chain that is beyond own operations?	Marks & Spencer has several policies for reducing emissions throughout their supply chain. See pages 32 for a list of current performance in activities related to reduction of emissions in their supply chain.	SOURCE

Questions about Environmental Policy

0 out of 4


1. Does the brand (company) use environmentally 'preferred' raw materials for more than 5% of its volume?	Marks & Spencer aims to increase the amount of cotton they source from sustainable sources to 25% by 2015 and 50% by 2020 (page 38). However, recent percentage of Fairtrade cotton in relation to the total volume is "nearly 3%" (See page 41). Marks & Spencer is currently developing efforts to reach this goal.	SOURCE
2. Does the brand (company) use environmentally 'preferred' raw materials for more than 10% of its volume?	No. See remarks for Environmental Policy Question 1.	SOURCE
3. Does the brand (company) use environmentally 'preferred' raw materials for more than 25% of its volume?	No. See remarks for Environmental Policy Questions 1.	SOURCE
4. Does the brand (company) have an environmental policy related to the ‘wet processes’ within the production cycle, like bleaching and dying of fabrics?	On Page 39 of the report, M&S states that "we’ve included sections on water efficiency and quality in our new Environmental and Chemical Policy." But without more information, we cannot award a 'yes'.	SOURCE

Questions about Labour Conditions/ Fair Trade

5 out of 8


1. Does the brand (company) have a supplier Code of Conduct (CoC) which includes the following standards: No forced or slave labour, no child labour, no discrimination of any kind and a safe and hygienic workplace?	Marks & Spencer is a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) and refers to the ETI Base Code (see link). All standards are mentioned (see points 1,3,4 & 7).	SOURCE
2. Does this CoC include at least two of the following workers rights: 1. to have a formally registered employment relationship 2. to have a maximum working week of 48 hours with voluntary paid overtime of 12 hours maximum 3. to have a sufficient living wage?	Marks & Spencer is a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) and refers to the ETI Base Code (see link). All standards are mentioned (see points 5,6 & 8).	SOURCE
3. Does this Code of Conduct include the right for workers to form and join trade unions and bargain collectively; and in those situations where these rights are restricted under law, the right to facilitate parallel means of independent and free association and bargaining?	Marks & Spencer is a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) and refers to the ETI Base Code (see link). This standard is mentioned, with reference to parallel means for the situation of law restrictions (see point 2).	SOURCE
4. Does the brand (company) have a published list of direct suppliers, that have collectively contributed to more than 90% of the purchase volume?	M&S does not provide a significant list of direct suppliers on its website. Sustainability information should be easily accessible for consumers to make responsible choices.	SOURCE
5. Is the brand (company) a member of a collective initiative that aims to improve labour conditions, or does the brand (company) purchase its supplies from accredited factories with improved labour conditions?	Marks & Spencer is a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI).	SOURCE
6. Do independent civil society organizations like NGO's and labour unions have a decisive voice in this collective initiative or in these certification schemes?	NGO´s are on the board of the ETI.	SOURCE
7. Does the brand (company) annually report on the results of its labour conditions policy?	Marks and Spencer's reports on activities related to ethical compliance, monitoring, supply chain training, and extending trading assessments (see pages 40-41). However, the information is not extensive enough to present a clear description of Marks and Spencer's labour conditions results. No further information found on M&S website.	SOURCE
8. Has the brand's labour conditions policy resulted in a 'compliance level' of at least 30% of the purchase volume, or a 'monitored level' of at least 80%?	Information about the percentage of certified or monitored factories is not found. See also remark for question 7.	SOURCE