Marks & Spencer

Our “Planet” rating evaluates brands based on the environmental policies in their supply chains, from carbon emissions and wastewater to business models and product circularity. Here we rate Marks & Spencer “It's a Start”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It uses some lower-impact materials including recycled materials, however it does not publish an aggregate breakdown of materials used.
• It’s set a science based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both its direct operations and supply chain but there’s no evidence it is on track.
• It offers clothing recycling to consumers to help address end-of-life textile waste.
• There’s no evidence it’s taking actions to protect biodiversity in its supply chain.

Workers’ rights are central to our “People” rating, which assess brands’ policies and practices on everything from child labour to living wages and gender equality. Here we rate Marks & Spencer “It's a Start”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• More than half its final production stage is certified by Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit - SMETA Best Practice Guidance.
• Its Code of Conduct covers ILO principles.
• It has initiatives to empower vulnerable women and girls in its supply chain.
• Its initiatives help provide financial security for its suppliers, which can ensure better job conditions for workers.
• There’s no evidence it ensures workers are paid living wages in its supply chain.
• During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, it disclosed adequate policies to protect workers in its supply chain from the virus.

Brands’ animal welfare policies and, where applicable, how well they trace their animal-derived products are the focus of our “Animals” rating. Here we rate Marks & Spencer “It's a Start”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It appears to use leather, shearling, wool, cashmere, alpaca, mohair, and down.
• It doesn't appear to use fur, angora, or exotic animal skin.
• Some of its animal-derived materials consist of recycled or certified alternatives to conventional cashmere, wool, mohair, alpaca, and down.
• It has a formal policy aligned with the Five Domains of Animal Welfare.

Based on all publicly available information we’ve reviewed, we rate Marks & Spencer “It's a Start” overall.