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.
• There’s no evidence it’s taking meaningful action to reduce or eliminate hazardous chemicals in manufacturing.
• 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.
• 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 “Not Good Enough”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• Some of its supply chain is certified by Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit - SMETA Best Practice Guidance.
• It received a score of 31-40% in the 2023 Fashion Transparency Index.
• It has a limited policy to support diversity and inclusion in its direct operations and supply chain.
• 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 has a formal policy aligned with the Five Freedoms of animal welfare but no clear implementation mechanisms in place.
• It appears to use leather, exotic animal hair, and silk.
• Responsible Wool Standard certifies some of the wool it sources.
• Responsible Down Standard certifies the down it uses.
• It doesn’t appear to use fur, angora, or exotic animal skin.
• It traces some animal-derived materials to the first production stage.

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