What: M&S has announced a EUR 1 million investment towards achieving its Net Zero by 2040 goals, focusing on reducing methane emissions from dairy cows and launching several sustainability initiatives.

Why it is important: This investment signifies M&S's commitment to tackling climate change through innovative approaches within its supply chain and operations. By reducing the carbon footprint of its dairy products and exploring new sustainable practices, M&S is setting a precedent for the retail industry to follow. The Plan A Accelerator Fund aims to empower suppliers to implement eco-friendly solutions, highlighting the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainability targets.

M&S's EUR 1 million investment is part of its broader strategy to become a Net Zero business by 2040. The initiatives include altering the diet of dairy cows to reduce methane emissions, a move expected to cut 11,000 tons of greenhouse gases annually. Additionally, M&S is launching a Plan A Accelerator Fund to support projects that contribute to net zero goals, such as a clothing recycling program with Oxfam and a trial using AI to optimize energy use in stores. These efforts reflect M&S's longstanding commitment to sustainability, as demonstrated by its Plan A initiative launched in 2007. Through these actions, M&S aims to maintain its reputation as a trusted retailer while addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges.

M&S unveils EUR 1m investments to ‘turbocharge’ net zero goals