M&S launches RE:Spark with French MNC Schneider Electric

The initiative has been designed to accelerate the adoption of renewable electricity across M&S’s global fashion supply chain and is a key part of the retailer’s sustainability strategy - Plan A - which aims to achieve net zero emissions across its value chain by 2040.

RE:Spark reflects M&S’s commitment to look beyond its own operations and spark change across its supply chain. Through the RE:Spark programme, M&S and Schneider Electric will:

• Launch a centralised digital hub where suppliers can submit emissions data, track decarbonization efforts, and learn more about carbon reduction action 
• Host regional market briefs and webinars 
• Provide advisory services to help suppliers assess and implement clean energy solutions
• Enable suppliers to aggregate demand for power purchase agreements 

Katharine Beacham, Head of Sustainability and Materials in Fashion, Home & Beauty at M&S, said: "We believe sustainability should be embedded in everything we do, from how we source products to supporting our partners and customers to do the right thing.

"We know that real change happens when we collaborate. That’s why RE:Spark is designed not only to ignite new ideas and unlock renewable energy opportunities for our supply base, but also to make the transition easier by providing access to support and resources. By acting as a facilitator, we can help our suppliers build networks and resilience for the long term - sparking a movement of change across the industry and beyond. It’s all part of our broader commitment – through Plan A, our approach to sustainability - to support the transition to a low-carbon economy."

Steve Wilhite, Executive Vice President, SE Advisory Services, said: “As an energy technology company, we’re proud to be working with M&S to help suppliers overcome barriers to renewable electricity adoption. RE:Spark is a powerful example of how collaboration can drive scalable, impactful change across global supply chains.”

The programme will initially focus on high-impact regions within M&S’s fashion supply chain, with plans to expand over the next three years.

RE:Spark builds on M&S’s work to improve environmental performance in its manufacturin as well as recent circularity milestones, including the launch of Another Life - M&S’s platform for activating circularity in Fashion, Home & Beauty - which brings together initiatives across Rewear, Repair, Recycle and Resale.

These initiatives are central to M&S’s ambition to reshape for sustainable, profitable growth and to become a net zero business by 2040.

Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)