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  • Overall approach
    6/14
    • Overarching commitment on deforestation
      4/6
      Deforestation commitment
      Deforestation-Free
      4/6
      "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020"
      Open source document
    • Signatory to an initiative tackling deforestation
      1/1
      Signatory
      Yes
      1/1
      Tropical Forest Alliance 2020 partner; WWF Global Forest & Trade Network
      Marks and Spencer is a member of WWF's Global Forest and Trade Network, and also engage with the Tropical Forest Alliance 2020. 
      Open source document
    • Awareness of the value of forests
      1/1
      Awareness
      Yes
      1/1
      "Forests constitute the world’s largest and most important ecosystems, and contain the largest reservoir of plants and animals on land"
      Open source document
    • Target to reduce emissions from land-use change
      0/3
    • Reporting on emissions from land-use change
      0/3
  • Commodity score
    49/86
    • Leather
      38/86
      • Commitment Strength
        16/36
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          16/21
          • Commitment details
            Forest-related commitment
            8/10.7
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Forest-related commitment
            8/10.7
            Type of commitment: Zero deforestation
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            No
            0/1.5
            Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            No
            0/1.5
            "We require suppliers to exclude leather from cattle reared in the Amazon biome from our supply chains."
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all operations
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            Commitment applies to all operations
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020"
            Open source document
          • Target date
            2020
            1.8/2
            Target date
            2020
            1.8/2
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020"
            Open source document
          • Target is quantifiable
            Yes
            2/2
            Target is quantifiable
            Yes
            2/2
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020"
            Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/15
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/5.3
          • Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            No
            0/1.5
          • Commitment applies to all operations
            No
            0/1.5
          • Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            No
            0/1.5
          • Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            No
            0/1.5
          • Target date
            No deadline
            0/2
          • Target is quantifiable
            No
            0/2
      • Reporting and Implementation
        10/34
        • Reporting against commitments
          0/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            No
            0/3
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/3
        • Reporting is independently verified
          0/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            No
            0/2
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/2
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/2
            other third party verification
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Monitoring and verification of supplier compliance
          Non-specific monitoring statement
          2/4
          Monitoring and verification of supplier compliance
          Non-specific monitoring statement
          2/4
          Marks and Spencer "requires suppliers to demonstrate how they exclude cattle reared in the Amazon biome from their supply chain".
          Open source document
        • Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Blacklist non-compliant suppliers without engagement
          2/4
          Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Blacklist non-compliant suppliers without engagement
          2/4
          Marks and Spencer state that "orders cannot be placed if the source of the leather contributes to deforestation in the Amazon biome".
          Open source document
        • Publishing supplier lists
          No disclosure
          0/4
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Both
          "Concerns may also be reported via an independent and external facility. This facility ismanaged by Safecall and reporting can be done online in multiple languages via Safecall’s secure web reporting facility: https://www.safecall.co.uk/report."
          Open source document
        • Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Providing support/advice/experience/expertise
          "Through the Consumer Goods Forum we’re engaging in global efforts to tackle deforestation, and we’re collaborating with the [..] the Leather Working Group, in support of our goal to remove commodity-driven deforestation."
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity
          No reporting
          0/4
      • Social Considerations
        12/16
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes
          4/4
          Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes
          4/4
          "All our suppliers are required to comply with our Global Sourcing Principles and acknowledge the right of indigenous people and rural communities to give or withhold their Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) before new logging rights are allocated or plantations are developed."
          Open source document
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          Marks and Spencer list all four of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in their Global Sourcing Principles document. 
          Open source document
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          "Suppliers should have an equal opportunity employment policy that promotes gender equity in employment practices, and states maternity leave provision and support for child care where appropriate" "By 2019, we will help advance women’s human rights and combat gender discrimination by launching programmes and initiatives that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in our business and supply chains.  "
          Open source document Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
    • Palm oil
      63/86
      • Commitment Strength
        30/36
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          13/15
          • Commitment details
            Forest-related commitment
            6/8
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Forest-related commitment
            6/8
            Type of commitment: Zero deforestation; Certification
            Certification schemes mentioned: RSPO
            "We aim to ensure zero deforestation from the use of palm oil in the production of M&S products by 2020."
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            Yes
            1/1
            "Our goal is to ensure that all palm oil used in our products is produced by companies that don’t contribute to deforestation"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all operations
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all operations
            Yes
            1/1
            "Our goal is to ensure that all palm oil used in our products is produced by companies that don’t contribute to deforestation"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            "Our goal is to ensure that all palm oil used in our products is produced by companies that don’t contribute to deforestation"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            "Our goal is to ensure that all palm oil used in our products is produced by companies that don’t contribute to deforestation" 
            Open source document
          • Target date
            2020
            1.2/1.3
            Target date
            2020
            1.2/1.3
            "We aim to ensure zero deforestation from the use of palm oil in the production of M&S products by 2020."
            Open source document
          • Target is quantifiable
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            Target is quantifiable
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            "We aim to ensure zero deforestation from the use of palm oil in the production of M&S products by 2020."
        • Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
          11/11
          • Commitment details
            Yes
            4/4
            Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes
            4/4
            Type of commitment: HCS; Peat
            "All palm oil must be RSPO certified with supply chain certification to final ingredient or product manufacturer; and Purchased from First Importers of palm oil who meet the following standards: Not contribute to clearance of high carbon stock (HCS) forests, Not contribute to peatland expansion (regardless of depth), and use best management practices for existing plantations on peat"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            Yes
            1/1
            "All palm oil must be RSPO certified"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all operations
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all operations
            Yes
            1/1
            "All palm oil must be RSPO certified"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            "All palm oil must be RSPO certified"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            "All palm oil must be RSPO certified"
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current
            1.3/1.3
            Target date
            Current
            1.3/1.3
            "All palm oil must be RSPO certified"
            Open source document
          • Target is quantifiable
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            Target is quantifiable
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            "All palm oil must be RSPO certified"
            Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          7/11
          • Commitment details
            downstream company, traces to First Importer, checks compliance
            4/4
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            downstream company, traces to First Importer, checks compliance
            4/4
            "All palm oil must be [...] purchased from First Importers of palm oil" which meet Marks and Spencer standards.
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            Yes
            1/1
            "Our aim is to trace our supply chains to First Importers (the companies importing the palm oil from palm growing countries into Europe). [...] If First Importers' do not meet M&S standards they will not be authorised for use in the M&S supply chain."
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all operations
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all operations
            Yes
            1/1
            "Our aim is to trace our supply chains to First Importers (the companies importing the palm oil from palm growing countries into Europe). [...] If First Importers' do not meet M&S standards they will not be authorised for use in the M&S supply chain."
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            "Our aim is to trace our supply chains to First Importers (the companies importing the palm oil from palm growing countries into Europe). [...] If First Importers' do not meet M&S standards they will not be authorised for use in the M&S supply chain."
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            No
            0/1
            Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            No
            0/1
            Open source document
          • Target date
            No deadline
            0/1.3
            Target date
            No deadline
            0/1.3
            "Our aim is to trace our supply chains to First Importers (the companies importing the palm oil from palm growing countries into Europe). [...] If First Importers' do not meet M&S standards they will not be authorised for use in the M&S supply chain."
            Open source document
          • Target is quantifiable
            No
            0/1.3
      • Reporting and Implementation
        21/34
        • Reporting against commitments
          4/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            "In 2017, all palm oil used in M&S products met the RSPO standard with 97% being physically certified and the remainder covered by Book and Claim certificates. "
            Open source document
          • Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes
            2/2
            In 2018, 4722 tonnes (all) of the palm oil used by Marks and Spencer was RPSO certified.
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/2
        • Reporting is independently verified
          3/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            certification
            As Marks and Spencer use RSPO certified palm oil, their progress to the commitment is independently verified through this certification.
            Open source document
          • Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            certification
            In 2018, 4722 tonnes (all) of the palm oil used by Marks and Spencer was RPSO certified.
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No traceability commitment
            0/1.3
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No traceability commitment
            0/1.3
            Open source document
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Monitoring and verification of supplier compliance
          Non-specific monitoring statement
          2/4
          Monitoring and verification of supplier compliance
          Non-specific monitoring statement
          2/4
          "First Importers will have their compliance managed directly by M&S."
          Open source document
        • Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          2/4
          Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          2/4
          "Suppliers must apply these principles at all times and must also be able to demonstratethat they are doing so. We will work with suppliers to support any necessaryimprovements, but we will also take action, which may involve cancelling contracts andceasing to trade, if suppliers are not prepared to make appropriate changes."
          Open source document
        • Publishing supplier lists
          No disclosure
          0/4
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Both
          "Concerns may also be reported via an independent and external facility. This facility ismanaged by Safecall and reporting can be done online in multiple languages via Safecall’s secure web reporting facility: https://www.safecall.co.uk/report."
          Open source document
        • Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Attending & contributing to meetings; Providing support/advice/experience/expertise
          Marks and Spencer sat on the Board of Governors of the RSPO, participate informally in the Retail Palm Oil Group of the Transparency Coalition, and also co-chair the Sustainability Steering Group and the Palm Oil Working Group, of the Consumer Goods Forum Palm Oil Working Group.
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity
          Full
          4/4
          Report volumes of commodity
          Full
          4/4
          4,726.00 Tonnes
          "Total volume of all palm oil and oil palm products in the goods sold in the year4,726.00 Tonnes"
          Open source document
      • Social Considerations
        12/16
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes
          4/4
          Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes
          4/4
          "All our suppliers are required to comply with our Global Sourcing Principles and acknowledge the right of indigenous people and rural communities to give or withhold their Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) before new logging rights are allocated or plantations are developed."
          Open source document
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          Marks and Spencer list all four of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in their Global Sourcing Principles document. 
          Open source document
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          "Suppliers should have an equal opportunity employment policy that promotes gender equity in employment practices, and states maternity leave provision and support for child care where appropriate" "By 2019, we will help advance women’s human rights and combat gender discrimination by launching programmes and initiatives that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in our business and supply chains.  "
          Open source document Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
    • Soy
      47/86
      • Commitment Strength
        18/36
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          18/21
          • Commitment details
            Forest-related commitment
            8/10.7
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Forest-related commitment
            8/10.7
            Type of commitment: Zero deforestation
            Certification schemes mentioned: RTRS
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all operations
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            Commitment applies to all operations
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020"
            Open source document
          • Target date
            2020
            1.8/2
            Target date
            2020
            1.8/2
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020"
            Open source document
          • Target is quantifiable
            Yes
            2/2
            Target is quantifiable
            Yes
            2/2
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020"
            Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/15
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/5.3
          • Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            No
            0/1.5
          • Commitment applies to all operations
            No
            0/1.5
          • Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            No
            0/1.5
          • Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            No
            0/1.5
          • Target date
            No deadline
            0/2
          • Target is quantifiable
            No
            0/2
      • Reporting and Implementation
        17/34
        • Reporting against commitments
          3/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            3/3
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            3/3
            M&S reported to the RTRS that they had purchased 25,000 credits in 2018
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/3
        • Reporting is independently verified
          2/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            certification
            M&S reported to the RTRS that they had purchased 25,000 credits in 2018
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            downstream company, traces to Tier 1 supplier, no compliance check
            0/2
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Monitoring and verification of supplier compliance
          No monitoring
          0/4
        • Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          2/4
          Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          2/4
          "Suppliers must apply these principles at all times and must also be able to demonstratethat they are doing so. We will work with suppliers to support any necessaryimprovements, but we will also take action, which may involve cancelling contracts andceasing to trade, if suppliers are not prepared to make appropriate changes."
          Open source document
        • Publishing supplier lists
          No disclosure
          0/4
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Both
          "Concerns may also be reported via an independent and external facility. This facility ismanaged by Safecall and reporting can be done online in multiple languages via Safecall’s secure web reporting facility: https://www.safecall.co.uk/report."
          Open source document
        • Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Attending & contributing to meetings
          "M&S is an active member of RTRS and participates in RTRS forums and engages directly with the Board" "With help from Unilever, Tesco and Ahold-Delhaize, we reached out to major European, international and Brazilian users of soy and cattle to seek support for the Cerrado Manifesto.  The result was a statement of support for the objectives of the Cerrado Manifesto signed by a number of global brands and a commitment to work with local and international stakeholders to halt deforestation and native vegetation loss in Brazil’s Cerrado."
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity
          Full
          4/4
          Report volumes of commodity
          Full
          4/4
          27646 Metric tons of soy was certified, representing 47% of M&S's use. Their total volume was reported as 59,000 metric tons
      • Social Considerations
        12/16
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes
          4/4
          Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes
          4/4
          "All our suppliers are required to comply with our Global Sourcing Principles and acknowledge the right of indigenous people and rural communities to give or withhold their Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) before new logging rights are allocated or plantations are developed."
          Open source document
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          Marks and Spencer list all four of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in their Global Sourcing Principles document. 
          Open source document
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          "Suppliers should have an equal opportunity employment policy that promotes gender equity in employment practices, and states maternity leave provision and support for child care where appropriate" "By 2019, we will help advance women’s human rights and combat gender discrimination by launching programmes and initiatives that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in our business and supply chains.  "
          Open source document Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
    • Timber
      47/86
      • Commitment Strength
        18/36
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          18/21
          • Commitment details
            Forest-related commitment
            8/10.7
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Forest-related commitment
            8/10.7
            Type of commitment: Zero deforestation; Certification
            Certification schemes mentioned: FSC
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020" M&S's minimum standards for wood, including paper, must protect High Conservation Value forests. M&S also have a preference for FSC certification.
            Open source document Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020" M&S's minimum standards for wood, including paper, must protect High Conservation Value forests. M&S also have a preference for FSC certification.
            Open source document Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all operations
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            Commitment applies to all operations
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020" M&S's minimum standards for wood, including paper, must protect High Conservation Value forests. M&S also have a preference for FSC certification.
            Open source document Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020" M&S's minimum standards for wood, including paper, must protect High Conservation Value forests. M&S also have a preference for FSC certification.
            Open source document Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            Yes
            1.5/1.5
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020" M&S's minimum standards for wood, including paper, must protect High Conservation Value forests. M&S also have a preference for FSC certification.
            Open source document Open source document
          • Target date
            Current
            2/2
            Target date
            Current
            2/2
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020" M&S's minimum standards for wood, including paper, must protect High Conservation Value forests. M&S also have a preference for FSC certification.
            Open source document Open source document
          • Target is quantifiable
            Yes
            2/2
            Target is quantifiable
            Yes
            2/2
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020" M&S's minimum standards for wood, including paper, must protect High Conservation Value forests. M&S also have a preference for FSC certification.
            Open source document Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/15
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/5.3
          • Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            No
            0/1.5
          • Commitment applies to all operations
            No
            0/1.5
          • Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            No
            0/1.5
          • Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            No
            0/1.5
          • Target date
            No deadline
            0/2
          • Target is quantifiable
            No
            0/2
      • Reporting and Implementation
        17/34
        • Reporting against commitments
          3/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            3/3
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            3/3
            "In 2016/17, 99% of the wood-based materials we used were Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, recycled or from sources assessed as otherwise protecting forests and communities."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/3
        • Reporting is independently verified
          0/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            No
            0/2
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            No
            0/2
            certification
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No traceability commitment
            0/2
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
          Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
          2020
        • Monitoring and verification of supplier compliance
          Non-specific monitoring statement
          2/4
          Monitoring and verification of supplier compliance
          Non-specific monitoring statement
          2/4
          "Information supplied shall be assessed for compliance [...] or non-compliance against M&S Minimum Standards for Wood"
          Open source document
        • Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          2/4
          Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          2/4
          "Suppliers must apply these principles at all times and must also be able to demonstratethat they are doing so. We will work with suppliers to support any necessaryimprovements, but we will also take action, which may involve cancelling contracts andceasing to trade, if suppliers are not prepared to make appropriate changes."
          Open source document
        • Publishing supplier lists
          No disclosure
          0/4
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Both
          "Concerns may also be reported via an independent and external facility. This facility ismanaged by Safecall and reporting can be done online in multiple languages via Safecall’s secure web reporting facility: https://www.safecall.co.uk/report."
          Open source document
        • Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Attending & contributing to meetings
          Marks and Spencer participate in the FSC solutions group, and are also a lead member of the British Retail Consortium's Timber Working Group.
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity
          Full
          4/4
          Report volumes of commodity
          Full
          4/4
          M&S reported their total timber (paper and wood) consumption to CDP 2018 with 99% FSC certified
      • Social Considerations
        12/16
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes
          4/4
          Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes
          4/4
          "All our suppliers are required to comply with our Global Sourcing Principles and acknowledge the right of indigenous people and rural communities to give or withhold their Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) before new logging rights are allocated or plantations are developed."
          Open source document
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          Marks and Spencer list all four of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in their Global Sourcing Principles document. 
          Open source document
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          "Suppliers should have an equal opportunity employment policy that promotes gender equity in employment practices, and states maternity leave provision and support for child care where appropriate" "By 2019, we will help advance women’s human rights and combat gender discrimination by launching programmes and initiatives that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in our business and supply chains.  "
          Open source document Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
    • Pulp & Paper
      51/86
      • Commitment Strength
        23/36
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          13/15
          • Commitment details
            Forest-related commitment
            6/8
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Forest-related commitment
            6/8
            Type of commitment: Zero net deforestation
            Certification schemes mentioned: FSC
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020" M&S's minimum standards for wood, including paper, must protect High Conservation Value forests. M&S also have a preference for FSC certification.
            Open source document Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            Yes
            1/1
            "We want all of our palm oil, soy, cattle, wood and wood-derived materials to come from the most sustainable sources, so we’ve committed to remove commodity-driven deforestation from our supply chains by 2020" M&S's minimum standards for wood, including paper, must protect High Conservation Value forests. M&S also have a preference for FSC certification.
            Open source document Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all operations
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all operations
            Yes
            1/1
            M&S's minimum standards for wood, including paper, must protect High Conservation Value forests. M&S also have a preference for FSC certification.
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            M&S's minimum standards for wood, including paper, must protect High Conservation Value forests. M&S also have a preference for FSC certification.
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            M&S's minimum standards for wood, including paper, must protect High Conservation Value forests. M&S also have a preference for FSC certification.
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current
            1.3/1.3
            Target date
            Current
            1.3/1.3
            M&S's minimum standards for wood, including paper, must protect High Conservation Value forests. M&S also have a preference for FSC certification.
            Open source document
          • Target is quantifiable
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            Target is quantifiable
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            M&S's minimum standards for wood, including paper, must protect High Conservation Value forests. M&S also have a preference for FSC certification.
            Open source document
        • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
          11/11
          • Commitment details
            Yes
            4/4
            Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            Yes
            4/4
            Type of commitment: Recycled content
            "Wood in products and packaging must [...] contains at least 50% Reused or Recycled Content from Pre-Consumer and Post-Consumer sources which have been independently verified"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            Yes
            1/1
            "Wood in products and packaging must [...] contains at least 50% Reused or Recycled Content from Pre-Consumer and Post-Consumer sources which have been independently verified"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all operations
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all operations
            Yes
            1/1
            "Wood in products and packaging must [...] contains at least 50% Reused or Recycled Content from Pre-Consumer and Post-Consumer sources which have been independently verified"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            "Wood in products and packaging must [...] contains at least 50% Reused or Recycled Content from Pre-Consumer and Post-Consumer sources which have been independently verified"
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            Yes
            1/1
            "Wood in products and packaging must [...] contains at least 50% Reused or Recycled Content from Pre-Consumer and Post-Consumer sources which have been independently verified"
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current
            1.3/1.3
            Target date
            Current
            1.3/1.3
            "Wood in products and packaging must [...] contains at least 50% Reused or Recycled Content from Pre-Consumer and Post-Consumer sources which have been independently verified"
            Open source document
          • Target is quantifiable
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            Target is quantifiable
            Yes
            1.3/1.3
            "Wood in products and packaging must [...] contains at least 50% Reused or Recycled Content from Pre-Consumer and Post-Consumer sources which have been independently verified"
            Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/11
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/4
          • Commitment applies to all sourcing regions
            No
            0/1
          • Commitment applies to all operations
            No
            0/1
          • Commitment applies to all direct suppliers
            No
            0/1
          • Commitment applies to all indirect suppliers
            No
            0/1
          • Target date
            No deadline
            0/1.3
          • Target is quantifiable
            No
            0/1.3
      • Reporting and Implementation
        16/34
        • Reporting against commitments
          2/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            "In 2016/17, 99% of the wood-based materials [M&S] used were Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, recycled or from sources assessed as otherwise protecting forests and communities."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            No
            0/2
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/2
        • Reporting is independently verified
          0/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            No
            0/1.3
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            No
            0/1.3
            certification
          • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            No
            0/1.3
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/1.3
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
          Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
          2020
        • Monitoring and verification of supplier compliance
          Non-specific monitoring statement
          2/4
          Monitoring and verification of supplier compliance
          Non-specific monitoring statement
          2/4
          "Information supplied shall be assessed for compliance [...] or non-compliance against M&S Minimum Standards for Wood"
          Open source document
        • Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          2/4
          Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          2/4
          "Suppliers must apply these principles at all times and must also be able to demonstratethat they are doing so. We will work with suppliers to support any necessaryimprovements, but we will also take action, which may involve cancelling contracts andceasing to trade, if suppliers are not prepared to make appropriate changes."
          Open source document
        • Publishing supplier lists
          No disclosure
          0/4
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Both
          "Concerns may also be reported via an independent and external facility. This facility ismanaged by Safecall and reporting can be done online in multiple languages via Safecall’s secure web reporting facility: https://www.safecall.co.uk/report."
          Open source document
        • Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Attending & contributing to meetings
          Marks and Spencer "participate in the FSC solutions group".
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity
          Full
          4/4
          Report volumes of commodity
          Full
          4/4
          M&S reported their total timber (paper and wood) consumption to CDP 2018 with 99% FSC certified
      • Social Considerations
        12/16
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes
          4/4
          Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes
          4/4
          "All our suppliers are required to comply with our Global Sourcing Principles and acknowledge the right of indigenous people and rural communities to give or withhold their Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) before new logging rights are allocated or plantations are developed."
          Open source document
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          Marks and Spencer list all four of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in their Global Sourcing Principles document. 
          Open source document
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          "Suppliers should have an equal opportunity employment policy that promotes gender equity in employment practices, and states maternity leave provision and support for child care where appropriate" "By 2019, we will help advance women’s human rights and combat gender discrimination by launching programmes and initiatives that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in our business and supply chains.  "
          Open source document Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
  • Commitment strength
    21/36
    Avg. score
  • Reporting and Implementation
    16/34
    Avg. score
  • Social considerations
    12/16
    Avg. score

Profile

Marks & Spencer is a leading British retail company with over 1,000 stores worldwide. Through its diverse product range it is involved in the supply chains of a number of forest risk commodities. M&S Food sells products containing palm oil, soy and beef. Meanwhile the company’s apparel and luggage products use leather. M&S also sells home and garden furniture, for which timber is integral. 

Sector
Industry sector 
Accessories & luggage, Apparel & footwear, Food retail
Segments
Retailer
HQ
HQ 
United Kingdom
Company Type
Company type 
Public listed
Collective Commitments
Consumer Goods Forum member
New York Declaration on Forests signatory

Top Brands

Marks & Spencer, Autograph, Per Una, Blue Harbour, Classic Collection

How we assess the Forest 500

To ensure deforestation free supply chains, companies need to adopt and implement timebound and measurable policies for forest risk commodities.

All assessments use policies published on company websites, some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Full corporate sector performance data Forest 500 assessment methodology

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Disclaimer

This assessment has been carried out following the methodology developed for the Forest 500 project, available here. Please see our disclaimer applicable to all information contained within this site and our terms and conditions for use of data presented on this site.

All assessments use policies published on company and financial institution websites, and while we endeavor to keep them updated some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Please contact us with any concerns or feedback about this or other assessments included in the Forest 500.