This ad will be closed automatically in X seconds.

SILC 2020: “Plan A is not a bolt on; it’s seen as an intrinsic way of how we operate”

Jessica Palalagi, head of resource management at M&S, talks delegates through the retailer’s ongoing sustainability journey.

Jessica Palalagi, head of resource management at Marks & Spencer, gave delegates present on day two of the Sustainability in Licensing Conference (November 25) an insight into how the retailer has tweaked its Plan A sustainability goals, aligning it with its changing overall business strategy.

The original Plan A was set out in 2007, Jessica explained, with ‘five years, five commitments, 100 things to change’.

By 2008, 17 of the Plan A commitments set out had been achieved, rising to 39 by 2009. In 2010, Plan A was extended to 180 commitments and 62 were achieved, and in 2011, 95 of the Plan A commitments had been achieved.

With the lessons learnt – including, “first and foremost” said Jessica, accountability and having true ownership over the commitments, embedding Plan A into the business – 2017 saw the unveiling of Plan A 2025, ten years on from the original launch.

Plan A 2025 consists of three pillars, explained Jessica – nourishing our wellbeing, “our goal is to help 10 million people live happier, healthier lives”; transforming lives and communities; and caring for the planet we all share, “our goal is to become a zero waste business”.

“Plan A is not a bolt on; it’s an intrinsic way of how we operate,” commented Jessica. “This year has seen something of a ‘reboot’ for Plan A, aligning it with a new business strategy; like most businesses, there’s been somewhat of a reset.

“It’s an evolving framework – about people (everyone can belong, and get on), product (we source with care and nothing we make will go to waste) and planet (our actions today, protect the planet for tomorrow). These are also aligned to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals, which is really important.”

Jessica explained that there is a need to regularly review the initiative and respond in a relevant way, bringing together elements where people are impacted socially and how M&S can build a framework for this.

There are also four key elements that will impact how M&S does business going forward, Jessica concluded: climate urgency, charity (which speaks to local engagement), circular economy and ‘clicks, not bricks’, working out how to use space better and get the right offering around the online piece.

Want to read more news like this? Simply sign up to our daily digest by clicking here. You can also follow @LicensingSource on Twitter and @licensing_source on Instagram.

MORE NEWS
B&LLAs24finalists500x500
 
The finalists in the Product, Property, Retail and Rising Star categories for the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2024 have officially been revealed....
MiffyGaleries500x500
 
Two shop-in-shop activations have opened their doors in Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann for the classic brand....
TombRaider500x500
 
Video games developer, Crystal Dynamics, has signed the video game and geek culture specialist agency to represent Tomb Raider products for merchandise licensing....
HarlemGlobetrotters500x500
 
The Harlem Globetrotters - famous for fusing sport and entertainment - have signed with IMG to further develop the brand in anticipation of its 100th anniversary milestone in 2026....
RitaOra500x500
 
Primark is continuing its ongoing fashion collaboration with Rita Ora with a new spring collection combining a fresh floral colour palette with new designs....
F1Topps500x500
 
Formula 1 has confirmed a multi-year renewal of its partnership with Topps, which will see the Fanatics-owned company continue as the official licensee of Formula 1 trading card and sticker collections....
Get the latest news sent to your inbox
Subscribe to our daily newsletter

The list doesn't exist! Make sure you have imported the list on the 'Manage List Forms' page.