Marks and Spencer develops eco-factories

Marks & Spencer has said ‘there’s no plan B’, and with the development of its first three ‘eco-factories’ it looks like plan A is on course.

The factories aim to be carbon neutral, use renewable energy and send no waste to landfill.

Two existing factories in North Wales, which produce furniture upholstery, are part of the trial - and a new factory in Sri Lanka will be making lingerie.

The no-frills features include a ‘green roof’ made from vegetation, the ability to harvest rainwater, compressed rice straw boards for partitioned walls and the use of sun to light production areas.

Sustainable materials will be used in the production processes, such as recycled polyester fibre fillings, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved timber and Fairtrade and organic cotton.

M&S has revealed it’s sold £1.9 million Fairtrade cotton products since it extended its range to 70 products during Fairtrade Fortnight in early 2007 making it the biggest retailer of Fairtrade cotton products on the high street.

With facts like that it's no longer black and white as to whether big chains are ethical baddies.