Marks & Spencer (M&S) has unveiled RE:Spark, a new supply chain decarbonisation initiative developed with Schneider Electric, aimed at speeding up the switch to renewable electricity across the retailer’s global fashion supply chain. The programme forms a core pillar of M&S’s Plan A sustainability strategy, which targets net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2040.
RE:Spark is designed to extend M&S’s climate action beyond its own operations by supporting suppliers to cut emissions and adopt clean energy. The initiative will introduce a centralised digital hub where suppliers can upload emissions data, monitor decarbonisation progress, and access guidance on carbon-reduction strategies. It will also provide regional market briefings, webinars and advisory services to help suppliers evaluate and implement renewable energy options. In addition, the programme will facilitate collective procurement of power purchase agreements to make clean electricity more accessible.
Katharine Beacham, Head of Sustainability and Materials in Fashion, Home & Beauty at M&S, said the programme underscores the retailer’s collaborative approach: “We know that real change happens when we collaborate. 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.”
Steve Wilhite, Executive Vice President of Schneider Electric’s Advisory Services, added: “RE:Spark is a powerful example of how collaboration can drive scalable, impactful change across global supply chains.”
The initiative will initially target high-impact regions within M&S’s fashion supply chain, with plans for a wider rollout over the next three years. It builds on the company’s ongoing efforts to improve environmental performance, including the scaling of the Higg Facility Environmental Module across key manufacturing sites and participation in the Apparel Impact Institute’s Carbon Leadership Programme.
RE:Spark also complements M&S’s broader circularity agenda under its Another Life platform, which spans resale, repair, recycling and take-back schemes, including partnerships with eBay and Reskinned.
