Innovation of the Week: M&S reduces methane from cows as it accelerates towards net zero

What is it?

M&S is speeding up progress towards net zero under its Plan A programme with a first-to-market initiative to change the diet of the pasture-grazed cows in its milk pool, cutting the carbon footprint by 8.4% through lower methane production. This innovation represents a £1m investment by M&S as it works with 40 farmers.

A new £1m accelerator fund has also been set up to speed Plan A progress. This aims to focus on innovation in challenging emissions areas including agriculture, livestock and textiles. 

One of the first projects supported by the fund is a trial asking customers to donate their unwearable clothes to Oxfam for fibre-to-fibre recycling. Elsewhere in the business, a new trial will use AI data to predict a store’s optimal heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls to reduce energy consumption. 

Why does it matter?

M&S is focused on becoming a net zero business in line with its 2040 targets. Plan A remains at the heart of its strategy and this requires working with suppliers on new and innovative ways to tackle Scope 3 emissions, which account for 97% of its carbon footprint. 

Strategic implications

Technology and innovation will become essential to businesses as they strive to meet agreed targets on sustainability. Partnerships with suppliers will be critical to accelerate progress.

Winning strategies

• Harness technology to innovate
• Sustainability at the heart of decision making