Marks and Spencer Launches RE:Spark Programme to Decarbonise Fashion Supply Chain

UK retailer Marks and Spencer has launched RE:Spark, a supply chain decarbonisation programme developed with Schneider Electric, focused on accelerating renewable energy adoption among its fashion suppliers. The programme forms part of M&S's Plan A sustainability strategy, which targets net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and an interim 42% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030 on a 2023 basis.

RE:Spark will establish a centralised digital hub where suppliers can submit emissions data, track decarbonisation progress and access information on carbon reduction actions. The programme will also host regional market briefs and webinars, provide advisory services on clean energy solutions, and enable suppliers to aggregate demand for power purchase agreements. M&S said RE:Spark will initially focus on high-impact regions within its fashion supply chain, with expansion planned over the next three years. Scope 3 value chain emissions account for 95% of M&S's total carbon footprint.

The programme addresses a core challenge in fashion supply chain decarbonisation: individual suppliers, particularly in South Asia and Southeast Asia where much of M&S's fashion production is located, often lack the scale, technical expertise and access to capital needed to independently assess and implement renewable energy solutions. By aggregating demand for power purchase agreements across its supplier base, M&S creates the scale needed to access more competitive renewable energy pricing and simplify contracting for individual suppliers.

For Indian textile and garment manufacturers supplying European retailers, initiatives such as RE:Spark signal a structural shift in how buyer companies are managing their Scope 3 emissions reduction obligations. As CSRD and CSDDD requirements—even under the revised Omnibus framework—continue to drive European companies to reduce supply chain emissions, Indian suppliers face growing pressure to provide credible emissions data and demonstrate renewable energy transition progress. Programmes that bundle advisory services, data infrastructure and PPA aggregation offer a practical pathway for suppliers to begin this transition.

Key figure — Scope 3 emissions account for 95% of M&S's total carbon footprint