M&S' Clothing Repair Service to Reduce Textile Waste
Marks & Spencer is launching its first-ever clothing repair service, partnering with repair specialists SOJO. This move comes as M&S recognises the growing demand for sustainable fashion options.
A Shared Mission for Sustainability
According to WRAP, the climate action NGO, a considerable amount of clothing ends up unworn. M&S aims to tackle this issue through its "Another Life" initiative, which includes the SOJO partnership and existing programmes like clothes donation with Oxfam.
Simple Repairs, Big Impact
Starting in August, M&S customers can easily book various repair services through a dedicated online hub. From fixing zippers to mending knitwear, these affordable repairs (starting at just £5) can extend the life of your favourite M&S garments. Repaired clothes will be shipped back to you within 7-10 days.
Plan A: Your Guide to a More Sustainable Wardrobe
The SOJO partnership joins M&S's existing sustainability efforts under the "Plan A: Another Life" umbrella. This platform offers a one-stop shop for eco-conscious customers. It includes the new repair service, beauty product recycling with Handle, and clothing donation with Oxfam. Plus, you will find helpful resources like 60-second video tutorials on garment care, created by M&S experts.
M&S Continues to Drive Circularity
M&S is committed to reducing textile waste and encouraging a circular economy. Their Plan A Accelerator Fund supports innovative projects like the recent Oxfam postal trial for clothing donation. This trial allowed customers to easily donate unwanted clothes for resale, reuse, or recycling.
M&S's Achievements in Sustainability
Here is a glimpse of M&S's progress toward a more circular fashion system:
- Increased Recycled Materials: 70% of M&S polyester comes from verified recycled sources.
- More Sustainable Cotton: 100% of M&S cotton uses responsible sourcing practices.
- Clothing Donation Success: Over 36 million clothing items have been given a second life through the M&S and Oxfam program, raising funds for charity.
- Reduced Waste: M&S's hanger reuse and recycling programme has diverted 85 million hangers from landfills.
- Beauty Product Recycling: Since launch, the M&S and Handle partnership has prevented over 1.5 tonnes of beauty waste from landfills.
- By launching the clothing repair service and promoting other sustainable practices, M&S is making it easier for customers to reduce their environmental impact through fashion choices.
Richard Price, Managing Director of Clothing & Home at M&S, commented: “At M&S, exceptional quality products are at the heart of everything we do, and we want to ensure that all our clothes are too good to waste. Through the launch of our repair service, we’re making it even easier for customers to give their clothes Another life, whether they are using our new repair service or long-standing clothes recycling scheme.”
Josephine Phillips, Founder and CEO of SOJO, commented: “It has always been a core mission of ours at SOJO to make repairing clothes mainstream and to extend the life of as many garments as possible. I’m so excited that M&S has chosen to launch a repair service with us at SOJO as it’s an incredibly big step towards that mission. As a brand that has remained a firm constant in almost every household and wardrobe in Britain, this partnership with truly bring easy, accessible and convenient repairs to the masses. Beyond that, as one of the longest standing British brands, having M&S join our Pledge to Repair adds such a great weight to our call for industry-wide change here in the UK.”
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Source: M&S
