M&S has announced a new partnership with Pilio, a sustainability innovator and solutions provider, to launch the Affordable Clean Environment (ACE) cotton programme – an initiative designed to accelerate access to clean energy and strengthen biodiverse farming practices across cotton growing communities in India.

Cotton is central to M&S’s products, making up the largest share of its material portfolio and accounting for more than half of the total fibre mix. The ACE Cotton programme is an important part of Plan A – M&S’ sustainability strategy – to protect and enhance biodiversity across its entire value chain.

Building on progress already made in sourcing more responsible cotton – with 100% of the cotton in M&S clothing coming from Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) * (under Mass Balance and Physical chain of custody), recycled, or organic sources since 2019, and home textiles tracking towards the same goal by 2025/26 – this programme goes further by investing directly in clean energy and naturepositive solutions for cottongrowing communities.

Supporting renewable energy for cotton farming communities

At the heart of the ACE Cotton programme is a focus on community livelihoods – ensuring cotton farmers are central to decision-making and that the initiatives are developed in partnership with them.

The programme will also unlock financing for both on-farm and off-farm solar technologies, helping reduce carbon emissions associated with cotton production and strengthen the long-term resilience of rural communities.

Advancing nature-focused solutions and building healthier ecosystems

Working with farmers already licensed under the Better Cotton Initiative, the ACE cotton programme will extend its support beyond agricultural practices to include habitat creation, restoration of land and the introduction of nature positive approaches such as native plantings for wildlife and waterway habitat areas and nature corridors connecting fields across local landscapes.

Katharine Beacham, Head of Materials at M&S, said:

“At M&S, sourcing cotton with care is fundamental to how we do business, and today 100% of the cotton in our clothing comes from more responsible sources. The ACE cotton programme builds on that progress by investing in clean energy and nature positive practices that support farming communities and reduce the environmental impact of cotton production."

"It reflects the ambition of our sustainability programme - Plan A - to ensure our clothes are made in a way that supports people, protects nature, and contributes to a lower-carbon future.”

Catherine Bottrill, CEO of Pilio, said:

“It is great to be working with M&S, who recognise the importance of investing in a holistic solution that improves the lives of cotton growers alongside addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss."

"Access to clean energy benefits strengthens the prosperity of farming communities while reducing emissions and delivering positive outcomes for biodiversity across brand supply chain.”