The John Lewis Partnership has doubled down on its pledges to protect and restore nature. This includes a range of new commitments and initiatives to reduce the impact of its commercial activity on the natural world.

The Partnership believes investing in nature restoration across its supply chain is the most impactful way it can make a difference. Commenting is Marija Rompani, director of ethics and sustainability.

“We all know that we can’t exist without nature. It is essential for our survival and it will play a vital role in solving the problem of climate change. We can’t solve one without the other, the crises of nature loss and climate change are inextricably linked.

“And yet, the UK currently languishes in the bottom 10% of global countries for its abundance of nature. That’s unacceptable given the tiny window in which we have to get this right. Delaying action is simply not an option.

Plans include ending the use of fossil fuels, eradicating unnecessary waste, and enhancing nature in retail spaces

“This is why we’re going back to our roots and focusing our efforts on protecting and restoring nature. Whether it’s eliminating fossil fuel use across our transport operations, investing millions in conservation projects in regions where we source our products, or helping our farmers make the transition to net zero, we are acting where we can make the biggest impact.

“And our principles will apply to everything we sell, including our entry-level Essential Waitrose and John Lewis Anyday ranges – ensuring products made with sustainable values are accessible to all our customers.”

The Partnership’s new commitments

New commitments include investing £2m to fund ecosystem protection and regeneration projects in the UK and India through a new and exclusive partnership with WWF. Also, committing to zero deforestation in the sourcing of key commodities across its own-brand product supply chains.

Furthermore, the Partnership will ensure all key raw materials in its own-brand products will be from more sustainable or recycled sources by 2025. Elsewhere, it will develop more rental, resale and return opportunities. The ambition is to offer more sustainable ownership options for customers across key areas including fashion.