The John Lewis Partnership has become the first retailer to sign-up to HRH The Prince of Wales’ Terra Carta. The Terra Carta forms part of HRH’s Sustainable Markets Initiative and puts nature, people and planet at the heart of global business.

Launched by HRH on 11 January 2021, the Terra Carta lists 10 action articles for the decade. It aims to provide an integrated roadmap towards an inspiring, inclusive, equitable, prosperous and sustainable future for the sake of present and future generations. It will harness the power of nature, combined with the transformative power, innovation and resources of the private sector.

The John Lewis Partnership has pledged to support the Terra Carta, its principles and action articles, as they complement existing sustainability commitments.

This includes becoming net zero carbon across its entire operations by 2035. Supporting this will be the removal of fossil fuels across its entire transport fleet by 2030. All of its heavy goods vehicles will also be converted to biomethane gas, which is made of food waste, by 2028. Plus, all own-brand product packaging across Waitrose and John Lewis will be widely recyclable, reusable, or home compostable by 2023.

John Lewis will also lead the ‘made to last’ movement. This will ensure products can be loved for longer, with all product categories having a ‘buy back’ or ‘take back’ solution by 2025. Furthermore, all key raw materials in own-brand products will be from sustainable or recycled sources by 2025. Plus, the retailer will continue to develop sustainable rental and resale options for customers.

HRH The Prince of Wales, says; “The more companies that sign up to the Terra Carta, the greater its capability will be to drive the change we so desperately need. I can only encourage more people to join this urgent call to arms.”

Also commenting is Sharon White, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership.

“HRH The Prince of Wales has made an outstanding contribution to global environmental preservation and protection for over 40 years. We are proud to support his latest initiative and become a Terra Carta supporter.

“The Terra Carta reinforces the Partnership’s commitment to sustainability. We’re pleased to be the first retailer to support. It will help galvanise our work to put the environment at the heart of what we do. We know we still have a long way to go but each day we are making progress.”

Further information on the John Lewis Partnership’s sustainability progress is available in its 2020 report and also here.