Marks & Spencer: Most sustainable suit

Marks & Spencer is to sell what it is calling the 'world's most sustainable suit'. The retailer said the suit had taken several years to develop and is made from the most sustainable materials possible. Its organic wool is fully traceable back to

the farms from where it is produced and all of the chemicals used in the production of the wool fibre are Global Organic Textile Standard. Other materials used to make up the body of the suit include polyester, plastic bottles and reclaimed fabrics. All of the labels inside the suit, even the ‘Care Instructions’, have been made from recycled polyester.

Mark Sumner, M&S Plan A Sustainable Raw Material expert, said: "This a huge step forwards for the industry; it is the first time such an intricate garment has been made of sustainable materials, and as well as being one of the greenest garments available on the high street, it is incredibly stylish and something we hope our customers will be proud to wear."

As part of its Plan A commitment to be the world’s most sustainable retailer, M&S is committed to ensure that all of its products will have a Plan A attribute by 2020. Sumner continued: "“We set ourselves a big challenge with a suit as it contains so many different elements that we had to consider, but as part of our Plan A objectives we are determined to ensure all of the products we sell not only look great but are sustainably sourced; the suit is the perfect example – it is very stylish, of the highest quality, sustainably made – and all for under £350."

M&S has also added a ‘QR’ code to the suit label which can be scanned using a mobile phone so customers can download information on the suit and the materials it is made from.

The suit is just the first in a new range of sustainable clothing that M&S will be launching during 2012, which the retailer said will be made in the most sustainable way possible.

500 suits have been made and will launch online and in stores in September as part of the M&S ‘Saville Row’ suit range, priced at £349.