M&S goes beyond green with eco-bra

Just going 'green' isn't enough for Marks&Spencer. As part of its eco and ethical Plan A of 2007, the department store introduced the world's first carbon neutral bra. The new Autograph Leaves lingerie collection is certified by the Carbon Trust

Footprinting Certification Company, which calculated the range independently.

The collection was manufactured at the M&S eco-factory in Thurulie, Sri Lanka. Using renewable energy features, and reduced waste initiatives such as low energy light bulbs have helped minimize the carbon intensity of the energy used by an estimated 33% in comparison to normal factory production. The production factory runs on solar energy and hydroelectricity from the river close by.

The carbon dioxide produced whilst making the collection, is offset through a carbon credit project run by Conservation Carbon Company. Together with nine local farmers, M&S is planting over 6000 trees in the land between the Kanneliya and Polgahakanda forest reserves. Sri Lanka’s forests are home to approximately 90% of the country’s endemic species but are disappearing at a rate of 1.6% per year.

To challenge this, 75% of the trees planted are native species, creating more natural habitats and enabling wildlife to move more easily between the two forests. The other 25%, will be mango and lime trees that offer additional nutritional and financial security to the farmers and their families.

The Autograph Leaves lingerie collection includes four bra styles, three knickers, and a set of suspenders. The calculation takes each item’s life cycle into account, meaning from component manufacture to transportation and the energy customers use washing and drying their underwear. For example, the carbon footprint of a typical Autograph Leaves bra is around 2kg CO2e. The footprint varies depending on the style and size, as some garments are more complex to produce.

The Autograph Leaves collection is available online from the 13th April and in stores from this weekend. Bras range from £20 and the knickers are available for £9.50.

Image: Marks&Spencer