M&S, a British food, clothing and homeware retailer, and Pilio, a sustainability solutions provider, have announced the launch of the Affordable Clean Environment (ACE) cotton program. The initiative is designed to accelerate access to clean energy and strengthen biodiverse farming practices across cotton-growing communities in India.
The program will support on-farm and off-farm solar technologies, helping reduce carbon emissions associated with cotton production and strengthening the long-term resilience of rural communities.
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.
“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,” says Katharine Beacham, head of materials at M&S. “The ACE cotton program 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 program—Plan A—to ensure our clothes are made in a way that supports people, protects nature, and contributes to a lower-carbon future.”
“It is great to be working with M&S, who recognize 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,” says Catherine Bottrill, CEO of Pilio. “Access to clean energy benefits strengthens the prosperity of farming communities while reducing emissions and delivering positive outcomes for biodiversity across brand supply chain.”
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