Sustainable products

As their product offering differs, Waitrose and John Lewis have divisional priorities for increasing the sustainability of their products. However on shared priorities, Partners will work together to deliver a strong, consistent approach. For example, Waitrose is minimising or eliminating palm oil from products, and increasing the use of certified sustainable palm oil. Waitrose has also joined the Roundtable on Responsible Soy (RTRS) to prevent deforestation and soil degradation, ensure fair working conditions and minimise water and pesticide use. The RTRS encompasses genetically modified (GM), non-GM and organic producers. Waitrose is very aware of the global trend towards growing GM soya and we are currently researching the options for our animal feed in the longer term. Our commitment to not selling GM food remains unaffected. Waitrose is also committed to local and regional sourcing.

John Lewis has set itself the ambitious goal to have all its own-brand paper-based products to be made from recycled material, Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) sources by 2012. John Lewis also has a leading position on energy-efficient electrical and electronic appliances. All our own-brand and branded domestic large electrical appliances, excluding tumble dryers, are A-rated or above. Alongside seven other retailers, John Lewis has recently joined a Voluntary Retailer Initiative to promote best-in-class televisions, removing the least energy-efficient TVs from sale a year ahead of EU requirements.

For more information, see our latest CSR report.  

Sustainable agricultural standards

As farmers ourselves, we understand the importance and the challenges of maintaining high standards in agricultural production and environmental management. We work with our farmers, growers and other suppliers to achieve the best standards of quality, safety, and environmental and animal welfare across our supply chain, supported by our own inspections and assurance schemes. We embed our sustainable agricultural practices within our product protocols and sourcing policies, and we engage with our producers through a wide range of grower and producer groups.

• Waitrose is the only UK retailer to have all its British fruit, vegetable and major flower growers meeting the Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) Marque certification standard, and we have worked to extend the standard globally. Visit the LEAF website (www.leafuk.org).
• Waitrose has been selling organic products for over 20 years, and its purchase of the Duchy master licence will see more lines added to its already broad range, which commands an impressive 20 per cent share of the organic market.
• All fresh beef, lamb, pork, chicken and turkey used in John Lewis restaurants is Red Tractor certified and fresh produce is sourced from UK-based Red Tractor or LEAF-accredited growers wherever possible.
• Guided by our responsible fishing policy, Waitrose works alongside the Marine Stewardship Council (www.msc.org), the Marine Conservation Society (www.mcsuk.org) and many other organisations to develop the sustainability of fish around the world. This helps to ensure all our fish comes from sustainable sources and is caught using responsible methods, or is farmed from responsible farming systems.
• We take animal welfare throughout our supply chain extremely seriously. Many of our standards exceed legal requirements and have been recognised by the RSPCA (www.rspca.org.uk) and Compassion in World Farming (www.ciwf.org.uk). We only use free-range eggs in own-brand Waitrose products, carefully select our processing partners to minimise 'time to slaughter' journeys and use UK livestock with very few exceptions, such as New Zealand lamb in season.

Find out more about Our views on farming standards.