2022/23 Ethics & Sustainability Report
Our strategy works in service of our purpose of working in partnership for a happier world. Our annual Ethics and Sustainability Report gathers the key highlights, challenges and future plans to make the John Lewis Partnership a happier business in that happier world.
Reflections From Our Chairman
I’m delighted to have this chance to highlight some of the important work in our 2023 Ethics and Sustainability Report, which explains how we’re working towards fulfilling our purpose to make the world a ‘happier place’.
Our purpose is rooted in our heritage as a co-owned business. Being a Partnership sets us apart from conventional businesses; therefore we have unwavering commitment to our employee owned model.
Undoubtedly, this has been a difficult year. Just as it seemed there was light at the end of the tunnel after Covid lockdowns, the conflict in Ukraine brought not only devastation to so many lives in that country, but uncertainty, worry and instability further afield. Natural disasters in Pakistan, Turkey and Syria have added enormously to the toll of suffering. We have done what we can to help with the resources we have.
I want to thank everyone who has had a hand in producing this report, which is testament to the hard work and passion of our Partners right across our business.
Our Strategy
In service of our Partnership Purpose, ‘Working in Partnership for a happier world’, we’re aiming to create a kinder, fairer future for Partners, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we operate, building strong and trusted relationships with them whilst ensuring we listen to and understand their concerns.
We believe that business has a responsibility to drive much of the change required to keep the 1.5°C climate goal alive. This belief is manifested through our business-wide commitment to an ambitious sustainability strategy, and Our Plan for Nature which we launched in October 2022. Our founder, Spedan Lewis, was a passionate environmentalist and naturalist and this work is a fitting legacy for him and his vision.
Our 2022/23 Key Performance Indicators at a Glance
All cotton used in own-brand products to be from sustainable or recycled sources by 2025
|
100% palm oil and palm kernel oil-based ingredients and derivatives used in all own-brand products to be RSPO-segregated certified by 2025
|
All timber used in own-brand products will be from more sustainable or recycled sources by 2025 Performance:
|
All our own-brand fish and shellfish to come from third-party verified responsible sources by December 2025
Performance:
|
All own-brand product packaging across our two brands to be widely recyclable, reusable or home compostable by 2023 Performance: Waitrose:
John Lewis:
|
85% of all operational waste across our Partnership to be recyclable by 2028 Performance:
|
All electricity procured to be renewable certified Performance:
|
Waitrose to reduce operational food waste by 50% against a 2018 baseline (6,969 tonnes) Performance:
|
Net zero carbon across our entire operations (Scope 1 & 2) Performance:
|
Key:
Green with tick = Target met
Green = On track to meet target
Amber = Not currently on track to meet target, some improvement needed
Red = Not currently on track to meet target, significant improvement needed