World's Most Sustainable Suit

Reprint article from Ecouterre by Jasmin Malik Chua, June 20, 2012

Marks & Spencer has unveiled what it claims is the “world’s most sustainable suit.” Part of Plan A, the British department store’s commitment to whittle its carbon footprint, the jacket-and-trouser combo features traceable Global Organic Textile (GOTS)-certified organic wool, a lining derived from recycled plastic bottles, recycled-polyester canvas interfacing, reclaimed buttons and pockets, a repurposed waistband, and recycled-polyester labels.



“This a huge step forwards for the industry,” says Mark Sumner, a sustainable raw-material expert at M&S. “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.”

The suit will launch online and in stores this September as part of M&S’s “Saville Row” range.

Another M&S first? The suit’s label will include a scannable Quick Response (QR) code, so anyone with a smartphone can learn more about the garment and its materials.
The suit will launch online and in stores this September as part of M&S’s “Savile Row” range. Five hundred have been made, each with the expected retail price of £349 ($549).
“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,” Sumner adds. “The suit is the perfect example—it is very stylish, of the highest quality, sustainably made—and all for under £350.”