Spurred on campaigners including veteran naturalist and broadcaster David Attenborough and Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg, British retailers including Marks & Spencer have responded by cutting waste and their use of plastic.

Marks & Spencer has pledged to achieve zero carbon emissions across its own operations, its entire supply chain and products by 2040, ten years ahead of a government target for Britain. The brand launched a sustainability program in 2007 and in 2012 became the first major carbon neutral retailer for its direct emissions.

It aims to cut its total carbon footprint by a third by 2025 and has committed to zero deforestation in sourcing palm oil and soy by 2025, using more sustainable fibres by 2025 and supporting suppliers to advance lower carbon farming methods. To get customers on board, the retailer will now reward the 12.5 million members of its "Sparks" loyalty scheme with treats if they donate unwanted clothes to British-based charity Oxfam.

Last month, M&S upgraded its profit outlook after a jump in demand for food in its home market and an online clothes sales surge indicated a turnaround plan was working.