John Lewis Partnership: Advancing Sustainable Sourcing

The John Lewis Partnership, encompassing both John Lewis & Partners department stores and Waitrose supermarkets, employs around 74,000 people throughout the United Kingdom. The retailer operates more than 300 locations nationwide, offering quality homewares, clothing and food to its customer base.

The organisation has released its Ethics and Sustainability Report 2025/26, outlining its approach to environmental stewardship and ethical practices within its supply chain operations.

The partnership's strategy addresses multiple areas including communities and health, the environment and supply chains and sourcing.

The latest report highlights the sustainability milestones reached in 2025, showcasing the progress made towards its long-term objectives.

Jason Tarry, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, says: "This year, the operational context outside of our shops, stores, offices and depots has been particularly challenging for the sustainability agenda. Inside our doors the story is different, as we remain fully committed to long-term, responsible change. We're as motivated to care for our communities, protect nature and mitigate climate change as ever.

"That's because we understand acting responsibly is not in opposition with commercial success. Indeed, ethical business drives stronger performance: it's clear that customers are increasingly choosing brands that they trust to act ethically and sustainably.

"Our customers expect us to lead, not only on ethics and sustainability, but also on value for money. Achieving this balance can sometimes be a juggling act, particularly during times of uncertainty, but we believe that through consistent actions and clear communication, we can both align with our customers' needs and make the case for our responsible business model."

Responsible sourcing initiatives

The partnership has established targets for farming all own-brand milk, meat, eggs and farmed fish according to defined higher-welfare standards. Within its fish and shellfish supply chain, the company plans to ensure all own-brand products come from third-party verified responsible sources.

Another goal involves achieving zero deforestation and conversion-free sourcing of key commodities across own-brand product supply chains. The organisation's efforts have touched the lives of 206,337 workers and farmers globally, improving their livelihoods through supply chain interventions.

From 2022 to 2025, the Waitrose Foundation allocated £1m (US$1.3m) in funding to climate resilience projects, reaching a significant milestone in supporting agricultural communities.

Climate commitments and progress

John Lewis Partnership has set ambitious targets to reach net zero across its operations by 2035, extending to its wider value chain by 2050. According to the report, the company achieved a 40% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions measured against its 2020/21 baseline in 2025.

The transport operations have seen particularly strong results, with a 54% emissions reduction recorded since 2018. Across its estate, the partnership has implemented infrastructure improvements including updated refrigeration units and heat pump installations to drive down emissions further.

The retailer is incorporating circularity principles into how it designs, makes and sells products, while addressing packaging and food waste throughout its supply chain. Through the King's Coronation Food Project, John Lewis Partnership redistributes surplus food to FareShare, with approximately 300 tonnes of surplus fresh fruit donated in 2025.

Marija Rompani, Director of Ethics and Sustainability at the John Lewis Partnership, says: "This year, in the face of significant headwinds across the retail industry, the strength and dedication of our Partners have truly shone through.

"I am extremely proud that, despite a challenging global environment, our commitment to the sustainability agenda has remained steadfast, giving us great confidence that we can continue to be a driving force for positive change.

"Much of that confidence stems from the resilience of our Partners, who continue to demonstrate their commitment to our Purpose. We have all experienced global challenges, the impact of climate change on people and nature, geopolitics; but we are determined to continue the momentum towards protecting nature, transitioning to net zero and protecting livelihoods."

Supporting healthier communities

To address food poverty, Waitrose distributed surplus food to more than 4,000 charities within FareShare's network, providing 6.5 million meals to people experiencing food insecurity. Additionally, customers contributed 1.7 million meals to local food banks through collection points located in Waitrose shops.

The partnership aims to support customers in leading healthier lives by encouraging positive dietary changes. The company exceeded expectations by hitting its healthy food and drink sales target one year ahead of schedule, with 70.1% of Waitrose own-brand food and drink sales volumes meeting Good Health criteria.

These healthier options are promoted through meal deals, special promotions and recipe ideas featured in advertisements and online platforms. In 2025, the retailer removed 79 additives from Waitrose own-label food and drink products while maintaining quality, taste and safety standards.