M&S say "no" to Uzbek cotton

January 2008, London

Hot on the heels of Tesco and it’s pioneering decision to ban cotton from Uzbekistan, comes news that Marks and Spencer - a UK retail giant - has followed suit.

Having demonstrated a massive commitment to organic and fairtrade cotton in their clothing ranges, Marks and Spencer have shown that there can be changes in the supply chain for their ‘conventional’ cotton too.

In a recent statement to EJF, Marks and Spencer said, “We have banned the use of Uzbek cotton in all our clothing. This will be our position until such time that there is clear evidence of a change in the Uzbek cotton industry. This is due to child labour concerns.”

EJF applauds this decision and hopes that consumers will vote with their feet, and let both companies know of their support. We await the next big names to make this commitment and cease trading in cotton picked by Uzbekistan’s overworked and underpaid army of children.
 
Since the start of 2008 Tesco, M+S, Debenhams and Matalan have announced a ban on cotton sourced from Uzbekistan.

It is another success for EJF's Cotton Campaign which works to bring an end to the human rights and environmental abuses associated with global cotton production.

To learn more about the issues visit http://www.ejfoundation.org/page142.html