Since its previous update, New Look said it has submitted Science Based Targets (SBTs), “which are awaiting approval and are expected to be confirmed in November”. These include a near-term target of reducing carbon emissions by 46% by 2031 across scopes 1 & 2 and 3, aligned to the 1.5C pathway, and a long-term target to become Net Zero by 2040 also for scopes 1 & 2 and 3.

It noted the submission of SBTs is ahead of the timeline initially set out by it – “showing the business’s dedication to delivering its ESG targets and supporting its aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from products by 50% by 2030”.At its Supplier Conference help in London earlier this month, New Look also requested that suppliers calculate their own carbon emissions and told them it has signed up to the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) roadmap and will be rolling this out throughout its supply chain. Last month, it agreed a partnership with supply chain transparency and compliance firm TrusTrace. The partnership will allow it “to gain greater visibility across its supply chain through to Tier 4 suppliers, to help it identify and mitigate responsible sourcing and business continuity risks”. It said it’s the first major UK retailer to join forces with TrusTrace, as it continues to improve its transparency.