The Co-operative will launch a new advertising campaign next month as it looks to spread the word about its "radical" new ethical business plan.

The three-year plan sets out a joined up set of goals and targets for all the brands under the Co-operative banner.

There are 47 commitments covering environment, ethical finance, global poverty, animal welfare, social fairness health and community enterprise.

They include creating 200 Co-operative Schools by 2013, sourcing 90% of commodities through Fairtrade and reducing the company's carbon emissions by 35% by 2017.

The Co-op says the ad campaign "will showcase the sheer breadth and impact of its community and co-operative initiatives" and "will urge customers to the join The Co-operative revolution".

It hopes the advertising will help it meet its goal of growing membership to 20 million by 2020.

Group Chief Executive Peter Marks said: “At a time when UK society is picking up the pieces from a recession exacerbated by corporate greed and speculation, we are seeking to show that there is another way. The plc model is not the only game in town. It is possible for business to embrace the efficiencies of the market economy and also the need for robust legislation to ensure that progress is sustainable and just."