US' Gildan meets most 2022 GHG emissions reduction targets

Gildan recently published its first stand-alone Climate Change Disclosure Report structured in accordance with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. The report highlights how Gildan assesses, prepares, and integrates climate-related matters into its business processes and represents a significant step towards fully aligning with the TCFD framework by 2025, as part of Gildan’s commitments under its Next Generation ESG strategy, the company said in a press release.

“Gildan has been monitoring and addressing climate-related risks and opportunities for over 15 years and the TCFD framework allows us to better understand our physical and transitional risks, as well as opportunities to enhance our resiliency over the long-run,” said Peter Iliopoulos, senior vice-president, taxation, sustainability, and governmental affairs at Gildan.

Gildan’s 2022 Climate Change Disclosure Report is part of the company’s 2022 reporting suite, which includes the 2021 Annual Report and 2021 ESG Report that were published earlier this year.

Gildan’s climate, energy, water, and circularity goals also included to reduce water intensity by 20 per cent by 2030, compared to a 2018 baseline. The company also aimed to source 100 per cent sustainable cotton by 2025 and 30 per cent recycled polyester or alternative fibre yarns by 2027. The apparel manufacturer also wanted to develop 75 per cent recycled and sustainable packaging and trims by 2027 and have zero manufacturing waste by 2027.

The company’s expected 2022 water intensity reduction will be achieved through standardisation of soaping processes; furthering efficiencies related to soaping agents and bath recovery and reuse; and optimising controls related to water overflows across all applicable facilities. The percentage of third-party verified cotton sourced was also increased through BCI and USCTP (US Cotton Trust Protocol). The waste mapping for each of Gildan’s manufacturing areas has been completed and mapping results are being used to develop roadmaps towards zero manufacturing waste.

Gildan’s team has focused on developing a recycled yarn supply chain; and in 2022 its target has been focused on advancing recycled polyester. The company has also made progress developing a sustainable packaging and trims supply chain that includes suppliers of carton, polyester, paper, and cotton-poly trims specific to apparel SKUs.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)