US' VF Corporation named one of the 100 best corporate citizens, 2022

In 2019, VF set greenhouse gas reduction targets, approved by the science-based targets initiative, to guide progress on its commitment to the planet. Core to this work are investments in renewable energy, responsibly sourced materials, and many environmental and socially responsible initiatives across its global supply chain. By 2030, VF aims to improve the lives of two million workers and their communities through its worker and community development programme. The company details its continued progress toward the betterment of people in its 2020 human rights report and 2021 inclusion, diversity, equity & action annual profile, the company said in a press release.

Underpinning VF’s sustainability and responsibility work is its industry-leading traceability programme, giving external stakeholders visibility into its complex global supply chain. This work also helps consumers learn more about the products they purchase and helps VF and its brands align business decisions with its purpose. In December 2021, VF achieved its goal of publishing traceability maps for 100 of its brands’ most iconic products. By 2027, VF is working to trace five of the company’s key materials through 100 per cent of its supply chain.

The 100 best corporate citizens ranking is based on 155 ESG factors in eight pillars: climate change, employee relations, environment, finance, governance, human rights, stakeholders and society, and ESG performance. Using a methodology developed by 3BL Media, all Russell 1000 Index companies are researched by ISS ESG, the responsible investment research arm of Institutional Shareholder Services. To compile the ranking, corporate data and information is obtained from publicly available sources only, rather than questionnaires or company submissions.

“We are honoured to be ranked first in our industry category and the 14th highest company overall. This is our third year on the list and we are particularly proud that we have meaningfully improved our scores over last year. This is a testament to the passion and hard work VF and our brands contribute every day to integrating environmental and social sustainability into our business and setting a high bar for corporate responsibility,” Sean Cady, VF’s VP of global sustainability, responsibility, and trade, said in a statement.

“Achieving the transformational targets in the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals in this decisive decade will require companies to truly embed ESG into the core of their business. The 100 best corporate citizens of 2022 are answering the call by demonstrating the societal and bottom-line value of leadership and transparency around ESG topics. They are setting ambitious goals, outlining robust strategies for achieving them, disclosing data to measure progress, and accounting for all stakeholders in business decisions,” Dave Armon, CEO of 3BL Media, said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)