Two apparel suppliers, HanesBrands (asi/59528) and Top 40 supplier Gildan (asi/56842) are getting recognition for their sustainability disclosures via CDP, a nonprofit that runs a global environmental disclosure system.

For the second year in a row, Winston-Salem, NC-headquartered HanesBrands received an A- score across two key areas of environmental impact: climate change and water security. Montreal-headquartered Gildan received an A- for its climate change disclosure, placing it in CDP’s “Leadership Band” for the fourth year in a row.

CDP’s annual environmental disclosure and scoring process is recognized by many as the gold standard of corporate environmental transparency. This year, 21,000 companies disclosed their sustainability efforts, marking a 24% increase compared the number of companies that disclosed in 2023.

“We take great pride in being acknowledged as a frontrunner among industry peers for our transparency and commitment to sustainability, both of which are reflected in our outstanding CDP ratings,” said Steve Bratspies, CEO of HanesBrands.

Vince Tyra, president and CEO of Gildan, also expressed pride for his company’s CDP recognition: “I am impressed by the breadth and depth of the company’s ESG efforts and proud that Gildan continues to be recognized by these important organizations for our ongoing efforts to make apparel with respect.”

HanesBrands attributes its CDP score to a commitment to high sustainability standards. The company has set carbon emissions reduction targets through the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% and Scope 3 emissions by 30% by 2030. Plus, the supplier is committed to reducing water use by 25% in its own operations by 2030.

Scope 1 are direct emissions that come from sources controlled by an organization, and Scope 2 are associated with the purchase of electricity, heating and cooling. Scope 3, typically the largest and hardest category to measure and reduce, are indirect emissions the occur up and down a company’s value chain.

In addition, HanesBrands said it’s been named one of the 100 most sustainable companies in the nation multiple times by Barron’s, and is the only apparel company to earn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award. Also, Ethisphere named HanesBrands one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies.

Gildan said it was a top performer in the CDP ranking for its Scope 1 and 2 GHG emission performance, risk management processes, risk and opportunity disclosures, and emission reduction initiatives. Gildan has also set SBTi goals for 2030: to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 30% and Scope 3 by 13.5%.

Gildan noted that in addition to its CDP grade, it was included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024 for the 12^th consecutive year, based on S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) in 2023. The company was one of six in the textile and apparel sector included this year, and the only North American company recognized in this industry sector. To be listed in the yearbook, an organization must score within the top 15% of its industry and achieve a CSA score within 30% of its industry’s top performers. As of the end of 2023, only 8% of companies made the 2024 yearbook, out of 9,400 considered.

Search for CDP disclosure reports and scores for HanesBrands, Gildan and other firms here.

Promo for the Planet is your destination for the latest news, biggest trends and best ideas to help build a more sustainable and socially-responsible industry.