Gildan is aiming to get greener.

The Top 40 promotional products supplier, also a leading global manufacturer of apparel basics, says it plans to reduce the amount of water it withdraws from nature by 20% come 2030 and to cut its scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions by 30% by the same year.

Those are just a few of the key objectives that Gildan detailed in its Next Generation Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) plan, which the Montreal-headquartered firm released on Monday, Jan. 17. The plan is another sign that initiatives focused on sustainability and corporate social responsibility are increasing in the promo products space.

Beyond addressing areas like climate, energy and water, the plan also details objectives on transparency and disclosure, long-term value creation, employees and circularity. The overall goal is to advance environmental and social priorities that improve the lives of people who make Gildan garments, as well as to better protect the environment, empower communities in which the firm operates, and increase sustainability, executives said.

“ESG has always been integrated into our business strategy and reflected in our market offering,” said Gildan CEO/President Glenn Chamandy. “This next generation strategy will push us to deliver even stronger ESG performance and continue to reinforce Gildan as a leading ethical, sustainable and efficient company.”

As part of the plan, Gildan intends to source 100% sustainable cotton by 2025 and 30% recycled polyester or alternative fibers and/or yarns by 2027. Relatedly, the company also aims to achieve zero manufacturing waste by 2027 and to use 75% recycled or sustainable packaging and trim materials by 2027.

Meanwhile, by 2028, Gildan plans to attain ISO 45001 certification at all its company-owned and -operated facilities in order to show demonstrable improvement in employee safety and a reduction in workplace risks. “Gildan commits to continue ensuring human rights are respected in its supply chain,” the firm said.

When it comes to diversity, Gildan plans to improve gender parity for roles at director level positions and above by 2027. “Gildan has already attained gender parity globally in manager level and less senior positions,” the company noted.

Among other initiatives, Gildan will incrementally increase money it puts toward what the company described as “purposeful and value-driven projects” in regions where it operates. The goal is to reach a contribution of 1% of pre-tax earnings by 2026. 

Based on estimated 2020 North American promotional product revenue of $413.1 million, Gildan ranked sixth on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the industry.

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