HanesBrands, the maker of everyday basic apparel, announced sustainability goals to target by 2030, which includes addressing the use of single-use plastics and using more eco-friendly materials in its clothing production.
The goals, which fall into three categories — people, planet and product, which were developed in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, a company press release said.
“As a global industry leader, HanesBrands has an opportunity to make a greater impact through our workplace practices, environmental stewardship and community building initiatives. We’re ramping up our efforts to pursue ambitious goals that will connect our strategies with the global priorities of the U.N. SDGs to improve the lives of people, protect the planet and ensure world-class sustainable products,” CEO Stephen Bratspies said in the release.
For people, the company pledged to “improve the lives of at least 10 million people” through health and wellness programs, diversity and inclusion initiatives, improve workplace quality and philanthropic efforts to strengthen local communities.
When it comes to the planet, the apparel maker pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water use by at least 25 percent while adding 100 percent renewable electricity to its company operations and brining its landfill waste to zero.
The company wants to eliminate all single-use plastics and cut its packaging weight by 25 percent for its products. The company also plans to move toward 100 percent recycled polyester and use sustainably sourced cotton.
In addition to the goals for 2030, the company has also signed the Science-Based Targets Call-to-Action Commitment Letter, saying the company will develop science-based targets by 2022.
The company launched a sustainability website, https://hbisustains.com/, to provide increase company transparency, including metrics on diversity, human rights and risk assessments for investors.
Shares of HanesBrands (NYSE: HBI) was trading down 3 cents near $16.93 on Friday.