Kontoor Brands Inc., the owner of Wrangler, Lee, Rock & Republic, and VF Outlet stores, has announced an ambitious target to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 46.2% by 2030. This goal is in line with the company’s commitment to sustainability and aligns with the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels..
To achieve this ambitious target, Kontoor Brands has implemented a comprehensive sustainability strategy that focuses on four key pillars: climate-resilient sourcing, energy efficiency, circular economy, and climate solutions..
Innovative Fiber Forward Products: Kontoor Brands is collaborating with fabric innovators to develop more sustainable products. These include products like the Wrangler Indigood collection, featuring denim made using foam-dyeing technology, and products featuring recycled and low-impact materials. Additionally, the company is working towards using 100% sustainably sourced cotton by 2025..
Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy: Kontoor Brands is committed to reducing energy consumption by investing in energy efficiency initiatives in its distribution and manufacturing facilities. The company is also transitioning to renewable energy sources, with plans to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025..
Circular Economy and Waste Reduction: Kontoor Brands is working towards achieving zero-waste goals. The company is implementing waste reduction programs, improving recycling and reuse rates, and exploring circularity models like product take-back and rental programs..
Climate Solutions and Offsets: Kontoor Brands is investing in climate solutions to offset its remaining emissions. The company supports various projects that reduce greenhouse gases, such as reforestation, renewable energy projects, and energy efficiency programs..
Kontoor Brands’ commitment to emissions reduction is reflected in its participation in several sustainability initiatives. The company is a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) group, and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)..
The company’s efforts have been recognized by several organizations. In 2022, Kontoor Brands received a CDP rating of A- for its climate change disclosure and an A for its water security disclosure. Additionally, the company was named to the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index..
Kontoor Brands’ sustainability initiatives extend beyond the environment to encompass social and governance aspects. The company focuses on promoting diversity and inclusion, ensuring safe working conditions, and maintaining ethical business practices throughout its supply chain..
Kontoor Brands’ commitment to sustainability demonstrates the company’s leadership in the apparel industry. By setting ambitious goals to reduce its GHG emissions and implementing a comprehensive sustainability strategy, Kontoor Brands is helping to drive positive change towards a more sustainable future..
