US luxury fashion brand Ralph Lauren has released its 2023 Global Citizenship and Sustainability Report, detailing its progress in creating timeless products and supporting the people in its workforce, supply chain and communities.
In the report, the company shows how its teams have made “significant progress” over the past year, particularly with the “Timeless by Design” strategy. This aims to create products “made for responsible living” by using materials in a way that reduces the environmental impact.
This includes supporting the circular economy with the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Gold Standard certified cashmere sweater, the first of five iconic Ralph Lauren products set to be C2C certified by 2025.
The company also announced that it is developing products with increasing amounts of recycled cotton, including the new ‘Denim Project Capsule Collection’, and that it is investing in scaling innovative technologies and regenerative practices. For example by launching the Polo Mirum sneakers and the crossbody pouch, some of which are made from a 100 percent plastic-free material made from natural fiber welding.
Additionally, the company has established an end-of-life recycling option for 100% cashmere products and continues to expand its vintage offering to offer consumers in select top cities by 2025 opportunities to rent, repair and refurbish their Ralph Lauren – to offer products.
Additionally, 89 percent of units produced met at least one of the internal criteria for sustainable materials in fiscal 2023, up from 77 percent in fiscal 2022, and the company is moving closer to its goal of using 100 percent sustainably sourced key materials by 2025.
Ralph Lauren Corporation Releases 2023 Sustainability Report
“Ralph Lauren’s vision of timelessness is evident in the beautiful products we create, and we are committed to translating that vision into how we design and approach our impact on the world,” said Katie Ioanilli, Chief Global Impact and Communications Officer of Ralph Lauren Corporation, in a statement.
“Our approach is based on science, ambition, collaboration and innovation, which together allow us to continue to inspire people to live the life of their dreams,” added Ioanilli.
Speaking about the environment, Ralph Lauren added that the company reduced absolute emissions by 29 percent in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2020 and reduced overall water use across its operations and value chain by 25 percent. The company also met its zero-waste goal by moving 92 percent of its distribution center waste from landfill and incineration.
In addition, the company transitioned all key supply operations to 100 percent recycled poly bags and is continuing to remove and recycle all poly bags from reduced packaging orders ahead of the 2025 target.
Regarding the third pillar, “Committing to a Better Life,” the company said it had met its goal of having at least 20 percent of its global leadership team comprised of talent from diverse backgrounds, while maintaining 50 percent of VP positions and higher are occupied by women. In addition, the company increased the number of women in management positions in four target countries by 27 percent.
This article originally appeared on FashionUnited.uk. Translated and edited by Simone Preuss.