HanesBrands has announced it has earned its first ‘A List’ recognition for leadership in corporate sustainability in the CDP 2020 Climate Change Report. The company, one of four apparel manufacturers on the 270-member global CDP A List, was recognized for its actions to cut emissions, mitigate climate risks and develop the low-carbon economy. The A score follows two superior A- rankings, placing HanesBrands among the top companies worldwide with eco-friendly operations for the last three years.

“We are proud to receive this prestigious recognition for leadership in corporate responsibility and, in particular, addressing climate change,” said Steve Bratspies, HanesBrands CEO. “Consumers around the world are increasingly focused on how companies operate, and this honour shows that consumers can be confident in our commitment to sustainability and feel great about apparel made by HanesBrands.”

CDP’s annual environmental disclosure and scoring process is widely recognized as the gold standard of corporate environmental transparency. A detailed and independent methodology is used by CDP to assess these companies, allocating a score of A to D- based on the comprehensiveness of disclosure, awareness and management of environmental risks and demonstration of best practices associated with environmental leadership, such as setting ambitious and meaningful targets.

We’ve made significant progress, but there is much work to do.

“Taking the lead on environmental transparency and action is one of the most important steps businesses can make and is even more impressive in this challenging year marked by COVID-19,” said Paul Simpson, CEO of CDP. “The scale of the risk to businesses from climate change, deforestation and water insecurity is enormous. Our A List celebrates those companies that are preparing to excel in the economy of the future by taking action today.”

In October, HanesBrands announced wide-ranging 2030 global sustainability goals that include a commitment to science-based environmental targets, a goal of improving the lives of at least 10 million people and addressing the use of plastics and sustainable raw materials in products and packaging. The goals were launched via a new sustainability website, designed to increase company transparency and reporting on key metrics, including diversity, human rights benchmarks and risk assessments for investors.

Chris Fox, appointed HanesBrands’ chief sustainability officer in November, said: “We’ve made significant progress, but there is much work to do. Our aggressive new 2030 goals, focused on people, planet and product will help create sustainable value for our company, our investors, our consumers, our employees and our communities.”

The company, which has also earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star partner of the year/sustained excellence award for 11 consecutive years, has significantly reduced energy use and carbon emissions since implementing an energy management program in 2007. Recent achievements include optimizing biomass procedures to improve thermal efficiency and replacing HVAC systems, air compressors and lighting with more energy-efficient equipment.

For more details about CDP, its scoring methodology and the full list of A List companies, visit www.cdp.net.

HanesBrands Sustainability Website