HanesBrands (HBI) releases its 2022 Sustainability Summary Report in which the company states that it’s made progress toward its 2025 and 2030 global sustainability goals. The company also announces the launch of a new upcycle program in Surin, Thailand.

The report highlights accomplishments in the areas of People, Planet, and Product, according to the company’s website.

Breaking down those three components, here are the specific details:

  • People: HBI set a goal to contribute to improving the lives of at least 10 million people through diversity and inclusion, workplace equality, health and wellness, education, and community-improvement philanthropy. The report states that currently, 2.7 million lives have been impacted by HBI’s philanthropic initiatives, and associate and community programs; 8.5 million pieces of essential clothing have been provided to those in need; and 50% of senior manager and above positions are held by women in the U.S.
  • Planet: The goal is to set science-based targets to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy and water use by 25%, move to 100% renewable electricity, and take landfill waste to zero. To date, the progress includes a 30% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions; HBI has submitted emissions reduction targets through the Science-Based Target Initiative; 92% of waste has been diverted from landfill; and almost 50% of the electricity it consumes is from renewable sources, according to the report.
  • Product: HBI set a goal to use 100% recycled/biodegradable polyester and sustainably sourced cotton, reduce packaging weight by 25%, and eliminate single-use plastics (what remains must be commonly recyclable or compostable). Currently, the report shows that 70% of cotton used is sustainably grown; projects are implemented to reduce single-use plastic by 34%; and projects are implemented to reduce packaging weight by 11%.

New Sustainability Programs

In addition, HBI also launches its “I’m In” global associate sustainability campaign along with an upcycle program. The I’m In initiative encourages associates to do simple things to create major change.

Through its new upcycle program, HanesBrands associates in Surin work with local vendors to turn excess materials into products that are sold by the local community, according to a press release. This project keeps 240 tons of waste out of landfills per year.

“We are proud of our longstanding history of ethical and responsible business practices and our ongoing commitment to ‘Do What’s Right’,” said Chris Fox, chief sustainability officer, HanesBrands, in the press release. “Our commitment to sustainability goes back decades, and we look forward to continuing the hard work toward achieving our ambitious 2025 and 2030 sustainability goals.”

HanesBrands continues to update the industry with various projects and initiatives.