Hanesbrands Inc., Winston-Salem, N.C., announced its worldwide goals to reduce energy use and carbon emissions as well as the launch of a corporate social responsibility Web site that details the company’s social- and environmental-stewardship programs.
Hanesbrands has goals to increase its usage of renewable energy to 30 percent of all energy used and to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 15 percent. The company has already exceeded its goal to reduce water usage by 10 percent.
The company’s accomplishments in strategic energy management have earned it an Energy Star 2010 Partner of the Year award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The company was recognized at an EPA awards ceremony on March 30 in Washington D.C.
“Hanesbrands has quietly become a leader in energy management and aspires to be an international apparel industry leader in overall environmental responsibility and stewardship,” Hanesbrands chairman and chief executive officer Richard A. Noll said. “Working in partnership with Energy Star to manage our energy use is good business. Using sustainable practices and conserving natural resources to help mitigate our environmental footprint and to reduce costs are strategic ways we are creating business value.”
As an Energy Star Partner of the Year, Hanesbrands was selected from among 17,000 organizations that participate in the program.
“Hanesbrands is leading the fight against climate change through greater energy efficiency,” said Gina McCarthy, EPA assistant administrator for air and radiation. “Hanesbrands’ robust energy management program is a model for others and affirms that energy efficiency is our most cost-effective climate strategy.”
Hanesbrands has been tracking its carbon footprint since 2007, the first year the company was independent, and has significantly reduced its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The company has set goals for reductions in energy use, carbon emissions and water use by 2012. From a 2007 base line, the company’s commitments include:
- Increasing the percentage of total worldwide annual energy use from renewable energy sources to 30 percent. In 2009, 25 percent of the company’s energy came from renewable sources, which reduces carbon emissions. By the end of 2009, the monthly rate of renewable energy use was 30 percent.
- Reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 15 percent per product produced through increased efficiency and increased use of renewable energy sources. To date, the company has reduced these emissions by 12 percent.
- Reducing water use by 10 percent per product produced. The company has already surpassed this goal, achieving an 18 percent reduction, and is in the process of setting a new goal.
Environmentally Responsible Manufacturing, Products and Packaging
In addition to having a comprehensive corporate global energy program, Hanesbrands is committed to responsible manufacturing, the introduction of more eco-friendly products, and a reduction of packaging waste. Hanesbrands is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and pursues certification of new buildings under the council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design where feasible.
Some of the company’s accomplishments include:
- Since 2007, the company’s energy efficiency programs have reduced the amount of energy used to make products by 11 percent.
- In 2009, Hanesbrands reduced its carbon dioxide emissions from its transportation and logistics operations by 41 percent as a result of significant efforts to switch product shipping from truck to rail transportation where possible and an enhanced effort to minimize air freight.
- The company has three U.S. Green Building Council LEED-certified facilities, including one of the largest certified warehouses in the world, the company’s 1.3-million-square- foot distribution center in Perris, Calif. The company is pursuing four additional certifications and is on track to have 20 percent of its total leased and owned space–4 million square feet of manufacturing, assembly, distribution, office and retail space–certified in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design practices.
- The company’s Hanes brand, the number apparel brand in the United States, has begun to incorporate EcoSmart recycled polyester and recovered cotton waste fiber into select fleece and sock products.
- In 2010, Hanesbrands expects to save the equivalent of 2,600 barrels of oil and 380 tons of CO2 emissions by shrinking package sizes and switching to a lighter-gauge film for several core high-volume products.
- Hanesbrands has worked with Esty Environmental Partners to assess its environmental practices and energy programs.
“We don’t have all the answers. In some cases, we don’t even know all the questions yet,” Noll said. “What we do know is that consumers trust our brands, and we are proud of our commitments and achievements so far. Going forward, we will save more energy, use less materials and reduce our greenhouse-gas footprint even further.”
Corporate Social Responsibility Web Site
Hanesbrands launched its new corporate social responsibility Web site at www.HanesbrandsCSR.com. The site details the company’s programs and commitments in environmental and social responsibility.
The environmental portion of the Web site includes Hanesbrands’ CEO statement on environmental responsibility, program details and key reporting metrics, including energy consumption, CO2 emissions, water consumption and waste produced.
The social responsibility portion of the Web site details programs that cultivate a culture of integrity by providing safe and rewarding workplaces to employees, assuring product safety for consumers and supporting local communities around the world.
“We have made significant progress across a range of CSR issues and are proud of our accomplishments,” Noll said. “The significant majority of Hanesbrands products are made in company-owned plants, which gives us direct control over workplace conditions, environmental practices and community involvement. We are committed to continuing to make positive and sustainable social and environmental contributions in the years to come.”
About Hanesbrands
Hanesbrands Inc. is a leading marketer of everyday apparel essentials under some of the world’s strongest apparel brands, including Hanes, Champion, Playtex, Bali, JMS/Just My Size, barely there and Wonderbra. The company sells T-shirts, bras, panties, men’s underwear, children’s underwear, socks, hosiery, casualwear and activewear produced in the company’s low-cost global supply chain. Hanesbrands has approximately 45,000 employees in more than 25 countries. More information about the company may be found on the Hanesbrands Internet Web site at www.hanesbrands.com.
