HanesBrands (PPAI 191138, Gold) – which operates in the promotional products industry as suppliers Hanes, Champion, ComfortWash and Alternative Apparel – has released its 2023 Sustainability Summary Report just in time for Earth Day.

The Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based firm says it made significant progress in 2023, receiving approval on its near-term science-based targets from the Science Based Targets initiative.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done over the years to drive us closer to reaching our aggressive goals around People, Planet and Product,” says Steve Bratspies, CEO of HanesBrands.

“Our consumers expect quality, comfortable products from our iconic brands at a great value that are manufactured with the planet and people in mind. Thanks to our associates who are passionate about doing what’s right, we’re able to deliver on those expectations while making sustainability accessible for all.”

INFOGRAPHIC: HanesBrands’ 2023 Sustainability Summary Report

People Goals

HanesBrands aims to improve at least 10 million lives through diversity and inclusion, workplace quality, health and wellness, education and community-improvement philanthropy.

  • The company highlighted that more than half (52%) of its senior manager and above positions are held by women in the U.S.

The company reports that since 2021 it has impacted 3.4 million lives through its various philanthropic initiatives and associate and community programs, such as the Green for Good program, which has provided thousands with access to medical services and more than 1,500 life-changing surgeries since the program started in 2007.

Despite its people-oriented goals, the company has courted controversy as well. Last month, the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC) released a report naming HanesBrands and Gildan Activewear – the No. 38 supplier in the inaugural PPAI 100 – among a group of companies that have illegally withheld $2 million in compensation to 831 factory workers in the town of Ilopango, El Salvador. 

RELATED: HanesBrands’ Champion Finds Billion-Dollar Buyer

Planet Goals

HanesBrands has set science-based targets to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut back on energy and water use by 25%, move to 100% renewable electricity and take landfill waste to zero.

  • The company reports a 53% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and 41% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 intensity (kgCO2e per finished textile pound) since 2019.
  • 94% of waste from owned operations has diverted from landfills.
  • Nearly 60% of the electricity consumed is from renewable sources.


Product Goals

HanesBrands vows to use 100% recycled/degradable polyester and sustainably grown cotton, eliminate single-use plastics and reduce packaging weight by 25%.

  • The company reports that 75% of cotton used is sustainably grown in the U.S. and Australia.
  • Since 2019, single-use plastic has been reduced by 50% and packaging weight has been reduced by 16%.


Sustainable Products

HanesBrands has also announced that thousands of its products are now in Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly program, which helps consumers identify products with sustainability features in Amazon’s store.

  • In order to qualify for the program, select HanesBrands products were GreenCircle Certified, meaning the products have been manufactured in facilities that have significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and use renewable energy.

HanesBrands’ investments in sustainability have yielded $23 million in savings since establishing goals in 2020, including more than $10 million in savings in 2023.