HanesBrands has voluntarily disclosed its carbon emissions and related information for CDPs—formerly Carbon Disclosure Project—2019 Climate Change Report for the 10th year. The disclosure shows progress toward the company’s 2020 goals for use of renewable energy, total energy use and carbon emissions. Hanesbrands participates in the promotional products industry as suppliers Hanes/Champion/ComfortWash (PPAI 191138, S10) and Alternative Apparel (PPAI 217134, S5).

Hanes, which has participated in the initiative since 2010, earned an A- score and a leadership position in the CDP 2018 Climate Change Report. The company scored in the top six percent of nearly 7,000 companies that participated in last year’s report and achieved the highest score in the apparel industry. Receiving nearly across-the-board scores in the A range, Hanes’ performance was also higher than the company’s reporting sector average (B) and regional average (C-).

Hanes’ progress towards its goals in 2018 include:

  • Renewable energy sources accounted for 40 percent of the company’s energy use, up seven percentage points compared with 2017. The company’s level of renewable energy reliance met the 2020 goal of 40 percent two years early.
  • A 22-percent reduction in energy use per pound of production versus its 2007 baseline and against a goal of 40 percent. To date, the company’s energy reduction efforts have delivered a cumulative total cost avoidance of more than $220 million.
  • A 34-percent decrease in carbon dioxide emissions versus its 2007 baseline, nearing its 2020 goal of a 40-percent reduction. Bolstered by the significant jump in Hanes’ use of renewable energy, the company posted a nearly double-digit decrease versus 2017.
  • A 31-percent cut in water use against the company’s 2020 goal of 50 percent compared to its 2007 baseline. Hanes’ water use was down two percent versus 2017.
  • An 86-percent diversion of supply-chain waste, or 107 million pounds, from landfills while working toward a 2020 goal of 100 percent.

“Our company is intensely focused on making significant strides each year to protect the environment we share and enhance our business competitiveness,” says Mike Faircloth, group president, global supply chain, information technology and ecommerce. “Transparently reporting progress against our goals is an important part of our efforts and culture. We have made significant progress in reducing our environmental footprint since 2007, and we remain committed to being an international business leader in energy management and eco-friendly business operations.”

In 2018, this commitment also earned Hanes its 10th consecutive U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star Sustained Excellence/Partner of the Year award. The company was recognized for its 2018 environmental stewardship performance. Also in 2018, the company developed the capability to convert wastewater sludge to energy, installed waste heat recovery equipment to preheat process water, retrofitted facilities with LED lighting and improved water efficiency in boiler operations with reverse osmosis technology.