Ralph Lauren Corporation, the iconic American fashion company, has recently published its global citizenship and sustainability report for fiscal 2021, showcasing its progress in achieving its environmental and social goals. The report not only highlights the company’s achievements but also outlines its ambitious new targets, with the aim of reaching zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040.
Previously, Ralph Lauren committed to reducing its absolute GHG emissions across its operations and supply chain by 30% compared to fiscal 2020 levels. Building on this commitment, the company now strives to achieve zero emissions within the next two decades. To support this objective, Ralph Lauren has released a Net Zero Commitment Statement, outlining its strategies and initiatives for achieving the target.
In an effort to enhance transparency, Ralph Lauren has included the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Index in its annual report for the first time. By incorporating this index, the company demonstrates its dedication to addressing environmental and social issues. Additionally, the report now provides expanded factory disclosures, offering information about tier-one factories responsible for approximately 90% of Ralph Lauren’s apparel and home textile business volume.
The report also highlights Ralph Lauren’s diversity goals. By 2023, the company aims to have at least 20% of its global leadership team represented by underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Recognizing the urgency to dismantle systemic racism, Ralph Lauren believes that the convergence of the global pandemic, climate crisis, and social justice movement has compelled the business community to accelerate progress towards a more equitable and sustainable future.
Ralph Lauren’s Global Citizenship & Sustainability Report showcases numerous achievements. In fiscal 2021, 33% of the company’s products were produced in line with its sustainable material criteria. Additionally, the company has launched a new three-stage circularity strategy, setting targets such as achieving Secure Cradle to Cradle certification for five iconic products by 2025, establishing resale and recycling experiences for consumers by 2022, and producing 100% recycled cotton products by 2025.
During the past fiscal year, Ralph Lauren introduced its Color on Demand program, which aims to develop the world’s first scalable zero-wastewater cotton dyeing system. The company also continued its ongoing partnership with the World Wildlife Fund and made a combined $20 million in charitable contributions through the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation during fiscal 2021.
Ralph Lauren’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is clearly evident in its comprehensive global citizenship and sustainability report. With a clear roadmap and ambitious targets, the fashion brand strives to make a positive impact and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
For more information and to read the full report, you can visit the Ralph Lauren Corporation website [link] and access the Global Citizenship & Sustainability Report [link].
