Ralph Lauren to source 100% sustainable materials by 2025

The strategy Design the Change is both a commitment and a journey to accelerate the Company’s work across citizenship and sustainability and includes a new set of goals that bring clarity and focus to how Ralph Lauren will deliver the change required to create a better future, said Ralph Lauren in its report for 2019.

The report stated that the company unveiled the Earth Polo, a reimagination of the iconic Polo shirt crafted from an innovative fabric produced entirely from plastic bottles. The creation of the Earth Polo is part of the company’s commitment to recycle 170 million bottles by 2025. Each Polo is made from approximately 12 plastic bottles – which may have otherwise ended up in oceans or landfills – and uses a completely waterless dyeing process.

“When Ralph founded our Company more than 50 years ago, he did so with the conviction that whatever we create is meant to be worn, loved and passed on for generations,” says Patrice Louvet, CEO and President, Ralph Lauren Corporation. “This philosophy is deeply embedded in our culture, our brands and our Purpose–to inspire the dream of a better life through authenticity and timeless style. It also inspires Design the Change, a strategy that will accelerate our efforts to create a positive impact in society and a more sustainable future.”

By 2020, Ralph Lauren aims to train design, product development and merchant teams on sustainable, circular, inclusive and culturally-aware design annually. Further, it has also set science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets by 2020 and 100 per cent renewable energy targets by the end of 2019, stated the report.

Design the Change is led by senior leadership, with strong governance in place. The Ralph Lauren board of directors has expanded the responsibilities of the company’s nominating & governance committee to include oversight of environmental and social risks and opportunities. The company formed a senior steering team made up of members of the global leadership team and the company recently appointed its first chief sustainability officer, Halide Alagöz, who also serves as the company’s chief supply chain officer. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India