US' VF Corp achieves 66% target for reducing Scope 1 GHG emissions

The company’s latest Made for Change Sustainability & Responsibility report entitled ‘Seizing the Momentum’ shares that VF is making progress against its 2030 science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets. As of FY21, VF achieved 8 per cent of its target of reducing Scope 3 GHG emissions by 30 per cent.

VF made progress towards the completion of the apparel and footwear industry’s largest tax equity investment in FY22 and utilised 34 per cent renewable energy across its direct operations, up from 32 per cent in FY21. By year-end FY22, VF achieved an average waste diversion rate of 97 per cent in all active company owned and operated distribution centres.

VF achieved its goal of publishing traceability maps for 100 of its brands’ most iconic products in FY22. VF continues to expand its traceability programme, making progress against its goal to trace five key materials through 100 per cent of the supply chain by FY28. In FY21, 36 per cent of polyester originated from recycled materials, achieving 72 per cent of VF’s FY26 goal to source 50 per cent of its polyester from recycled materials.

VF removed more than 300 metric tons of nonpreferred chemicals from its supply chain since FY20 through the innovative CHEM-IQSM programme. Since the programme’s inception in 2016, VF has removed 900 metric tons of nonpreferred chemicals.

The company’s fifth Made for Change report details VF’s actions to advance its primary areas of focus, people, planet, and product, which include topics covering gender parity; community investments; human rights; worker and community development; traceability; climate change; renewable energy; waste and plastic reduction; use of responsibly sourced, recycled, and regenerative materials; and the reduction of unwanted chemicals.

Examples of brand initiatives featured in the report include the launch of the Vans brand’s Sustainability Hub and the unveiling of its new VR3 product line and labelling; and the Timberland brand’s TimberloopTM takeback programme and resale website launched in the US.

“VF is acting with urgency in this important moment for social and environmental progress,” said Sean Cady, VF’s vice president, global sustainability, responsibility, and trade. “In the face of global uncertainty, we are continuing to push forward the programmes we’ve been building for years on climate action, product traceability, materials, human rights, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)