The CPRT enhances data verification and reporting capabilities, particularly for manufacturing partners with self-assessed Higg FEM data, by requiring manufacturing partner facilities to annually input data points and upload documentation to verify these data points for the following items: energy consumption; fuel sources; progress on actions to reduce their emissions. Through the CRPT, the manufacturing partners are able to establish their own carbon emissions baseline, set targets, draft action plans, and track annual reduction performance.

As per the report, 2022 has proved to be another challenging year with operations across the globe affected by the pandemic and supply chain disruptions, but ESG remained a priority for Columbia Sportswear Company.

“In 2022, we maintained our commitment to reducing our impact on the planet and having a positive impact on people by continuing to evolve our use of technologies, practices and policies,” said Tim Boyle, chairman, president and CEO.

The report highlights work accomplished by its four primary brands – Columbia, Sorel, Mountain Hardwear and prAna. The year 2022 highlights include Achieved 100 per cent of the goal to support the company’s partner, Planet Water, by building 26 AquaTower water filtration projects near the supply chain partners, providing up to 46,800 people with access to clean drinking water; Supported 11 manufacturing partner facilities as they kicked off HERproject training programmes in health, finance and gender equality, benefitting more than 21,000 of the suppliers’ workers; Expanded the boundaries of our greenhouse gas inventory to be the most comprehensive inventory to date; Launched the climate progress report tool to enhance data verification and reporting capabilities for the facilities of our manufacturing partners and Continued to work with manufacturing partners that score high on Social Responsibility ratings with over 84 per cent of partners scoring B or above on the internal ratings system.

In 2022, the company launched a new transparency map on its website in partnership with the Open Supply Hub (OS Hub). This customised OS Hub-embedded map provides an interactive overview of 99 per cent of its manufacturing partner finished goods facilities (Tier 1) that are actively producing for all CSC brands. They also added information about their manufacturing partner processing facilities (Tier 2). Additionally in 2022, prAna’s Tier 1 manufacturing partner facilities were included in the transparency map, centralising accessibility to manufacturing partner facility information for all of the brands in one place.

“We are committed to making the outdoors accessible to all. From working with community partners to supporting programmes and initiatives in the places where our products are made,” said Abel Navarrete, VP, sustainability and community impact.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)