Gildan Publishes 2021 ESG Report

(Image courtesy Gildan)

Gildan Activewear publishes its 18th Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, which outlines the company’s ESG commitments and 2021 performance results, accompanied by further details on its ESG strategy and future targets.

2021 was characterized by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and geo-political and climate uncertainty. Despite global challenges, Gildan reports it continued its journey in responsible apparel manufacturing and closed off the year with strong ESG performance and further progress against its strategic initiatives.

“We are pleased with the work we’ve done to continue playing a role in improving the livelihood of people who make our clothes, protecting the environment, empowering our communities, and increasing the sustainability of our products,” says Glenn J. Chamandy, president and CEO of Gildan. “Our vertically integrated business model continues to be the driving force behind our ESG practices and allows us to ensure that our products are made with respect throughout our entire supply chain.”

ESG Report highlights

Environment

• 39% of Gildan’s energy came from renewable sources
• 18% reduction in water intensity compared to 2018
• 15% decrease in total waste intensity compared to 2018
• 68% reduction in waste clippings compared to 2020

Social

• $15.1 million towards in-kind benefits for employees
• 98% of Gildan workers were represented by formal Health and Safety committees
• 78% of respondents from Gildan’s 2021 employee engagement survey said they believed the company was an inclusive workplace
• $2.1 million donated to community partners
• $850 million total expenditures in materials and services with local suppliers

Governance

• Nine out of 10 of Gildan’s board of directors were independent
• Two-thirds of Gildan’s three board-level committees were chaired by women
• Retained an independent advisory firm to review the board’s processes and structure, composition and succession planning, and oversight of ESG matters

Recognitions

• Named one of the “World’s 100 Most Sustainable Corporations” by Corporate Knights
• Included on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for the ninth consecutive year
• Named one of the “Top 100 ESG Companies of 2021” by The Investor’s Business Daily
• Received a “B” score on climate change and water security from CDP