Ralph Lauren Corporation released its 2023 Global Citizenship & Sustainability Report on Tuesday. The analysis charted the company’s progress toward achieving long-term social and environmental goals, as outlined in its corporate Timeless by Design strategy, which lays out a commitment to global citizenship and sustainability through “memberships, investments and partnerships with industry leaders and high-impact organizations.”
In particular, the report highlights a long-term strategy to use 100% recyclable, reusable or sustainably-sourced packaging and sustainably sourced key materials by 2025 and reach net zero by 2040.
The company also plans to release five Cradle to Cradle Certified sweaters by 2025 after introducing its first C2C Gold Cashmere Sweater this year. The independent C2C certification assesses a product or material based on its environmental and social sustainability in five categories: material health, meaning chemicals and materials used must be sustainable; product circularity, meaning items are designed with a next use in mind; clean air and climate protection, meaning product manufacturing has a positive impact on air quality and energy supply; water and soil stewardship, meaning water and soil are treated as precious and shared resources; and social fairness, meaning the companies manufacturing products and materials are committed to upholding human rights. In its report, Ralph Lauren Corporation said, “We chose the C2C standard because the assessment categories mirror our own sustainability goals and take a holistic approach to designing for circularity.”
Product afterlife was also addressed, with the company pledging to achieve zero waste to landfill across its distribution centers this year. It currently diverts 92% of waste away from landfills and incineration, per the report.
Additionally, the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation announced its $25 million commitment to expand or establish five cancer centers in the U.S. designed to address cancer care inequity in underserved communities.
In total, the 113-page report, which also includes a 2023 ESG supplement, outlines the way the company plans to responsibly use and source materials and work with people to support and encourage DEI initiatives throughout its workforce and supply chain.
