This is complex. Here’s our approach
Raw material production and garment manufacturing are water-intensive processes. From crop irrigation to the dyeing of fabric, and the washing of garments.
That’s why our approach is to set robust requirements on water extraction and treatment and then collaborate with suppliers to improve their processes and enhance efficiency of wet processing.
We collect
We collect data about our suppliers’ water usage through our Factory Standards Programme. This data is used to rate our suppliers, which in turn helps our organisation make informed decisions when choosing a partner.
We prioritise
We prioritise the transition to materials with verified water reductions, and work with suppliers who continuously strive to improve their water stewardship practices.
We expand
We expand our use of recycled materials to reduce our dependence on virgin resources and reduce the environmental impacts associated with their extraction and processing.
We have stringent requirements
We set clear expectations for suppliers to monitor and reduce water use. This includes the implementation of water-saving technologies and chemical management.
Wastewater management...
To prevent environmental damage, we enforce strict wastewater management requirements. Suppliers must treat all wastewater from industrial and domestic processes before disposal, either on-site or through approved treatment centres. Discharging untreated wastewater is prohibited and results in immediate corrective action, including potential order blocks. Treatment must use a combination of physical, chemical, and biological methods to remove pollutants before discharge.
... In Bangladesh and Pakistan
For Bangladesh and Pakistan, we conduct third-party testing in high-risk regions, requiring factories to maintain quarterly internal and annual independent wastewater reports unless they operate a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system. Non-compliance is addressed through Corrective Action Plans, monitored by our local teams. Hazardous waste disposal processes are also closely managed, adhering to both local regulations and Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) guidelines.
Our strategy is to concentrate our efforts where we will make the biggest impact. Therefore, we prioritise high-impact facilities – those with over 250 employees, more than five chemicals in use, and industrial water discharge exceeding 15 cubic metres daily.
We set clear expectations for all tier 1 and prospective tier 2 approved materials suppliers to monitor and reduce water use. This includes the implementation of water-saving technologies, chemical management, and the operation of functional Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) in all wet processing facilities.
We do not work with factories unless their wet processing units can submit detailed water consumption and discharge data, operate a compliant ETP, and meet minimum water efficiency standards.
To identify potential environmental and human rights impacts, we conduct regular risk assessments, both internally and with external experts. Having a risk-based approach enables us to direct resources to areas of biggest concern, such as improving wastewater treatment practices, and safeguarding access to clean water in high-stress regions.
Feel free to read our annual report.