Gildan Releases its 2015 Genuine Gildan® CSR Report
Gildan’s 2015 corporate, social and environmental responsibility (CSR) report was released on the Company’s CSR dedicated website genuinegildan.com. Among other information, this year’s report highlights the results of Gildan’s 2010-2015 efforts in the area of environmental sustainability.
Environment
Over the 2010-2015 period, Gildan achieved the following environmental results:
- 34% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity versus 2010 base levels, largely achieved through the use of biomass.
- 51% of the Company’s energy needs are produced through renewable resources.
- 17% decrease in water intensity per kg of production, a savings of approximately 3.85 million cubic meters of water or the equivalent of over 1,500 Olympic sized swimming pools, when compared to 2010.
- 89% recycling or repurposing of total waste and 19% reduction in waste sent to landfill.
- 14% reduction of energy per kg of production achieved through the installation of high efficiency steam absorption chillers.
People
In a sustained effort to provide employees with a safe and healthy work environment, Gildan provided 142,700 medical consultations to employees in 2015 through its free on-site medical clinics, which included basic medications, prenatal care and health education programs. The Company also provided subsidized meals and free transportation to employees, and fostered an environment of continuous learning through the delivery of almost 1,000,000 man-hours of training.
Community
Gildan continued to make youth education a focal point of its community engagement, with the goal of helping youth acquire the job and life skills necessary to contribute to the future of their communities. The Company was involved in several school renovation projects to improve the conditions for school-aged children in Latin America and Bangladesh and provided over 1,000 scholarships to professional and vocational schools. In Honduras, Gildan committed to donate $3.5 million received as a grant from the Government of Honduras in relation to a program for job creation. The totality of the grant will be donated to community projects aimed at improving education, health care services and living conditions.
Product
Across its family of brands, Gildan has built a reputation for delivering high quality, great value products. Gildan’s Global Quality System (GQS), in combination with its stringent Environmental Code of Practice, assures customers that the products it delivers are safe and manufactured to the highest standards, such as the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification for all Gildan® and Anvil® branded apparel. Gildan’s products also predominantly feature U.S. Cotton, which is sustainably grown and ethically harvested.
About Gildan
Gildan is a leading manufacturer and marketer of quality branded basic family apparel, including T-shirts, fleece, sport shirts, underwear, socks, hosiery, and shapewear. The Company sells its products under a diversified portfolio of company-owned brands, including the Gildan®, Gold Toe®, Anvil®, Comfort Colors® and Alstyle® brands, as well as the Secret®, Silks® and Therapy Plus™ brands. The Company also has the U.S. sock license for Under Armour®, and licenses for the Mossy Oak® and New Balance® brands.
Gildan owns and operates vertically-integrated, large-scale manufacturing facilities which are primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean Basin, North America and Bangladesh, and are strategically positioned to efficiently service the quick replenishment needs of its customers in the printwear and retail markets. Gildan has over 47,000 direct employees worldwide and is committed to industry-leading labour and environmental practices at all of its facilities. More information about the Company and its corporate citizenship practices and initiatives can be found at its corporate websiteswww.gildan.com and www.genuinegildan.com, respectively.
Media Contact:
Garry Bell
Vice President, Corporate Marketing and Communications
514-744-8600
