C&A’s global report’s ambitious corporate initiative

As Jeffrey Hogue, C&A’s global chief sustainability officer put it, “In 2015, we focused on building strong governance and accountability to support our new sustainability strategy. Building sustainability into our business management system
has been crucial to supporting our aspiration to create fashion with a positive impact.”
The report is a key component in a comprehensive new framework of corporate responsibility, with goals and KPIs focusing on sustainable products, supply and lives,
where transparency, circular economy and gender serve as strategic lenses.
As detailed in the report, C&A made appreciable gains in sustainability in 2015.
Highlights included:
Once again named the world’s largest user of organic cotton by the Textile Exchange, increasing the volume of more sustainable cotton used to 40 per cent.
Achieved 90 per cent of shipped volume from C&A’s highest rated suppliers.
Launched a new code of conduct and audit process, supported by the disclosure of tier-1 and selected tier-2 factories in Asia and Europe.
Committed to using 100 per cent Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified down in 2016.
Conducted first complete measurements of C&A’s global carbon and water footprints, created a new sustainable chemicals management team and strategy, and
completed independent chemicals management audits at 52 key fabric mills.
Played a leading role in establishing action collaboration and transformation (ACT), a global initiative uniting stakeholders to address issues of living wages in the textile and garment industry.
Became a signatory to the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, championing universal principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption through transparent reporting.
Engaged over 23,000 of our employees in our first sustainability employee engagement campaign, Inspiring Women.