HanesBrands’ commitment to protecting the planet has earned the company its 13th consecutive Sustained Excellence/Partner of the Year award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A recognition that certifies the company’s continuous progress in environmental sustainability.
“Sustainability is woven into the fabric of our products and is an essential part of our company’s DNA,” said Chris Fox, chief sustainability officer. “We believe it is our responsibility to drive behaviors and actions that protect this place we call home, and this new recognition is proof that our commitment to creating a more comfortable world for everyone is steadfast,” he added
HanesBrands was recognized by the EPA due to its reduction in overall energy use within its production processes and increased utilization of renewable sources during 2021. This recognition falls under one of the three pillars of the 2030 sustainability strategy launched by the company two years ago, specifically the pillar identified as Planet.
Within the pillar identified as Planet, Hanes plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 25% by 2030, reduce water use by 25%, use 100% renewable energy in its own operations, as well as eliminate waste going to landfill and set goals for emissions reduction established in the parameters of the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
“We have improved the efficiency of energy use at HanesBrands’ largest tissue manufacturing plant in the world located here in El Salvador through the use of renewable energy,” said Lauro Pesqueira, director of operations for HanesBrands El Salvador.
“Among some of the projects that have contributed to the company’s new achievement are: optimizing heat recovery from wastewater, increasing the performance of the garment drying operation by adjusting humidity controls to improve the speed of the process, speeding up dyeing cycles on fabrics and garments, and permanently replacing the lighting fixtures in our plants with LED lights,” he added.
HanesBrands has become the only company in the textile and apparel industry to achieve Sustainable Excellence recognition in the 30-year history of the U.S. EPA’s Energy Star program, supported primarily by the operations of its own supply chain facilities in the Western Hemisphere.
Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors companies and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through superior energy achievements.
ENERGY STAR award winners lead their industries in the production, sale and adoption of energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, services and strategies. These efforts are essential to combating the climate crisis and protecting public health.
For more information about HBI’s award-winning sustainability program, visit www.hbisustains.com.
For more information on the U.S. EPA’s Energy Star program, visit www.energystar.gov.
Hanes has been operating in El Salvador for nearly 30 years, where it has established itself as a major employer through its six sewing, cutting and tailoring plants. The company has also remained the country’s largest exporter since 2012, registering US$713.1 million in foreign sales at the end of last year.
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