J. Crew launches ambitious sustainability program
J.Crew Group is integrating sustainability across its supply chain.
The specialty apparel retailer is rolling out "Re-imagined by J. Crew," an initiative to realize specific corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability goals focused on products, supply chain, and third-party partnerships. Developed in support of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, the program includes the following goals.
•By 2025, J. Crew intends for 100% of key fibers to be sustainably sourced, including 100% of cotton.
•By 2025, J. Crew plans to produce 90% of its cashmere and chino collections in Fair Trade Certified facilities.
• By 2025, J. Crew expects to sustainably source 100% of plastic and paper used for packaging. This goal includes a commitment to eliminate virgin plastic from all packaging, and by 2030, J. Crew is targeting operations 100% carbon-neutral operations.
J. Crew is also partnering with various groups to integrate sustainability plans to reduce its environmental impact. This includes collaborating with supply chain partners to decrease its greenhouse gas impact throughout its global supply chain; as well as participating in the CanopyStyle initiative, a collaboration of the fashion industry to help conserve the world's remaining ancient and endangered forests.
Earlier in 2021, J. Crew announced that 100% of all cashmere sweaters and non-apparel pieces from the spring 2021 collection and onward would be produced using The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS) certified cashmere. The GCS was developed by the Aid by Trade Foundation, a nonprofit organization aiming to improve the welfare of cashmere goats, the lives of farmers and farming communities, and the environment in which they live.
Through its partnership with GCS, J. Crew will provide full traceability for certified cashmere pieces. The company is also partnering with the Sustainable Fibre Alliance to empower women herders in Mongolia to improve their economic and social standing.
"We know there are many areas of sustainability that are in our power to impact positively, including tackling issues deeper in our supply chain and supporting the industry's transition to circularity," said J.Crew Group CEO Libby Wadle. "By activating our employees, partnering with our stakeholders and listening to our customers, we are developing strategies to address the issues that will have the biggest impact on our products, supply chain and the apparel industry."
As of February 17, 2021, the company operates 152 J. Crew retail stores and jcrew.com.