Gildan Achieves 100% Sustainable Cotton, 25% Water Intensity Reduction in 2025
In 2025 Gildan sourced 100% sustainable cotton, cut water intensity by roughly 25% versus 2018, and lifted recycled polyester and alternative fibres to 25.2%. Nine facilities reached ISO 45001 certification and the company secured placements in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Index and S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook.
1. Next Generation Sustainability Strategy
Since launching in 2022, the Next Generation Sustainability strategy has guided Gildan’s environmental and social targets, focusing on traceability, resource efficiency and worker safety. The 2025 report sets the stage for revised goals aligned with the upcoming HanesBrands integration and expanded scale.
2. Operational Achievements in 2025
In 2025 Gildan reached key milestones: sourcing 100% sustainable cotton, achieving a 25% reduction in water withdrawn per kilogram of fabric against the 2018 baseline, raising recycled polyester or alternative fibre use to 25.2%, and certifying nine facilities to ISO 45001 standards.
3. ESG Recognitions and Ratings
The company’s efforts earned consecutive placements in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class North America Index for the 13th year and the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook for the 14th year, alongside a CDP A-score for climate disclosures and recognition from MSCI, ISS ESG, TIME, Corporate Knights and FUNDAHRSE.
4. Outlook and Integration Impact
With the HanesBrands integration underway, Gildan plans to update its sustainability targets to reflect increased capacity and broadened market presence, leveraging its traceability platform and refreshed sustainability webpages to drive transparency and long-term value creation.