The total of four goals include objectives to power 100% of all owned and operated facilities with renewable energy, to use more than 50% sustainable synthetics and to source 100% sustainably-grown or recycled cotton, all by 2025. In addition, Lee plans to increase its Indigood products every year through 2025. Launched in February, Indigood is Lee’s denim line that reduces the amount of water used to produce items by 100%, and reduces the amount of energy used and waste produced by 60%, through a special foam dyeing process. “At Lee, we are committed to doing our part to help lead our industry toward a better future,” said Chris Waldeck, executive vice president, global brand president, Lee.
“Our global sustainability goals will guide our actions and help accelerate our commitment to providing products that drive positive changes for our environment and communities, while delivering the quality and style consumers expect from Lee.”The new sustainability goals follow the launch of Lee’s global sustainability platform, For a World That Works, which was announced in tandem with the debut of Indigood in February. “With these targets, we are raising the bar on what consumers can expect from Lee in terms of environmental sustainability,” added Roian Atwood, senior director of sustainable business at Lee.”For A World That Works is fueled by a sense of urgency and responsibility. As we look ahead, we must continually challenge ourselves to redefine how we operate, so that we can help create a brighter future for our planet and our industry.”Other recent green initiatives from the denim brand have included Back to Nature – Lee’s range of biodegradable denim products unveiled in early March – as well as the brand’s announcement that it had signed onto the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Jeans Redesign last year.