2023 Climate Progress Report
Getting to Zeroº
In 2019, we began our Zeroº climate action initiative—a commitment to reducing our ecological footprint and eliminating emissions to help limit global temperature growth to 1.5ºC.
- Zero Net Carbon Emissions
- Zero New Plastic
- Zero Waste
Progress towards science-based targets
The apparel and footwear industry is one of the top contributors to global carbon emissions, contributing 2.2 billion tons of greenhouse gases—over 10% of the global annual carbon output according to the United Nations. (That’s more than aviation and the shipping industries combined).
The significant energy used for extraction and production of materials, as well as the operation of factories, is largely powered by coal. We believe that through science, there’s a better way.
Since 2019, we've offset all of our carbon emissions and have been certified Climate Neutral. However, measurement and offsetting won't get us to zero alone—to reach our targets we also have to dramatically reduce our emissions. This past year we've made big strides through innovation and optimization of our supply chain, materials, and manufacturing.
What gets measured gets improved.
For the past four years, we've rigorously analyzed our apparel production using the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. Through this analysis we've unlocked areas for improvement in terms of materials, supplier selection, shipping and a complete lifecycle view of our products.
1. Compounding Change
Our CO2 emissions dropped from 8.03 to 5.54 kgCO2e per unit thanks to continued shifts from air to sea shipping, and an increased use of recycled content + bio-based fibers.
2. Increased Use of Recycled Materials
Recycled polyester generates 52% fewer emissions than virgin polyester. The use of recycled content has reached 43% across our product line, up from 28% last year. This has been spearheaded by our 100% recycled Aero Zero° line and a shift to 50% recycled polyester for our Apollo pieces.
3. Increased Bio-Based Content
Cellulosic and bio-PET yarns capture carbon in the polymer building blocks during growth. Driven in part by the success of our Fusion, Atlas and Composite Merino pieces, we are now using 11% bio-based content across our product line. Our bio-based content is largely derived from wood fibers.
In Closing
This report was achieved using the extensive groundwork laid out in 2019, in conjunction with Climate Neutral's incredibly in-depth Brand Emissions Estimator. In 2023 we’ll continue to work toward Zero (and beyond) for the good of the planet we all share.