Levi Strauss & Co has released its first annual sustainability report, detailing the company’s disclosures to meet stakeholder needs and further underscoring its commitment to transparency.
Informed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainable Accounting Standard Board (SASB) standards, the report captures the company’s programs and priorities and articulates the overarching approach, incorporating new elements and updates to plans around existing focus areas.
“Levi Strauss & Co. has been in business for more than 168 years because we make durable products that are built to last and because we proudly adhere to a guiding philosophy of profits through principles across our operations,” said Chip Bergh, president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co.
He added, “These ongoing commitments serve as the foundation of this document. This is how we contribute to the establishment of a safer, more just, more sustainable future. It demonstrates our commitment to our values and shows we understand how sustainability creates value for all stakeholders. It aligns us with the concerns and demands of today’s consumers and investors, and it helps future-proof our operations for the long-term.”
Levi Strauss & Co.’s sustainability strategy centers on three main pillars – climate, consumption, and community – that it will measure meaningful progress against. These categories encompass the work the company has already been doing – such as industry-leading science-based targets on climate and pioneering material innovations like cottonised hemp – as well as forward looking initiatives on a wide range of environmental, social and governance topics.
Broadly, the company is continuing to find ways to use less water, reduce emissions, better support workers, drive safer chemistry, further reduce waste, and become more circular. It seeks to become more diverse, more equitable, and more inclusive. The company also plans to continue to use its voice and resources to bolster its people and communities, providing the support they need and taking stands on issues like gun violence, voter participation, racial justice, and gender equity.
“While we’re proud of the work we’ve done, this is a journey and we know we and our industry still have a long way to go to deliver on our promises and ambitions of sustainability,” said Jeffrey Hogue, chief sustainability officer, Levi Strauss & Co. “That applies to our climate programs, our efforts on water, our Worker Well-being programs, our diversity work, and more. There are improvements to be made just about everywhere. It’s what we have to do to create a resilient business that can last for another 168 years.”
“For Levi Strauss & Co.’s, ESG is grounded in both our history, and our awareness of what investors, employees and the public expect from business today. Sustainability is essential to our operations, our performance and our strategy to create long-term value for all stakeholders. It pushes us to be nimble, flexible and ready to adapt. That is how you meet the moment and build for the long term,” said Harmit Singh, chief financial officer, Levi Strauss & Co.
Cottonised Hemp – Less Water, Fewer Pesticides
A link to the full Levi Strauss & Co. 2021 Sustainability Report can be found here.
