US' Kontoor Brands expands Indigood Facility Certification programme

The expansion is part of Kontoor’s strategy to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and accelerate sustainability efforts including establishing science-based targets for carbon emissions, reducing freshwater during manufacturing, increasing renewable energy adoption, and transitioning to sustainable raw materials sourcing. Through the Indigood Facility Certification programme, Kontoor is encouraging textile mills across the globe to adopt radically different water saving technologies. Textile manufacturing facilities using 90 per cent less freshwater than conventional fabric production may qualify for full certification, the company said in a press release.

As of March 2021, Kontoor Brands has saved more than eight billion litres of water through initiatives like Indigood. To expand its impact, Kontoor Brands is analysing denim manufacturing facilities around the world, certifying those deploying processes that decreases freshwater use. This initiative aims to identify and highlight factories that have or are actively working to improve their water footprint. The Indigood Facility Certification launched this fall with Arvind Limited’s Naroda Facility in India, the first textile mill to be certified through the Indigood programme. Kontoor will survey programme participants on a bi-annual basis to confirm continued compliance with certification standards.

“At Kontoor Brands, we believe companies have a responsibility to use resources wisely, drive sustainable innovations, and preserve and protect the planet. Wherever possible, we must challenge and encourage our end-to-end supplier network and other retail brands to incorporate these principles into their businesses. We view expanding our Indigood partnerships to textile mills across the globe as an important step that can significantly improve freshwater conservation efforts within the apparel industry” Jeff Frye, VP of procurement, product development, innovation, and sustainability, Kontoor Brands said in a statement.

“Indigood promotes advancing sustainable operations in denim manufacturing. Kontoor Brands has bridged the gap between sustainability and sourcing by encouraging the use of fabrics that are created by mills that prioritise water stewardship. We are honoured to be the first mill certified, achieving the Indigood standard,” Aamir Akhtar, CEO, Arvind Limited said.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (GK)