Kontoor Brands surpasses water-saving goal two years ahead

Kontoor Brands has successfully achieved its water-saving target two years ahead of schedule, all thanks to its Indigood Program. Initially focusing on foam-dyeing technology, this initiative aimed to reduce freshwater usage in the dyeing process by a remarkable 90% compared to traditional methods.

After expanding the program in 2021 to include additional water-saving technologies, Kontoor Brands collaborated with over 30 mills worldwide to assess and validate freshwater conservation claims, setting a consistent global standard in the industry.

Scott Baxter, the President and CEO of Kontoor Brands, emphasized the water-intensive nature of the fashion industry and celebrated reaching the water-saving goal early. The Indigood Program played a pivotal role, showcasing the company’s dedication to sustainability and establishing an important industry standard. The program significantly contributes to water savings and addresses the considerable water consumption in the fashion industry.

Kontoor Brands has not only extended the Indigood Program globally but also implemented advanced water-saving technologies at its manufacturing facilities. For example, the Torreon plant in Mexico has received third-party verification for using zero fresh water in its laundry process, saving an estimated 250 million liters of water annually. These efforts highlight Kontoor Brands’ commitment to both sustainability and its responsibility towards communities and the environment.

Dhruv Agarwal, VP of Sustainability, Innovation, and Development at Kontoor Brands, reiterated the company’s focus on positive impacts, sustainable innovation, and responsible resource usage. The achievements in water conservation are part of a broader commitment that encompasses responsible material selection, worker well-being, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and waste management. Kontoor Brands aims to continue improving its environmental performance and contributing positively to the communities where it operates.

The company plans to showcase its sustainability achievements in its upcoming 2021-2022 sustainability report. This initiative aligns with Kontoor Brands’ dedication to minimizing environmental and social impacts while maintaining high standards for its Wrangler and Lee brands.