Gap Inc. reaffirms its sustainability commitment

By 2025, American fashion retailer, Gap Inc. promises to derive 100% of its cotton from more sustainable sources. This announcement builds on commitments made by several Gap Inc. brands. By 2021, Gap brand is committed to sourcing 100% of its cotton from more sustainable sources. Old Navy will also increase its sourcing of sustainable cotton to 100% by 2022, and Banana Republic will source 100% of its cotton from more sustainable sources by 2023. In May, Gap Inc. CEO Art Peck announced that Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic are launching denim with 5% post-consumer mechanically-recycled cotton content.

Gap uses cotton in a large section of its products, which provides employment opportunities in several communities. However, a large part of the world’s cotton is grown in areas where people have difficulty accessing clean water due to pollution and droughts that is further complicated by climate change. By sourcing sustainably farmed and sourced cotton, Gap seeks to support farmers who use water efficiently through better irrigation practices.

“We’re proud to support innovations that protect natural resources and foster cleaner, safer communities for families around the world,” said Keith White, Gap Inc.’s executive vice president of Global Sustainability. “Sourcing cotton in a way that reduces water use and damage to the climate is about creating a healthy environment for our children and future generations.”

Gap Inc.’s commitment to sustainability includes sourcing Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) cotton, and cotton that is organic, recycled and verified American or Australian grown. Gap Inc. began sourcing Better Cotton in 2016. And BCI is a long-term multi-stakeholder initiative that develops and promotes good farm practices, allowing more cotton to be grown while reducing water and chemical use and protecting both working conditions and biodiversity.