Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s sustainability goals align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which address global challenges, such as poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity and peace and justice.
Our Approach
Social Impact
We’re committed to global human and labor rights and to ensuring our products are only made in safe and responsible facilities. We believe business should only be conducted with honesty and respect for the dignity and rights of all people, so we partner with our suppliers to promote worker safety and fair social and labor conditions and to increase gender equality and well-being.
Environmental Impact
We’re advancing environmental initiatives in our internal practices by increasing education and awareness throughout our partnership base and through collaboration with the communities where we make and sell our products. On behalf of the customers, employees, stockholders and communities we serve, we focus on GHG emissions, water and waste reduction in our operations and across the supply chain, and we strive to source more sustainable materials.
Stakeholder Engagement
A&F Co. conducted a Materiality Assessment in 2022 to align our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals with company and stakeholder priorities. The assessment reflects the input of nearly 900 internal and external stakeholders.
Governance
As a United Nations Global Compact participant, and in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, A&F Co. is committed to high standards of corporate governance and has a structure to help manage human rights, labor, environmental and anti-corruption practices. The Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Committee of the Board of Directors at A&F Co. is responsible for the oversight of risks associated with ESG strategies, policies, practices and programs. The Global Sustainability Department manages the environmental, climate and social practices, including communications, reporting, goal setting and implementation of strategy.
Our Commitment through
Corporate Goals
As a purpose-driven company, it’s important for A&F Co. to align our business practices and priorities with our values. In 2023, we refreshed our existing 2019 sustainability goals and added new goals related to other social and governance priorities. View our ESG goals here.
Sustainability Progress Highlights
View our progress against our social and environmental goals below…
Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Down: Source 100% by 2025
A&F Co. achieved and maintained its goal to source 100% of down from Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified sources since fiscal year 2020. This goal was achieved just one year into our commitment made in 2019 (and five years ahead of the target date).
Better Cotton: Source 25% Better Cotton by 2025
A&F Co. sourced 23% of its cotton supply through Better Cotton in fiscal year 2022*.
*The measurement is an estimate based on assumptions provided to, and approved by, Better Cotton concerning total cotton amounts procured by A&F Co., including but not limited to garment yields, fabric weight, average grams per square meter, fibers by fabric type.
Recycled Polyester Fill: Source 25% by 2025
A&F Co. sourced 100% recycled polyester fill in 98% of our filled outerwear units in fiscal year 2022. This goal was achieved and maintained since fiscal year 2020.
Recycled Polyester Fabric: Source 25% by 2025
A&F Co. sourced recycled polyester in 1% of units containing at least 25% polyester fabric in fiscal year 2022.
Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) Wool: Source 100% by 2025
A&F Co. is working to implement the RWS standard across all virgin wool.
Canopy Supported Innovative Viscose: Source 50% by 2025
A&F Co. is working to source innovative viscose by 2025.
Reduce Water in Denim Production: 30% by 2022
A&F Co. achieved and maintained its goal to reduce the amount of water used across our denim production by 30% since fiscal year 2020 utilizing Jeanologia Environmental Impact Measuring (EIM) software that calculates the difference in water consumption in traditional versus water saving methodologies.
Train Supply Chain Workers on Human Trafficking Prevention: 25,000 workers by 2022
A&F Co. achieved its goal to train 25,000 workers on human trafficking prevention between fiscal years 2019 and 2022.
Provide Supply Chain Workers Access Well-Being and Empowerment Programs: 50,000 workers by 2027
A&F Co. trained 3,134 workers through well-being programs between fiscal years 2019 and early 2021.
Global Home Office Print Reduction: 25% by 2022
A&F Co. achieved and maintained the goal to reduce printing by 25% compared to a 2017 baseline since fiscal year 2020. In 2020, A&F Co. transitioned to work from home and hybrid work atmosphere which positively impacted our print goal.
Global Home Office Waste Reduction: 50% by 2025
A&F Co. achieved and maintained the goal to reduce waste by 50% compared to a 2019 baseline since fiscal year 2020. In 2020, A&F Co. transitioned to work from home and hybrid work atmosphere which positively impacted our waste goal.
Reduce Scope 1 & 2 Emissions: 47% by 2030
A&F Co. reduced its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25% in calendar year 2021 compared to a 2019 baseline.
Reduce Store Print: 10% year over year by 2022
A&F Co. global stores decreased printing by 1% in fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021.
Recycle Hazardous Waste In U.S. Stores: 100% by 2022
A&F Co. implemented the g2 revolution hazardous waste recycling program in 43% of US stores in fiscal year 2022.
Inspired to Make a Global Impact
In 2019, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. became a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate citizenship and sustainability initiative. As a participant, A&F Co. and its brands support and commit to the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption.
In 2021, A&F Co. submitted its second Communication on Progress (COP). The COP expresses the company’s continuing commitment to the UN Global Compact, as well as actions taken over the prior year in support of the Ten Principles.