The Cotton On Group partnered with UNICEF, helping deliver more than one million Covid-19 vaccines to some of the world's most vulnerable communities.

The group set a target to be carbon neutral across its entire operations by 2030, achieving 84% of its 2023 target to wash 100% of its denim using water reduction processes, and significantly reduced the use of plastics across its operations.

The group has also expanded its Africa Cotton programme into Mozambique to positively impact the lives of more farmers in that area, launching its first-ever range of t-shirts made from single-origin Africa cotton.

The retailer has announced that it will be taking its ethos further. Using the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, The Good Report is its blueprint to contribute to achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.

The group says that it has big ambitions to save water, reduce waste and source responsibly.

The company intends to make a lasting contribution in the following areas:
  • responsible materials and production
  • responsible plastics and packaging, and
  • carbon neutrality.
This is with a goal of reaching carbon net neutrality globally by 2030.

The Ozone wash method of textile care that uses electricity and oxygen in place of chemicals in the traditional washing process, will substantially reduce water consumption, as well as energy, chemicals and enzymes.

Every product made aims to include more sustainable components and materials or manufactured with reduced impact processing. For example, 100% of their denim will be washed using water reduction processes by 2023, while 100% of the plastics, polyester and synthetic materials will be made from certified recycled alternatives by 2025, according to the group. 

Additionally, standards have been set for the following:
  • sustainably sourced cotton
  • responsible wood, timber, cardboard and paper in packaging
  • recycled cotton
  • organic cotton
  • responsible viscose
  • recycled polyester, and
  • recycled nylon.
Cotton On says that it has further committed to purchase 100% of the cotton produced by the Africa Cotton Programme, which has shown promise in empowering local women and building communities.

The group has pledged to phase out all unnecessary single-use plastic packaging by 2025 and has replaced plastic packaging use for online orders with approved alternatives from responsibly managed forests. Garment swing tags will now be made from 100% recycled paper with care labels being made from 100% recycled polyester. 

Cotton On has partnered, locally, with The Clothing Bank to create income-generating opportunities for women in South Africa. Up to 800 women participate in a two-year programme, with support and training to create their own business.

Once they have finished the training, participants frequently receive donations from the group's stores to sell in their communities. This programme aims to ensure that women are learning valuable skills, as well as earning a stable income for themselves and their families.

The Cotton On Foundation supported the opening of Ethekwini Primary in KwaMashu, Kwa Zulu-Natal, creating 1 280 educational places in 2020. The infrastructure of the school was redeveloped, with additional classrooms prioritised to ensure that children could complete their grade seven-year. The foundation will soon be announcing plans to begin work on another school.

"Making a positive difference in people's lives — it sounds simple, but it's something we've always taken really seriously. It's been our purpose since day one, and 30 years later, it’s still the reason we get out of bed in the morning. It's who we are and what we stand for," says Cotton On Group CEO Peter Johnson.

Johnson adds, "This values-driven approach is also how we're tackling the other big challenges of our time. Our team members and customers expect us to minimise our impact and create meaningful change for current and future generations — and so they should."

"It's not enough to only offer a great quality product, it must have a purpose, it must be sourced and made ethically and, most importantly, it should make a positive impact every step of the way," concludes Johnson.

Individuals are encouraged to view The Good Report here. 

For more information, visit www.cottonon.com. You can also follow the Cotton On Group on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.