-By Mansi Suryavanshi
INSIGHTS
- With 2.4 million individuals now having better access to clean water, Gap Inc. has surpassed its target of 2 million.
- Gap eliminated all PFC-based materials completely, sourced 81% of its cotton responsibly, and cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 64%.
- It intends to increase 5 million people’s access to water by 2030 in the garment sector.
Due to its collaborative efforts with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Gap Inc Women + Water Alliance, American retailer Gap Inc. has surpassed its goal to improve access to clean water and sanitation for 2 million people in India by empowering over 2.4 million people. The business unveiled its net-zero commitment, new water strategy, and 2030 water targets in keeping with its environmental promise.
Gap was successful in phasing out or transitioning all textiles containing PFC-based finishes. 81% of the cotton used by the firm came from more environmentally friendly sources, while 16% of the polyester it used was made from recycled materials (rPET). Additionally, using 2017 as a baseline, Gap’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions were significantly reduced by 64% in 2021, according to Gap’s 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report.
Gap has also set two audacious goals that must be accomplished by 2030. The first is to enhance access to clean water and sanitary facilities for 5 million people working in the garment business. The second goal is to reduce water use and return water to the environment in an amount equal to the total water used in both the production of clothing and the company’s facilities.
According to Bob Martin, interim CEO and executive chair of Gap Inc., “As an international corporation that exceeds millions of people around everywhere, we have a remarkable opportunity—and an immense amount of responsibility—to drive innovation by working with the organisations we partner with to create a sustainable company and a more equitable industry.”
