As part of its commitment, Elevate recently increased its original greenhouse gas emission reduction target from 2.5% to 4.2% per year across its portfolio brands of American & Efird (A&E), Burlington, Cone Denim, Gütermann and Safety Components. Specific Elevate brands have emerged as leaders in their respective markets including A&E as the first thread manufacturer to receive approved targets; Burlington as the first performance woven fabrics manufacturer to receive approved targets; and Cone Denim as one of the first denim mills to receive approved targets.

Jimmy Summers, Chief Sustainability Officer for Elevate Textiles:

“Gaining approval of our Science Based Targets is a milestone in our sustainability journey. Elevate is excited to lead as the first global textile manufacturer to achieve this recognition, further validating our work to reduce GHG emissions in line with climate science and in collaboration with many other private and public sector organizations. Our efforts to reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions will also reduce our customers’ Scope 3 emissions. This collaborative effort is not only good for our brands and our customers, but also strengthens Elevate’s joint commitment to responsible and sustainable production worldwide.”

Sustainability goals in detail

Elevate first joined the SBTi in September 2019 and began work on evaluating and setting aggressive Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emission goals as part of its overall 2025 Sustainability commitments. Since that time the company has furthered its commitment by joining the Business Ambition 1.5°C Campaign and assessing emissions reduction targets across the entire value chain.

Elevate’s approved targets include a 46.2% reduction in absolute scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 from a 2019 baseline, as well as a 46.2% reduction in several scope 3 categories within the same timeline. Elevate has also set a long-term target to reach net-zero emissions by no later than 2050.

• The Science Based Targets initiative champions science-based target setting as a powerful way of boosting companies’ competitive advantage in the transition to the low-carbon economy.