Today, C&A Europe published its 2014 Corporate Responsibility Report which outlines the company's current and future approach to corporate responsibility. C&A is increasing its long term commitment to ensuring that communities benefit from their interaction with C&A - a guiding principle that the company has followed for more than 170 years.
The report, which is available online, highlights the role of C&A's new Global Sustainability Framework, which not only focuses considerable resources on the three pillars of Sustainable products, Sustainable supply and Sustainable lives, but also defines the company's strategic roadmap for 2020 and beyond. The additional work of the charitable C&A Foundation, which shares C&A's values and commitment, is also now aligned to this framework.
Key 2020 goals:
Sustainable products: C&A aims to offer durable, quality products made using materials and production processes that protect natural resources and are safe for people. C&A has set itself the long-term goal of procuring its entire cotton collection from more sustainable production sources by 2020.
Sustainable supply: The company will build a responsible and transparent supply network that makes a positive contribution to social, economic and environmental development wherever our products are sourced. By 2020, C&A has the goal of developing a supply network that achieves zero discharge of hazardous chemicals.
Sustainable lives: By 2020, C&A will have engaged in open dialogue with all C&A suppliers on programs that improve workers' livelihoods and provide safer working conditions. Other programs and partnerships will also be initiated that have a positive impact on people's lives at work and in local communities.
"As a leading and trusted retailer, we strive to find ways to improve industry sustainability standards," commented Hans Ploos van Amstel, Co-CEO C&A Europe. "Our Corporate Responsibility Report 2014 documents the energy and investment that C&A is now devoting to accelerate progress towards a more sustainable fashion industry. The report outlines a number of initiatives that are already ongoing as well as the company's strategic roadmap for 2020 and beyond."
Progress during 2014
To advance the three pillars, C&A has significantly increased its commitment and has launched a wide number of measures, including:
Bio Cotton now represents over a third (38 percent) of C&A's total cotton product sales. C&A has set itself the long-term goal of procuring its entire cotton collection from more sustainable production sources by 2020.
Initiatives are currently underway to support C&A's commitment to the zero discharge of hazardous chemicals in its supply chain by 2020.
Launched a Sustainable Supply Chain team that integrates the sourcing and compliance teams, now operating with a shared set of CSR objectives and procedures.
Reduced the carbon footprint of C&A Europe's direct operations (stores, logistics and business travel) by almost 8 percent compared to 2011.
Partnered with like-minded third parties, such as the Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI) and the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety, to help advance safe working conditions and living wages.
Focused on securing productive long-term relationships with partners that share C&A's values and commitments on a path toward a sustainable fashion industry.
Ploos van Amstel emphasized that through the joint efforts of textile companies, suppliers, political authorities and NGOs, comprehensive improvements in the apparel industry can succeed. C&A is open to and welcomes progressive dialogue with all of its stakeholders.
