American Eagle pledges to go carbon neutral by 2030

By

Robin Driver

Published
Sep 27, 2019

Pittsburgh-based apparel retailer American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) announced a series of new sustainability goals on Thursday, including a pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030, as well as plans for water reduction and increased use of sustainable raw materials.

 
As well as achieving carbon neutrality in all of the company’s owned and operated facilities and employee business travel by 2030, AEO aims to reduce the total carbon emissions of its manufacturing by 40% by 2030, and by 60% before 2040.
 
The company also revealed a number of water-related targets that it has committed to meeting throughout its supply chain by 2023, namely ensuring that 50% of the water used in its laundries is recycled, reducing water usage in its jeans production by 30%, and guaranteeing wastewater from water-intensive facilities is free from hazardous chemicals.

In terms of commitments related to raw materials, AEO pledged that it will be using 100% sustainably sourced cotton, 50% sustainable polyester and 100% viscose sourced from non-endangered forests by 2023.
 
“We pledge to accelerate sustainability improvements across our entire organization, and throughout the supply chain, holding ourselves accountable through the adoption of science-based targets,” commented AEO’s executive chairman and CEO, Jay Schottenstein, in a release. “As a leading retailer, we are dedicated to working across the industry to create systemic changes in garment manufacturing.”
 
The company’s new goals are part of its wider commitment to sustainability. Initiatives already launched by the retailer include introducing a jean recycling service to its American Eagle stores and bra recycling at its Aerie lingerie stores, as well as efforts to reduce plastic use in company-owned facilities and throughout its supply chain.
 
AEO is also a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and the Better Cotton Initiative, and is pledged to the CanopyStyle Initiative. The company validates its targets with the Science Based Targets Initiative.
 
American Eagle Outfitters reported revenues of $1.04 billion in the second quarter, up 8% from the prior-year period, while the company’s quarterly net income totaled $64.98 million, or $0.38 per diluted shar.