HanesBrands, Winston-Salem, N.C., has been recognized as one of the 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere.
HanesBrands is one of only two apparel manufacturers being recognized among 135 companies spanning 22 countries and representing 47 industries. Ethisphere’s assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity and initiatives to support a strong value chain. Ethisphere also gauged eligibility with how applicants adapted and responded to the global health pandemic, safety, equity and inclusion and social justice.
“We have a strong commitment to acting responsibly, and we’re very proud to be recognized by Ethisphere,” says CEO Steve Bratspies. “This honor is the result of 61,000 employees around the world committed to operating our business in the right way. Consumers can be proud that when they choose our apparel, they are choosing a company deeply committed to sustainability.”
In October 2020, HanesBrands announced wide-ranging 2030 global sustainability goals that include a commitment to science-based environmental targets, a goal of improving the lives of at least 10 million people, and addressing the use of plastics and sustainable raw materials in products and packaging, according to the company. To highlight the goals, Hanes launched a new sustainability website, designed to increase company transparency and reporting on key metrics, including diversity, human rights benchmarks and risk assessments for investors.
“While addressing the tough challenges of 2020, we saw companies lead – above all other institutions—on earning the trust of stakeholders through resilience and a commitment to ethics and integrity,” says Ethisphere CEO, Timothy Erblich. “The World’s Most Ethical Companies honorees continue to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the highest values and positively impacting the communities they serve. Congratulations to everyone at HanesBrands for earning the World’s Most Ethical Companies designation.” — D.S.
