Behind the Seams: Our Drive for Long-Lasting Comfort

Material Choice:

We believe the materials we choose define not only the quality of our products, but also our impact on the planet and the people who make them. That’s why we hold ourselves to high standards when it comes to material selection — prioritizing durability, safety and responsibility from the start.

Our Preferred Materials Framework is a practical guide that will help us make smarter choices and meet our 2030 goals:

• Using 90% Better or Best fibres across all our materials.
• Using 100% Better or Best Cotton.

Durability:

At the heart of our commitment to quality and durability is a rigorous, four-level testing process that evaluates everything from material integrity and garment construction to fit and consumer feedback — both before and after laundering.  

We design our products to endure regular at-home wear and tear, helping them stay looking newer for longer. On average, our garments are built to withstand a minimum of 25 washes, surpassing the industry benchmark of approximately 15 washes.  

To meet or exceed key durability standards, we follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and partner with ISO-certified third-party labs in addition to our own internal proprietary testing. This comprehensive approach helps us deliver on our mission to create a more comfortable world for every body. 

Better Chemistry:

We are committed to using safer, more responsible chemicals throughout our production process. Compliance with chemical safety standards such as ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) and OEKO-TEX® certifications will continue to be a priority. These standards help us in our efforts to use materials that are free from harmful substances and safe for both workers and consumers.  

Today, we have over 8,000 SKUs certified under OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 — and we’re working toward even higher targets, with the following 2030 goals:  

• 75% of our products to be OEKO-TEX® certified.
• 100% of dyes and chemicals used in our internal manufacturing facilities to be ZDHC certified.

As we continue developing our chemical management program, we aim to further reduce impact and support a safer, more responsible supply chain. 

Designing Out Waste:

We’re reducing waste by rethinking how we design and manufacture our products. By using tools like 3D modeling and digital sampling, we limit the need for physical prototypes — cutting down on excess materials before production even starts. As we move forward, we’re continually exploring new technologies and innovations that can improve efficiency and help eliminate waste across our processes. 

Waste less, do more:

Zero Operational Waste:

We’re committed to achieving 100% zero operational waste to landfill by the end of 2025. As of today, we’re proud to be tracking at 99%, reflecting years of dedicated effort across our global operations. 

This progress is the result of cross-functional collaboration, best-practice sharing across regions, and a systematic overhaul of how we manage waste. We’ve updated global waste policies, delivered comprehensive zero-waste trainings, and implemented clear reporting structures to achieve accountability at every level. Robust data collection and metrics tracking have played a critical role—allowing us to measure progress, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions to close remaining gaps. 

From rethinking material flows to building local partnerships for recycling and reuse, every step has brought us closer to our goal. By equipping teams with the right tools, insights, and support—and fostering a culture of continuous improvement—we’re embedding circular thinking into our operations and driving lasting impact. 

At our Phu Bai and Surin facilities, for example, teams are reimagining cutting room scraps—like cotton, polyester, and spandex—as valuable resources. By sorting these materials and partnering with local vendors, they’re transformed into hammocks, doormats, and cleaning cloths. It’s just one example of how rethinking waste can lead to more circular solutions across our operations. 

Water and Energy Usage:

Since 2007, when we first began formally tracking and reporting our energy use (including renewables), greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and waste generation/diversion, we have made significant progress—reducing energy consumption by 25% and water consumption by 43%.  

By continuing to increase efficiency, we use fewer inputs to make our products, supporting the principles of the circular economy by conserving resources and minimizing waste. Moving forward, we remain focused on improving energy and resource efficiency as key parts of our broader sustainability goals. 

Made to Matter, Not to Waste:

Minimize Excess Inventory and Reduce Obsolescence:

Reducing pre-consumer waste starts with smarter planning. We’re working to minimize excess inventory and reduce the risk of materials becoming obsolete through two key strategies:  

• Enhancing our forecasting systems
• Shortening lead times

By improving demand forecasting and shortening lead times, we can better match production to actual consumer needs. This helps reduce overproduction, respond more quickly to trend shifts, and minimize the risk of excess materials becoming obsolete—supporting a more responsive, resource-efficient supply chain. 

Establishing a “No Landfill” Policy for Unsold Finished Goods:

By the end of 2026, we will implement a formal “No Landfill” policy for all finished products. While this is already a common practice across our operations, the policy will formalize our commitment: any unsellable products must be donated, repurposed, or recycled rather than sent to landfills—except when product safety or regulatory reasons prevent reuse or redistribution. This policy supports our ongoing efforts to reduce pre-consumer waste and promote more responsible practices.

Partnerships for Product Donations:

We work closely with nonprofit organizations and community partners to donate products, delivering essential items to those who need them most. Through these collaborations, we strive to create a positive impact—supporting communities while advancing a more sustainable and equitable world. In 2024 alone, we proudly donated 1.38 million units to help make this vision a reality. 

Closing the Loop:

Clear Packaging, Clearer Impact:

We’ve partnered with How2Recycle in the U.S. to make recycling more intuitive and accessible. By including clear, standardized recycling instructions on nearly 500 million product packages, we’re helping consumers make informed choices about how to responsibly dispose of packaging.

Product Take Back Program:

To close the loop on product life cycles, HBI plans to launch a post-consumer textile collection program by 2030. Our Sheridan brand has already implemented a take-back program in Australia, laying the groundwork for broader adoption. This initiative will encourage customers to return used garments for recycling or upcycling—ensuring products are given new life instead of ending up as waste. 

Extend Producer Responsibility (EPR):

We are committed to participating in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs for both textiles and packaging, working towards responsible management of our products and materials throughout their entire lifecycle.

By aligning with global initiatives, contributing to shared knowledge, and supporting cross-sector efforts, we can accelerate systemic change and scale solutions that benefit the entire industry and the planet.