Wrangler and Lee hit zero waste targets in North American distribution centers

Wrangler and Lee are getting serious about cutting down on waste.

The denim labels' parent company, Kontoor Brands, has announced that it has reached its zero-waste targets at its owned distribution centers across North America. The milestone means that at least 95% of the waste from these facilities will be recycled, composted or reused, as opposed to going to landfill.

The facilities in question are located in Mexico City; El Paso, Texas; Hackleburg, Alabama; Luray, Virginia; Mocksville, North Carolina; and Seminole, Oklahoma. The target was achieved by prioritizing the "efficient use of materials and conservation of natural resources," according to Kontoor Brands.

"Reaching and maintaining a zero-waste designation at our North American distribution centers is an important milestone in our commitment to having a positive impact on the communities and environments in which we operate," said Randy Fortenberry, Vice President, Supply Chain, Kontoor Brands, in a statement. The company also confirmed that it will endeavor to achieve zero-waste designation for all its distribution centers globally.

Fashion giants have honed in on boosting sustainability throughout their supply chains this year. Ralph Lauren has set itself science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets for the year 2020, while Gap Inc. announced the launch of a new innovation center in 2020 aimed at reducing water waste within the textiles industry. PVH Corp., the parent company behind Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, has also announced targets to see its business operations generate no negative impact on the environment in the near future, by focusing on eliminating carbon emissions and using more renewable energy sources, cutting waste to zero by avoiding landfill solutions and eliminating the use of hazardous chemicals in its processes.