Sustainability
initiatives
Effective climate and environmental protection and social responsibility are the result of cooperation. We are involved in various sustainability initiatives.
Energy efficiency and climate protection network
A&E Gütermann is a member of the energy efficiency and climate protection network “Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewables” and thus makes an important contribution to achieving the climate and energy policy goals of the Federal Republic of Germany. The alliance is supported by various federal ministries, associations, organisations and industry. In addition to increasing energy efficiency in industry, trade, commerce and the energy sector, it focuses on climate protection, the energy transition and sustainability.
More information at www.effizienznetzwerke.org.
Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI)
The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) is a global initiative that aims to provide companies with a clear pathway to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and increase their competitive advantage in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The targets are calculated on a scientific basis to ensure that global warming is limited.
Elevate Textiles joined SBTi in September 2019. Since then, the company has expanded its commitment by joining the “Business Ambitions 1.5 °C” campaign and evaluating its emission reduction targets along the entire value chain.
Cascale
Cascale is an association of more than 250 brands, manufacturers and companies in the textile industry, retailers, suppliers, service providers, trade associations, non-profit organisations/NGOs and academic institutions working worldwide to reduce the environmental and social impact of products. With the Higg Index, Cascale has developed an instrument that measures and evaluates the sustainability performance of products along the entire supply chain and identifies priority areas of action and opportunities.
At A&E Gütermann, we have been using the tools of the Cascale Higg Index since 2014 to transparently assess the sustainability of our production sites. We are currently using the Higg Facility Environmental Module and are introducing the Higg Facility Social & Labor Module in order to map wages, working hours, health and safety.
Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC)
A&E Gütermann is a member of the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) initiative. We are thus committed to eliminating hazardous chemicals in the manufacturing process and complying with the Manufactured Restricted Substances List. The ZDHC Initiative provides companies with support and guidelines for implementing sustainable chemical management. ZDHC’s Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (MRSL) is designed to identify hazardous chemicals to reduce them in wastewater.
Our dye facilities account for chemical use with monthly ZDHC InCheck reports. Our goal is to eliminate substances from the Manufacturer’s Restricted Substance List. We are currently able to comply with MRSL v2.0 up to 73 %.
Responsibly sourced fibres
Through various collaborations and initiatives, Elevate Textiles is committed to making the supply and value chain more sustainable. The aim is to develop sensible solutions and create revolutionary products that reflect the commitment to the environment.
UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action
In 2019, Elevate Textiles joined the United Nations Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action (UNFCCC). In line with the climate goals of the Paris Agreement, the charter pursues the stated goal of reducing emissions along the entire value chain and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. By signing the charter, Elevate Textiles wants to highlight its commitment to a low-carbon future for the textile industry. We are proud to be the only sewing thread manufacturer to participate in the charter.