Gildan Releases its 2013 Web-Based Corporate Citizenship Report

On June 5, 2014, Gildan Activewear Inc. announced it has released an updated version of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) website, GenuineGildan.com, presenting the company's CSR programs and achievements for the 2013 fiscal year.

"At Gildan, we care greatly about our employees, the environment, our communities and the products we manufacture. These four pillars are the core of our corporate citizenship philosophy and guide our daily actions and operations," said Glenn Chamandy, president and chief executive officer.

Gildan is committed to industry-leading working conditions for all of its approximately 39,000 employees. In 2013, it offered close to 1.39 million hours of training and provided more than 90,000 instances of medical attention free of charge to employees at its fully equipped medical clinics in its manufacturing hubs. Services offered at the clinics cover any health issues employees may have and include routine health checks, vaccination programs and pre-natal health care.

During 2013 a total of 228 internal and external audits were performed at the company's owned facilities and at third-party contractor facilities, supporting Gildan's genuine commitment to the highest standards of labor practices and working conditions.

On the environmental front, 2013 was also marked by strong accomplishments. "Gildan has achieved, two years ahead of schedule, both its greenhouse gas emissions and waste reduction goals. Since 2010, it has reduced greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 32 percent, and decreased by 25 percent waste sent to landfill," said Benito Masi, executive vice president, manufacturing. In 2013, 52 percent of Gildan's total energy was powered from renewable sources, compared to 36 percent in 2012.

Gildan also continued to play an active role in the community, investing in educational activities and infrastructure, with a special focus on the regions in which it operates. Examples include the inauguration of a new technical program at the high school-level for the Guerra community in the Dominican Republic, as well as major repairs at one of the elementary schools supported by Gildan in Nicaragua.