Greener Closet

Hanes

Last analyzed: 7/9/2026

Overall score
58/100

Summary

HanesBrands has demonstrated a commitment to sustainability through significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, increased use of renewable energy, and the establishment of science-based targets. The company has also made progress in areas such as water conservation and waste reduction. However, there are areas requiring further improvement, including sustainable material sourcing, circularity, and ethical labor practices. Enhanced transparency, third-party verification, and comprehensive strategies in these areas would strengthen HanesBrands' overall sustainability performance.

Categories

10 total

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
8/10

HanesBrands has made significant strides in energy efficiency and the adoption of renewable energy. The company has achieved a 53% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions since 2019 and has reached 59% renewable electricity usage. Additionally, HanesBrands has been recognized with the U.S. EPA Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award for its energy management practices. These accomplishments position the company as a leader in energy efficiency within the apparel industry.

Transparency and Traceability
7/10

HanesBrands demonstrates a commitment to transparency by publishing detailed sustainability reports and adhering to recognized reporting standards such as GRI, SASB, and TCFD. The company provides comprehensive data on its environmental and social performance, including greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and community impact. However, while these disclosures are commendable, there is limited evidence of third-party verification of the reported data, which could enhance credibility.

Water Conservation and Pollution Control
7/10

HanesBrands has achieved a 53% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions since 2019 and has made notable reductions in water use. The company has also set goals to reduce water use by 25% in its operations by 2030 and to align wastewater with Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) standards by 2025. These initiatives demonstrate a proactive approach to water conservation and pollution control, though ongoing efforts and transparent reporting will be essential to meet these targets.

Overall Carbon Footprint and Emissions
7/10

HanesBrands has achieved a 53% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions since 2019 and has set science-based targets approved by the SBTi. The company aims to achieve zero waste across its operations by 2025 and to use 100% renewable electricity by 2030. These initiatives reflect a strong commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. However, there is limited publicly available data on Scope 3 emissions, which are crucial for a comprehensive assessment of the company's overall carbon impact.

Certifications and Standards
6/10

HanesBrands has received approval for its science-based targets from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and earned A- scores from CDP for both Climate Change and Water Security. Additionally, the company has been recognized with the U.S. EPA Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award. While these achievements are notable, there is limited evidence of certifications related to labor practices or product sustainability standards, indicating room for improvement in these areas.

Waste Reduction and Sustainable Packaging
6/10

HanesBrands has made progress in waste reduction, with a goal to achieve zero waste across its operations by 2025. The company has also made notable reductions in packaging weight. However, there is limited detailed information on the specific strategies employed to achieve these goals or on the use of sustainable materials in packaging. Enhanced transparency and reporting in this area would provide a clearer picture of the company's efforts and achievements.

Sustainable Material Sourcing
5/10

HanesBrands has made efforts to incorporate recycled materials into its products, such as the EcoSmart™ line, which includes items made from recycled plastic bottles and recycled cotton. However, the company's overall use of sustainable materials appears limited, and there is a lack of comprehensive data on the proportion of sustainably sourced materials across its entire product range. This suggests that while steps have been taken, a more robust commitment to sustainable material sourcing is needed.

Ethical Labor Practices and Fair Wages
5/10

HanesBrands has established Global Standards for Suppliers (GSS) that require suppliers to adhere to high ethical standards, including compliance with labor laws and human rights. The company conducts initial and annual assessments of supplier facilities to ensure adherence to these standards. However, independent assessments, such as those by Good On You, have rated Hanes as 'Not good enough' in the 'People' category, indicating that there may be gaps in ensuring fair wages and ethical labor practices throughout the supply chain. This suggests that while policies are in place, their effectiveness and enforcement may require further improvement.

Circularity and Product Longevity
4/10

HanesBrands has introduced products like the EcoSmart™ line, which incorporates recycled materials, indicating steps toward circularity. However, there is limited evidence of comprehensive initiatives aimed at enhancing product longevity, facilitating recycling, or promoting circular economy principles across the company's entire product range. This suggests that while initial efforts have been made, a more robust and transparent approach to circularity is needed.

Animal Welfare and Cruelty-Free
3/10

HanesBrands primarily produces basic apparel items such as underwear, T-shirts, and socks, which typically do not involve animal-derived materials. However, there is limited publicly available information regarding the company's policies or commitments to animal welfare and cruelty-free practices. The absence of explicit policies or certifications in this area suggests that HanesBrands may not prioritize animal welfare in its sustainability strategy, leading to a lower score in this category.