High street retailer New Look has released an update on its sustainability strategy launched in 2022.
- The company has received approval from the Science Based Targets Initiative for its emission targets, aligning with the 1.5°C pathway.
- New Look has achieved a 22% reduction in direct and indirect emissions since 2022, exceeding its near-term goals.
- The retailer’s carbon and water footprints have decreased by 48% and 47% respectively since 2019.
- New partnerships and initiatives have been formed to enhance business responsibility, product sustainability, and community impact.
New Look, a prominent high street retailer, has announced significant strides in sustainability with updates to its strategy first introduced in 2022. The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI) has approved New Look’s emission reduction targets, which are aligned with the 1.5°C pathway, meaning the company is committed to limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2050.
The company has reported a 22% reduction in scope 1 (direct) and scope 2 (indirect) emissions since 2022, indicating promising progress towards exceeding its near-term objectives. Additionally, there has been a 12% overall decrease in carbon emissions and an 11% reduction in scope 3 emissions, which encompass indirect emissions not directly controlled by New Look.
Since 2019, New Look has achieved considerable reductions in its environmental impact, including a 48% decrease in carbon footprints and a 47% decrease in water footprints, which underscores its ongoing commitment to sustainable practices.
In its efforts to increase sustainability, New Look has introduced partnerships with organisations such as Neighbourly and the Industrial Global Union to support local charities and ensure fair wages for Cambodian workers. Furthermore, initiatives have been introduced across four key pillars: business responsibility, product sustainability, inclusive culture, and community impact.
Spearheading responsible business practices, New Look partners with The International Transport Workers Federation to tackle issues like gender-based violence and modern slavery within its value chain, complemented by the appointment of a human rights manager.
The retailer is also advancing product sustainability, with 77% of its clothing now possessing at least one attribute that reduces environmental impact. Collaborations with the Leeds Institute of Textile and Colour aim to extend product life, and contributions to a White Paper at the UKFT Sustainability Conference underline its commitment.
Inclusivity and community impact are also at the forefront, with the creation of inclusion and well-being ally groups comprising over 150 members. Employees and customers collectively donated over £350,000 to charity last year, with local store teams contributing significant amounts to nearby causes.
Sue Fairley, head of sustainability at New Look, highlighted the achievement of the company’s Science-Based Targets as a pivotal milestone, expressing determination to meet future goals and drive sustainable operations.
The approving of New Look’s emission targets and significant reductions in environmental impacts signify a robust advancement in its sustainability efforts.
