SUSTAINABILITY AT ESQUEL

Sustainability is grounded in our core values and forms an integral part of Esquel’s corporate culture, an ethos shared by our stakeholders. By embracing the four pillars of our sustainability framework ─ Planet, People, Product, and Community ─ we prioritize the reduction of our environmental impact, while also investing in the growth, development and well-being of our staff and surrounding communities.

We do not just make shirts, we are "Making a Difference", a vision that is reflected in our corporate vision and commitment. To see how we are taking action to transform our industry and protect our world, watch our film Transforming Lives in the Textile and Apparel Industry - Esquel Group Advances the SDGs.

For more information about sustainability at Esquel, please click here for the 2018 update; and here for 2014-2017 updates.

PLANET

As a vertically integrated manufacturer, we tackle some of the most pressing issues along our supply chain concerning energy consumption, water consumption, air quality, chemicals and waste management. We cultivate cotton using sustainable techniques; advance renewable energy sources; invest in wastewater treatment infrastructure; develop methods to increase material utilization; and explore the use of non-polluting natural dyes.

Esquel has taken great strides in reducing our energy usage through progressive application of energy-efficient technologies, as well as machinery and equipment upgrades. From 2005-2019, we reduced our energy consumption per unit of production by 48%. Our persistence to continuously improve is reflected in our year-on-year progress.

Esquel does not hold back in advocating an environmental agenda we know to be right. As an early mover, we have actively applied technologies and invested in infrastructure to sustain water resources and mitigate water hazards in communities we operate in. We built and maintain one of the largest wastewater treatment plants in China's textile industry at our main complex in Guangdong province. From 2005-2019, we reduced our water consumption per unit of production by 66% and continue to research and develop innovative water management techniques.

PEOPLE

Our people are our greatest asset and we strive to provide the best-in-class working conditions. Our Workplace Code of Conduct sets out our commitment to reasonable working hours, ample vacation time, and competitive compensation packages.

We provide a safe and healthy environment to ensure our employees live a full and happy life with their families. All Esquel factories undergo stringent safety inspections biannually, while maintaining an Environmental Health and Safety Committee and conducting regular audits.

For more information about our People Strategy, please click here.

PRODUCT

We devote substantial effort to minimize our impact on the environment, from seed to shirt. By implementing innovative solutions and partnering with stakeholders, we strive to be a green player along the entire supply chain. Driving product innovation, Esquel develops products mindful of the environment including ethically source natural resources, recycle post-consumer materials, and reduce harmful chemicals.

Responsible farming
Since the 1990s, Esquel has operated a cotton farm in Xinjiang to supply quality raw materials while adopting sustainable practices, such as proper water controls, drip irrigation and the reduced use of chemicals.

Optimal productivity
We closely examine opportunities in process automation and lean manufacturing. In line with our desire to upgrade and transform, we adopt a people-plus-technology approach to optimize productivity, offering parallel training to workers for multi-skill development and technical proficiency, ensuring that the workflow is enhanced.

COMMUNITY

When our communities thrive, we thrive. From our earliest days, Esquel has embraced the deep relationship between business and society and has continuously worked to further strengthen this bond of trust and cooperation.

Esquel is committed to developing a long-term strategic involvement in all the places where we operate. Through the creation of the Esquel-Y.L Yang Education Foundation in 2003, Esquel has worked in partnership to leverage our resources to contribute to the growth and development of local communities.

Guided by its mission to "Encourage the Spirit of Learning", the Foundation aims to identify the most pressing issues and creates robust programs in the areas of education, healthcare, disaster relief, women's empowerment and cultural heritage. Free vision screening tests have been provided to over 8,000 students since 2012, and thanks to our Hongzhi Students Program, we have sponsored over 580 secondary students since 2007.

At Esquel, we prioritize the development of a caring and inclusive society. We focus on improving the personal well-being of local people, as well as having an effective impact on the livelihoods of the communities and ecosystems around us.

INTEGRAL

Searching for a new development model, Integral is a Sustainable Development Garden that inspires us to rethink and transform manufacturing. It demonstrates a pioneering development model in the textile and apparel industry, where manufacturing facilities and the natural environment coexist in perfect harmony. At Integral, the facilities are built to achieve low carbon emissions and higher energy efficiency.

Combining modern technologies, quality employment, innovation and environmental sustainability, Integral represents the factory of the future. It embodies Esquel taking the initiative to lead the industry into a new era of sustainable development.

INTEGRAL CONVERSATION

Integral Conversation is an annual conference to exchange views on how we can achieve economic development in harmony with the environment and society.

This conference brings together thought leaders and experts from different fields to discuss development models that advance economic growth while respecting the planet, its people and communities.

For more information about Integral Conversation, please click here.