Calvin Klein
At Wedge, we have gathered and analyzed the following information on Calvin Klein to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of its sustainability efforts.
As you may know Clavin Klein is a part of the PVH corporation which is an American multinational clothing company headquartered in Manhattan, New York City. The company owns and markets a portfolio of lifestyle brands, including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, Arrow, Warner's, Olga, and True & Co.
Carbon Emissions: Â
Calvin Klein has a goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. In 2021, the company's CO2 intensity was 1.2 kg CO2e/€1000 revenue, which is lower than the average for the apparel industry.
PVH, the parent company, has committed to a 30% reduction in supply chain emissions by 2030. This shows a clear commitment to reducing their carbon footprint.
Labor Practices:
Calvin Klein's commitment to ethical labor practices lacks: a public commitment, an action plan and separate labor costs. Living wage paid rating of 1/5.
For more details, visit the brand's Fashion Checker page.
Renewable Energy Sources:
PVH has committed to using 100% renewable energy in owned and operated facilities by 2030.
In 2021, the company used 53% renewable energy. Calvin Klein is working to increase its use of renewable energy by investing in solar and wind projects.
Transparency: Calvin Klein's Fashion Transparency Index score is 56.3- higher than average. The index assesses brands' transparency regarding their social and environmental policies. For more information, visit the Fashion Revolution website.
Sustainable Materials:
Calvin Klein aims to source 100% sustainable cotton and viscose by 2025, and polyester by 2030. In 2021, 44% of materials were sustainable, up from 41% in 2020. The use of sustainable viscose increased from 16% to 25% between 2020 and 2021, and sustainable polyester from 16% to 28%. Sustainable cotton use also increased from 53% to 54%.
The brand is committed to using 100% responsible wool by 2025, with 10% sustainably sourced in 2021, up from 4% in 2020. They have an Animal Welfare Policy to eliminate or find alternatives for materials of concern.
In terms of emissions, conventional cotton processing emits the highest percentage of the brand's materials’ carbon emissions, but they expect this to decrease as they adopt more sustainable cotton sources.
Animal Welfare:
Calvin Klein has policies in place for sourcing animal-derived materials, adhering to the "Five Freedoms" concept by the World Organization for Animal Health. However, the effectiveness of these policies in practice could be more transparent.
While they've prohibited the use of angora and animal fur, the enforcement and monitoring of these bans are not explicitly detailed. Their commitment to sourcing 100% sustainable wool by 2025 is commendable, but the progress towards this goal is unclear.
Their opposition to mulesing and ban on mohair are positive steps, but the absence of a clear timeline for eliminating wool from mulesed sheep raises concerns.
The requirement for down and feathers to be from non-live-plucked or non-force-fed birds and certified by the Textile Exchange’s Responsible Down Standard is a good policy, but again, the enforcement and monitoring mechanisms could be more transparent.
Waste Management:
Calvin Klein is committed to zero waste and reducing product waste. They're exploring alternative packaging materials, diverting waste from facilities, and promoting recycling.
In North America, shopping bags are now 100% recyclable and compostable. They've also tested sustainable hangers made from recycled content.
37% of PVH’s total paper packaging weight is recycled. In 2021, they introduced plastic-free packaging for a collaboration and transitioned men’s underwear boxes from plastic to paper, eliminating 650,000 pounds of plastic.
Their goal is zero waste and elimination of single-use plastics in all PVH facilities by 2030. In 2021, 63% of PVH’s on-product packaging was paper-based, with 37% made of recycled materials.
In terms of waste, Calvin Klein generated a total of 63,910 metric tons of waste. Of this, approximately 43% (27,481 metric tons) ended up in landfills, while the remaining 57% (36,429 metric tons) were recycled. They plan to conduct a waste baseline in Europe in 2022 and continue exploring ways to reduce waste, including partnering with Fashion for Good.
2nd-hand Services:
While some brands have started to embrace the circular economy by offering take-back programs or partnering with second-hand retailers, it appears Calvin Klein has not yet implemented such measures. This could be an area of improvement for the brand in terms of sustainability and reducing waste.
Warranty:
Return Policy: Calvin Klein offers a 120-day return policy for online orders. Items must be returned in the original condition, with all tags attached. Perfumes and make-up must be returned in their original sealed packaging. Swimwear, panties, and boxers must be returned unopened, unworn, and still in the original packaging.
Return Process: To return an item, you can either mail it back to Calvin Klein or return it to a participating store. If you mail it back, you will need to print out a return label and attach it to the package. If you return it to a store, you will need to bring your order confirmation number with you.
Refunds: Refunds will be processed within 15 business days of receiving the returned item. The refund will be made to the same method of payment that was used to make the original purchase.
Here are some additional details about Calvin Klein's warranty policy:
Exchanges: Calvin Klein does not offer exchanges at this time. If you would like to exchange an item, you will need to return it and place a new order.
Shipping costs: Shipping costs are not refundable.
Damaged or defective items: If you receive an item that is damaged or defective, you can return it to Calvin Klein for a full refund.
I hope this summary is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Offsetting Carbon:
Carbon offsetting is the process of compensating for greenhouse gas emissions by investing in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
There is no dedicated caron removal project done by PVH or Calvin Klein but, Calvin Klein, under PVH Corp, supports environmental initiatives via The PVH Foundation. They've joined the Americares Emergency Response Partner Program and provided $200,000 in emergency funding for COVID-19 relief. The foundation has given cash grants of $5,177,448 and in-kind donations of $17,723,468. Save the Children is their largest beneficiary. PVH encourages volunteerism, resulting in 1,560 volunteer hours. These efforts demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
Calvin Klein surpasses the average score in 3/10 sustainability parameters we evaluate.
