Counselor Top 40 supplier Gildan (asi/56842) has increased the amount of sustainable cotton it sources from 35.7% in 2023 to 77.3% in 2024. That’s just one of the many insights the Montreal-headquartered company shared in its 21st environmental, social and governance (ESG) report.

“Over the years, ESG, which is one of three pillars of our Gildan Sustainable Growth (GSG) strategy, has been foundational to support our low-cost manufacturing operations, unlocking innovative business solutions and our ability to meet changing customer and consumer needs,” said Glenn Chamandy, president and CEO of Gildan. “Just as importantly, it has also helped us to attract and retain an engaged, experienced and highly skilled workforce, and maintain the trust and support of the communities in which we operate. Together with our roughly 50,000 employees, we are committed to continue making apparel with respect.”

Gildan recently published its 21st ESG report.

Gildan notes in its report that it defines “sustainable cotton” as fiber that’s provided through third-party-verified programs that support environmental and/or social sustainability improvements or outcomes, including verified U.S.-grown cotton (USCTP), Better Cotton (formerly BCI), organic cotton, recycled or regenerative cotton and fair-trade cotton. 

Other achievements highlighted in its latest report include a reduction in water intensity at its operated manufacturing facilities by 25.2% per kilogram produced, compared to a 2018 baseline. The reductions were achieved by leveraging innovative technology and proprietary processes, according to Gildan.

Plus, the company doubled the percentage of recycled polyester and alternative fibers sourced from 2023 to 2024. In addition, Gildan achieved ISO 45001 – the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems – in two facilities last year, bringing the total number of certified facilities to five.

Gildan also received a number of awards for its ESG practices. The apparel supplier was included on the Dow Jones Best-in-Class North America Index (formerly known as the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index), marking its 12th consecutive year of inclusion. It was included in the 2025 Sustainability Yearbook by S&P Global for the 13th consecutive year. Gildan was listed in CDP’s Leadership band in 2025 for its 2024 climate change disclosure, marking the fifth time that the company achieved such recognition. It was named in the inaugural edition of Time’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies list. It was also recognized as one of Canada’s Best 50 Corporate Citizens by Corporate Knights for the third consecutive year.

Based on estimated North American promotional product industry revenue of $739.3 million, Gildan ranked fourth on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the promo market.

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