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Corporate Social Responsibility
News
3.20.2007 - 11:59pm ET
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Organic Cotton T-Shirts Debut at Gap
Introduction of Products Made From Sustainable Fibers Underscores Company's Commitment to Ethical Sourcing
(CSRwire) SAN FRANCISCO, CA - March 20, 2007 - A T-shirt that feels good to wear that
you can also feel good about? That's what more than 500 Gap stores in
North America are now offering with organic cotton T-shirts for men. The
shirts were introduced in response to growing customer demand and as part
of the company's commitment to finding innovative, socially responsible
ways to make its products.
In order to preserve the natural colors and qualities of the organic
cotton fiber, Gap's organic cotton T-shirts have not been chemically dyed
or bleached. Each shirt includes a hangtag that indicates it is made with
"100 percent organic cotton." Certified organic cotton is grown without
the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that are harmful to the
environment. The T-shirts come in three styles – crew-neck, v-neck and
tank – and retail for $16.50.
"Our customers have shown a real interest in responsibly produced
products," said Kindley Walsh Lawlor, senior director of strategic
planning and environmental affairs for Gap Inc. "We're always exploring
new ways to make our products, and we're excited to offer environmentally
sensitive items we think our customers will love."
Because most of Gap's clothes are made of cotton, a crop that can have a
significant environmental impact, the company joined the Better Cotton
Initiative (BCI) in 2005. BCI is a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at
promoting more sustainable cotton cultivation practices worldwide. BCI
encourages the adoption of better management practices in cotton
cultivation to achieve measurable reductions in key environmental impacts,
while improving social and economic benefits for cotton farmers worldwide.
Other members of the initiative include ICCO, Organic Exchange, WWF, and
the United Nations Environmental Programme, as well as other well-known
brands and retailers.
Gap hopes to introduce additional items made with organic cotton in coming
seasons.
About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is a leading international specialty retailer offering clothing,
accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies
under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Forth & Towne and Piperlime brand
names. Fiscal 2006 sales were $15.9 billion. Gap Inc. operates more than
3,100 stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France,
Ireland and Japan. In addition, Gap Inc. is expanding its international
presence with franchise agreements for Gap and Banana Republic in Asia and
the Middle East. For more information, please visit gapinc.com.
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