Close
Search
Menu Menu
[gtranslate]

Levi’s net-zero action plan gets scientists’ seal of approval

Credit: Unsplash
By
London, UK
0 comments
0 comments

In efforts to cut company emissions and pollution by 2050, the denim brand Levi Strauss & Co. has announced its new climate transition plan detailing its road to net-zero.

It’s no secret that the fashion industry is now one of the world’s most unsustainable, with textile waste, pollution, and greenwashing all being unfortunately common practices.

Consumers have become more conscious of how their environmental impact is impacted by their shopping choices, pressuring fashion companies to improve their sustainability credentials. As of 2025, around half of all apparel businesses have set sustainability targets.

At face value, this might seem like a positive shift in the right direction. However, the vast majority of net-zero targets set by major fashion brands are extremely ambiguous and lacking in necessary details.

Just in time for the new year, the bar has been raised by denim-giant Levi Strauss & Co., which just announced its comprehensive new plan to reach net-zero by 2050.

The plan to reduce its emissions — 3.7 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2023 – is earning the approval of key climate scientists, thanks to its multifaceted approach to addressing the company’s environmental impacts.

What does the plan look like?

Levi’s climate transition mission is comprised of three pillars. The company has stated that each of them were created using the knowledge of reputable scientists and shaped by feedback climate research facilities.

The first pillar looks to improve the company’s global operations by adopting renewable energy solutions and energy-efficient technology.Levi’s has committed to using 100 percent renewable electricity in all company-operated facilities by 2025.

The second is working with its hundreds of suppliers worldwide to invest in sustainable materials, promote sustainable cotton farming, and engage in other climate-positive partnership actions.

The third is integrating its climate transition plan across its entire business model with the help of climate experts and proactive policies.

The plan also includes short and long term goals that – when achieved – will help to reduce the company’s overall emissions, use renewable electricity, and reduce its use of freshwater during manufacturing. It aims to halve its freshwater use in manufacturing by 2025, the same year it reaches its renewable energy target.

 

Given that climate science data is always growing as our planet’s climate changes, Levi’s has committed to amending and updating its climate plan at least once every three years.

It has also agreed regularly report its sustainability progress related to climate, consumption, and community goals.

Speaking of the new climate plan, Michelle Gass, President and CEO at LS&Co said, ‘The urgency could not be more evident. Every day, it seems, we see or read about extreme weather events, massive fires, and smoke-filled skies, rising sea levels, climate related mass migration, ecosystem collapse and more.’

Gass also stated that Levi’s plan ‘isn’t foolproof’ which shows a willingness to alter and take new avenues to achieve net-zero if necessary.

Whether the iconic denim brand meets its targets remains to be seen, but it’s great to see such a huge and globally recognised company setting out a science-informed strategy to improve it sustainability credentials. Let’s hope others follow suit.

Senior Writer & Media Coordinator London, UK

I’m Jessica (She/Her). Originally from Bermuda, I moved to London to get a Master’s degree in Media & Communications and now write for Thred to spread the word about positive social change, specifically ocean health and marine conservation. You can also find me dipping my toes into other subjects like pop culture, health, wellness, style, and beauty.  Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

Popular

Keep up with thred by signing up to our planet-positive newsletter!

More from thred.

Indigenous craft is still being co-opted by the fashion industry
Credit: Mark Seliger
Fashion + Beauty

Indigenous craft is still being co-opted by the fashion industry

Actor Lily Gladstone has called out Valentino, the latest brand to copy Indigenous designers. Protecting these cultural crafts from the capitalist machine is a longstanding – and often exhausting – battle.  By now, it’s a familiar cycle: a fashion house unveils its latest collection, the press fawns, social media unearths its problematic roots, and the brand issues a half-hearted statement about inspiration versus appropriation. This week, it was Valentino’s turn under the microscope,...

By Brighton, UK
LFW ban on exotic animal skins criticised by experts
Credit: Pexels
Industry

LFW ban on exotic animal skins criticised by experts

Scientists from one of the world’s leading conservation bodies have condemned London Fashion Week’s decision, warning that it’s ill-informed and that exotic animal skins are often far more sustainable than alternatives such as leather and synthetic materials. Amid continued protests against the use of exotic skins (think snake, crocodile, and other reptile species) in fashion, many brands, celebrities, and designers have chosen to begin pivoting away from it. Years of animal...

By London, UK
Cosmetic vagina surgeries are hugely popular among Gen Z
Credit: Pexels
Fashion + Beauty

Cosmetic vagina surgeries are hugely popular among Gen Z

‘Designer vagina’ surgery is one of the fastest growing cosmetic procedures among young people worldwide. Recent research has uncovered that this is due to a lack of education and diverse representation. It’s never been easier to look at a vagina. In the digital age – unless parental controls are active – a quick dig through the less-regulated social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit will bombard users with a torrent of...

By London, UK
Accessibility