Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Athleta announced today it has earned B Corp Certification from the nonprofit B Lab, becoming one of the largest apparel companies in the world to certify as B Corp. B Corp Certification requires a holistic review of a business’ social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency, and is based on a vision of creating a community of for-profit companies committed to redefining success in business.
“We believe with Athleta’s growth, comes even greater responsibility to lead as a force for good,” said Athleta CEO and President Nancy Green. ”Athleta has been at the forefront of empowering and celebrating women for two decades; this B Corp Certification accelerates our course forward as a purpose-driven brand, honoring our mission to ignite a community of healthy, confident, active women and girls; and cementing our commitment to environmental sustainability.”
Athleta’s Power of She campaign and brand experience celebrate inclusivity and the power of women and girls uplifting one another. Through the Gap Inc. P.A.C.E. program and Fair Trade U.S.A., the brand supports programs directly impacting the lives of the majority-female workers creating its apparel. Additionally, 40% of Athleta apparel is made of recycled and sustainable materials, tracking to its goal of 80% by 2020. Athleta also offers thousands of free fitness and wellness events each year and in 2017 supported nearly 10,000 hours of employee volunteering in the community. Click here to learn more about Athleta’s values.
“We are thrilled to welcome Athleta into the global family of Certified B Corporations not just for its commitments to positive impact at the company, but also its dedication to empowering people around the world to use business as a force for good. They’re paving the way for the rest of the apparel industry to follow,” said Andy Fyfe, Senior Growth at B Lab.
As part of its B Corp Certification, Athleta’s corporate charter has been amended to update its purpose to include ‘creating positive social and environmental impact, taken as a whole, through the products we offer, the treatment of our employees, customers, suppliers, and partners, the marketing of our products and brand, and our engagement with the broader community.’
“By Athleta becoming a benefit corporation, it has created a legal commitment to people and the planet. There is a growing impatience with old ways of doing business, and by joining the thousands of benefit corporations formed to date, Athleta is changing the game,” added Fyfe.
Don’t miss out on the latest Gap Inc. news! Sign-up to get email alerts about news on Gap Inc. and our brands.