How Uniqlo Malaysia Is Stepping Up Sustainability Efforts
The fast fashion company is amping up its efforts in both the manufacturing process as well as contributions to society.
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Although fashion is generally thought to be wasteful and damaging to the environment, Japanese brand Uniqlo has been working towards their sustainability goals for over 20 years, and are planning to up the ante even more to meet their sustainability goals by 2030.
This of course also applies to Uniqlo Malaysia, which has already has key sustaibility programmes in place.
As one of the leading global apparel companies, we see it as our duty to proactively respond to society’s needs and help resolve pressing environmental and social issues.
CEO of Uniqlo Malaysia & Singapore, Yuki Yamada
As such, their two-pronged approach includes making good clothes that are better for the environment and society.
Sustainable manufacturing of clothing
The first key initiative is to make good clothes that are better for the environment.
This is done through reducing greenhouse gas emissions from electricity at all stores and offices, with the use of renewable energy certificates and switching to LED lighting. They also target that 100% of carbon emission from electricity will be offset by 2023.
(Credit: TRP)
They are also finding creative ways to use recycled materials in their products, mainly through using recycled material, and even upcycling denim cut-offs as coin pouches. In fact, the 2022 Spring/Summer collection will be made with 15% polyester from recycled PET bottles.
The brand is also working towards zero waste by reducing plastic, paper, and clothing waste. This includes reducing material used for deliveries, switching to friendlier items such as paper bags, as well as recycling and upcycling fabric material and clothing.
(Credit: Uniqlo Malaysia)
Not only that, they also contribute to WWF-Malaysia to support marine conservation and biodiversity protection efforts.
Being good for the people and society
Their sustainability plans extend past just the manufacturing process and includes giving back to the community and society as well.
In recent years, they have donated Uniqlo products to frontliners during the Covid-19 pandemic, to victims of the Klang Valley floods, to the homeless and B40 population, to girls and women facing period poverty, to patients facing heart surgery, and also people with disabilities.
(Credit: Uniqlo Malaysia)
They also recently committed to promote a more diverse and inclusive culture within the company structure, aiming to encourage more female leadership and empowerment, as well as making sure People with Disabilities (PWD) are given a fair chance to succeed in their career.
Further information on Uniqlo’s parent company Fast Retailing’s 2030 sustainable targets and action plan can be seen here, while more information about Uniqlo Sustainability can be seen here.
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