Global Fashion Group worldwide operations hit carbon neutrality

Global Fashion Group has achieved carbon neutrality across its operations in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the CIS.

The group now uses 100 per cent renewable energy across its nine fulfilment centres across the globe, used by subsidiary businesses such as The Iconic and Zalora, while offsetting any carbon generated by purchasing high quality carbon credits from renewable energy projects across China, India and Brazil.

Australia’s The Iconic led the way in getting the business off the grid, shifting its own operations to a renewable energy provider in 2020, while fulfilment centres in other parts of the world purchased Renewable Energy Certificates to offset their own operations.

“We’re incredible proud to have achieved this sustainability milestone as a global group and consequently be the first major ANZ multi-brand fashion, sports and lifestyle retailer to claim carbon neutrality in our own operations,” said The Iconic chief executive Erica Berchtold.

“Being a responsible corporate citizen is integral to who we are and to be part of a group equally committed to pioneering environment progress adds significant impact to achieving a more sustainable future for not only The Iconic, but our broader ANZ retail ecosystem.”

GFG’s chief sustainability officer Jaana Quaintance-James said the announcement is the business’ way of celebrating World Environment Day, which takes place tomorrow, Saturday 5 June.

“We have reached an inflection point as a global community whereby the impetus for the transition to a low carbon economy is undeniable,” Quaintance-James said.

“We recognise there is much work ahead of us to reduce our footprint and therefore formalising our carbon mitigation strategy is an important step to support our transition. While the purchase of offsets and renewable energy certificates will not distract us from true reduction efforts, they mark an important milestone in GFG’s journey.”

Zalora chief executive Gunjan Soni said the business is proud to be a sustainable leader in Southeast Asia, and that this announcement sets a precedent to what is possible and responsible for businesses.

“We are so proud to be a part of a group that recognises the importance of our role in helping to fight the climate crisis together,” Soni said.

“As the leading fashion and lifestyle e-commerce player that serves millions of shoppers across Southeast Asia, we recognise the importance of shaping a sustainable fashion ecosystem in the region.”

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