RALPH LAUREN SETS NEW SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
Ralph Lauren Corporation unveiled its renewed strategy on Global Citizenship & Sustainability as part of its fiscal year 2019 report on Wednesday.
The strategy, called “Design the Change”, is both a commitment and a journey to accelerate the company’s work across citizenship and sustainability and includes a new set of goals that bring clarity and focus to how Ralph Lauren will deliver the change required to create a better future. As part of its commitment, the company also announced it has signed onto the United Nations Global Compact, joining other companies across industries to implement universal sustainability principles and to take steps to support UN goals.
Design the Change is led by senior leadership, with strong governance in place. The Ralph Lauren Corporation board of directors has expanded the responsibilities of the company’s nominating and governance committee to include oversight of environmental and social risks and opportunities; the company formed a senior steering team made up of members of the global leadership team; and the company recently appointed its first chief sustainability officer, Halide Alagöz, who also serves as the company’s chief supply chain officer.
Design the Change is focused on three areas where Ralph Lauren can create the greatest positive impact: creating timeless style, protecting the environment, and championing better lives. Its foundation is 16 ambitious goals that will guide the company’s work across each of these areas.
“When Ralph founded our company more than 50 years ago, he did so with the conviction that whatever we create is meant to be worn, loved and passed on for generations,” said Patrice Louvet, president and CEO of Ralph Lauren Corporation. “This philosophy is deeply embedded in our culture, our brands and our purpose–to inspire the dream of a better life through authenticity and timeless style. It also inspires Design the Change, a strategy that will accelerate our efforts to create a positive impact in society and a more sustainable future.”