The below message was distributed by CEO Steve Rendle to all VF associates on November 7, 2019. 

VF Associates –

This week, the President of the United States filed paperwork to officially withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, the 2015 landmark accord aimed at combating global climate change. 

Although it was expected, this is deeply disappointing. But at the same time, this decision has energized and inspired many individuals, organizations and companies – including VF – to reinforce our climate commitments and push even harder for clean energy solutions and policies.

Leaders lead by example, and that’s exactly what we will continue to do.

Our actions to reduce emissions across our global supply chain are meaningful and growing. We’ve committed to using 100 percent renewable energy at all owned and operated facilities worldwide by 2025. We are helping our third-party suppliers reduce their own emissions, and we are making changes in how we source materials and manufacture products to consistently become more energy efficient. Today, 50 percent of our distribution centers around the world are zero waste facilities, which also contributes to emissions reduction.

And, in early December – as part of the launch of our new Sustainability & Responsibility Report – we plan to announce our first-ever Science Based Targets, which puts us at the forefront of progressive climate action and accountability. 

In the fight against climate change, we know there’s strength in numbers. That’s why we actively engage with and fully support organizations around the world like the Businesses for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy, the Outdoor Industry Association and Protect Our Winters CEO Alliance, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Climate Solutions Working Group, and the World Resources Institute, to name a few. Also, VF is a signatory to the United Nations Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.

There’s no doubt: climate change is real. Its effects are already threatening our outdoor resources and landscapes as well as the livelihoods of millions of people globally. As a Purpose-led company, we will continue to lead by example and do our part in this important work, even if others choose to withdraw. 

We have a responsibility to protect the natural environments we all share and explore, and to ensure a sustainable future for the next generations.

Across VF and our brands, we remain committed to addressing climate change. You will hear more about our goals and actions soon.

Steve Rendle
Chairman, President & CEO