Climate Change Data

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Environment
• Social
• Governance

Environmental Achievements

• Reduced GHG emissions from 3,997 tCO2e in 2019/20 to 2,436 tCO2e in 2020.
• Launched Cradle to Cradle® Collection with more than 20 Gold certified styles.
• Used FSC®-certified cardboard for half of all packaging from the 2020 summer collection onwards.
• Became the world’s first manufacturer of tights to be a bluesign® system partner.

Social Achievements

• Established a Corona Taskforce to minimize infection risks and implemented a hygiene concept.
• Created a virtual “sales academy” for sales personnel.
• Maintained a high proportion of women in the workforce (83%).
• Ranked third in Austria's BCG Gender Diversity Index 2020.

Governance Achievements

• Adherence to the Austrian Corporate Governance Code since 2002/03.
• Implementation of the Market Abuse Regulation.
• Appointment of a Compliance Officer and a Deputy Compliance Officer.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• COVID-19 pandemic impacting supplier visits and operations.
• Capacity shortages hindering implementation of long-term energy efficiency measures.
• Potential risks related to production operations in Bregenz (wastewater, emissions).

Mitigation Strategies

• Implemented comprehensive precautionary measures to protect employee health (Covid-19).
• Continuous monitoring and evaluation of production facilities in Bregenz and Murska Sobota.
• Systematic reporting and documentation of near-accidents, resulting in follow-up workplace inspections.
• Long-term wastewater agreement with ARA Bregenz.

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Not disclosed

Responsible Procurement

• Code of Conduct of the German Textile Association
• STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®
• REACH regulation

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Not disclosed

Transition Risks

• Not disclosed

Opportunities

• Not disclosed

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI Core

Certifications: bluesign®, Cradle to Cradle Certified™ (Gold)

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Not disclosed

Not disclosed

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Cradle to Cradle® Collection
• Aurora 70 Tights

Awards & Recognition

• Cradle to Cradle Certified™ (Gold)

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Environment
• Social
• Governance

Environmental Achievements

• Launched 59 Cradle to Cradle® Gold-certified styles.
• Aims to offer 100% mulesing-free wool from 2024.
• Aims to make 50% of products recyclable by 2025.

Social Achievements

• Maintained a high proportion of female employees (around 85%).
• Implemented comprehensive precautionary measures to protect employee health.
• Consistently implemented all governmental regulations relating to Covid-19.

Governance Achievements

• Adherence to the Austrian Corporate Governance Code.
• Issued Group Guidelines with an internal Code of Conduct.
• Appointed a certified data protection officer.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Supply chain disruptions due to global trade.
• Potential risks for people and the environment associated with manufacturing activities in Bregenz.
• High employee turnover rate at the Bregenz site due to restructuring measures.

Mitigation Strategies

• Focus on longstanding partnerships with European suppliers.
• Extensive safety precautions taken in Bregenz.
• Continuous improvement of working conditions and dialogue with the Works Council.

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Regular visits to production facilities; Code of Conduct signed by all suppliers.

Responsible Procurement

• Wolford Code of Conduct
• Oeko-Tex 100 certification
• Made in Europe claim

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Not disclosed

Transition Risks

• Not disclosed

Opportunities

• Not disclosed

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI Standards

Certifications: bluesign®, Cradle to Cradle®

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 7 (Affordable and clean energy)
• Goal 12 (Responsible consumption and production)
• Goal 3 (Good health and well-being)
• Goal 10 (Reduced inequalities)

Wolford's initiatives contribute to these goals through energy efficiency improvements, sustainable material use, employee well-being programs, and fair labor practices.

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Cradle to Cradle® certified products

Awards & Recognition

• Not disclosed

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Sustainability
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Circular Economy

Environmental Achievements

• Achieved bluesign® approved status for all legwear products knitted and dyed on a cotton and polyamide basis for the Essential collection.
• 90% of suppliers are located in Europe, ensuring short transportation routes.
• All suppliers comply with the Code of Conduct of the German textile and fashion industry, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, and the EU’s REACH Regulation.
• Introduced biodegradable sweaters, T-shirts, and leggings.
• Achieved Cradle to Cradle Certified™ (Gold) award for fully recyclable fashion items.
• Launched Aurora 70, the first recyclable tights on the market.
• Aims for 50% of all Wolford products to be recyclable by 2025.

Social Achievements

• Introduced regular feedback sessions with apprentices.
• Focus on fair pay, flexible working time models, and work-life balance.
• Offers a canteen and in-house restaurant at the Bregenz headquarters and a restaurant ticket system in Milan.
• Introduced training initiatives for store employees through the new Sales Excellence department.
• Maintains an ongoing exchange with the members of the Works Council.
• Attractive part-time schemes are offered to mothers returning from maternity leave.

Governance Achievements

• Commitment to the Austrian Corporate Governance Code.
• Implementation of the Market Abuse Regulation issued by the European Union.
• Systematic risk management system.
• Annual evaluation of compliance with the Corporate Governance Code.
• Independent Audit Committee.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Cost increases and supply chain disruptions.
• Liquidity shortfalls.
• Geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures.
• Decreased demand due to unexpected adverse weather conditions.
• Fragile global market influenced by conflicts and economic challenges.
• Outdated IT systems.
• High consultancy costs and marketing expenses in the first half of 2023.
• Increased impairments on right of use assets in the USA.

Mitigation Strategies

• Strategic restructuring efforts to reduce costs.
• Restructuring of the Management Board.
• Diversification by focusing on wholesale and online business.
• Optimization of the supply chain to enhance time-to-market and gross margin, reduce working capital and agility.
• Intensified monitoring of liquidity.
• Initiatives to reduce working capital.
• Constant exchange with stakeholders and examination of external financing opportunities.
• Standardization of the IT landscape through the company-wide introduction of ERP standard software.
• Disciplined cash flow planning process.

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: All suppliers comply with the Code of Conduct of the German textile and fashion industry, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, and the EU’s REACH Regulation.

Responsible Procurement

• Code of Conduct of the German textile and fashion industry
• STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®
• EU’s REACH Regulation

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

• Unforeseen weather conditions

Transition Risks

• Limited availability of raw materials due to climatic influences
• Stricter requirements for energy savings

Opportunities

• Development of recyclable, sustainable products

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: IFRS

Certifications: bluesign®, Cradle to Cradle Certified™ (Gold)

Third-party Assurance: Grant Thornton Austria GmbH

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Biodegradable sweaters, T-shirts, and leggings
• Recyclable tights (Aurora 70)
• Yarn made of car tires
• Three-color-knitting technology
• Bodies made of 100% wool without elastane

Awards & Recognition

• Cradle to Cradle Certified™ (Gold)