As a true manufacturer, we perform every step in the process from raw fibre to finished garments within our own factories. We apply a rigorous "Gildan quality system" throughout our operations, so you can rest assured that Gildan will consistently deliver the best quality, highest value products available.

Our state of the art facilities, located in Central America and the Caribbean, are models of efficiency and cutting edge technology. Never satisfied with the status quo, we continue to invest more in new plants and equipment than any other manufacturer in our industry.

Product safety is also an increasingly important benefit of operating our own factories. We apply a stringent Environmental Management System that controls every chemical and dye we use in the process. All our products carry the Oeko Tex Standard 100 certification, your guarantee that no harmful chemicals or materials are to be found in our products. We purchase only 100% USA cotton, sustainably grown and ethically harvested, and encourage all manufacturers to participate actively in the various supply chain transparency initiatives now commonly requested by forward thinking customers.

Environmental sustainability

Owning and operating our facilities also provides a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to influence the total environmental impact of our operations.  Gildan have developed some of the industry's most innovative eco-friendly manufacturing processes and the benefits of these are found in every garment we make. 

Our BIOTOP wastewater treatment system uses gravity and microorganisms to virtually eliminate all dyes and chemicals. The wastewater flows from the textile plant through a series of lagoons where pH is naturally stabilized, using bacteria to ensure chemical degradation and the removal of particles. 

Through this process we are also able to create a safe habitat for local wildlife and provide local agribusinesses much needed reclaimed water for irrigation.

We have implemented a proprietary brine recovery system where we capture and recycle the salty solution as it exits the factories, thus reducing our consumption of salt by substantial amounts. Our energy recovery systems capture steam and heat and apply these in downstream manufacturing applications.

Labour practices

Gildan products are all produced under a strict code of Conduct. We are the world's only basic apparel manufacturer to have achieved accreditation by the Fair Labour Association of our labour compliance program. 

This is our promise that our products are made in ethically sound and safe facilities. Our CEO says it best: "Gildan's commitment to being a leader in our industry in corporate citizenship continues to be an integral part of our overall business strategy. We take pride in providing our approximately 20,000 workers in all of our facilities with modern and safe working environments and a code of conduct that is respectful and progressive. "

Gildan have committed to sustainable development where we operate. Aside from direct investments, we donate generously to youth education and humanitarian aid projects, as exemplified by our spearheading the Central American Polytechnic Institute where we continue to be committed to our role as lead sponsor of the Instituto Politecnico Centroamericano (IPC) in Honduras, which trains and develops future managers for the apparel and other industries in Honduras. We are strong believers in the mission of the school and its important role in the economic development of Honduras.

Governance

In November 2008 Gildan were placed first in the annual corporate governance ranking of Canadian public corporations, published by The Globe and Mail. Out of the 180 public corporations included in the TSX/S&P Composite Index in Canada. Gildan achieved a score of 98 out of a possible 100. Gildan were also recently rated as one of Canada's Top 50 most socially responsible companies by Janzi Research and MacLean's magazines annual survey.

Visit www.gildancsr.com for more details on all our initiatives. We encourage you to read our Corporate Citizenship Report and find out more about why we truly are one of the world's leading apparel manufacturers.

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