Apparel manufacturer Crystal International has joined global non-profit Textile Exchange as a Partner Member. The collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of responsible materials and sustainable production systems across the textile industry.
The collaboration connects one of the world’s largest apparel manufacturers, which produces six categories of clothing, including sportswear, with a powerful global standard-setter. The joint effort is designed to drive systemic change in the materials supply chain and make Textile Exchange’s preferred alternatives the industry default. Crystal International operates more than 20 production facilities in five countries.
Textile Exchange launched its Climate+ goal in 2019, targeting a 45 percent reduction in GHG emissions related to material production by 2030 from a 2019 baseline. This is necessary to keep the industry aligned with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C pathway. To reach the goal, the industry needs to focus on three areas: material substitution, closing the innovation gap and slowing growth.
What they are saying
Catherine Chiu, Vice President of Corporate Quality and Sustainability at Crystal International, noted the value of pooling resources: “Combining the available tools established by Textile Exchange with our own expertise, we aspire to connect with pioneers and innovators within the driven community to co-develop more nature-friendly fashion products.”
The bottom line
Partnerships between major manufacturers and global non-profits are crucial. Industry efforts are currently off-track to meet the required 45 percent emissions-reduction target by 2030, so this high-level commitment is urgent.
About Crystal International
- Global leader in apparel manufacturing
- Founded in Hong Kong in 1970
- Employs a global workforce of approximately 79,000 people
- Operates more than 20 production facilities in five countries: Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
- Delivers more than 470 million items of apparel annually to best-in-class brands worldwide
- Has a diversified product portfolio, with lifestyle wear, sportswear and outdoor apparel; denims, intimates, and sweaters
- Reported $2.18 billion in revenue for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023
- Committed to its Crystal Sustainability Vision 2030 and a long-term Net Zero 2050 Vision
- Installed 20 MW of total rooftop solar photovoltaic capacity as of 2024, increasing renewable energy use in all facilities
