Banana Republic is an American retailer originally founded as a travel retailer, now specializing in the production of luxury clothing and accessories. It forms part of the Gap fashion corporation. In its 2021 collection, GRS certified Banana Republic's already attractive eco-friendly offer of collections added garments made from recycled materials such as nylon, wool, cashmere, and spandex. More handmade cellulosic fibers such as Tencel, lyocell, Lenzing, and ecovero were also be added. In its sustainable fashion strategy, Banana Republic set two major goals towards a sustainable future: to increase the use of sustainable fabrics and to reduce the impact on water by promoting cleaner chemicals. Since its inception, Banana Republic has recognized the importance of its fabrics when making any of its pieces. Currently, 87% of the cotton, 63% of the fibers, and 49% of the denim used in the brand's garments are sustainable, with the aspiration that by 2023, 100% of these materials will be sustainable. Along these lines, Banana Republic has a goal that by 2025, 50% of its products will use washing and dyeing methods that save at least 20% water compared to conventional methods, and use cleaner chemicals in the supply chain with the help of the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) committee of Gap Inc. To put these advances into numbers, Banana Republic has saved 13 million gallons of water and given a second life to 19 million plastic bottles, transforming them into responsible fashion garments. The brand's new recyclable garments can be found in its physical boutiques, Liverpool corners and the department store's online shop. Another material they use for this sustainable clothing line is organic cotton grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides from non-GMO seeds. Also Recycled Polyester, from recycled plastic, such as post-consumer water bottles, or Tencel™ Lyocell, a soft and smooth Lyocell fiber made from renewable wood from natural forests and sustainably planted trees. With this low environmental impact line, Banana Republic aims to make 100% of its cotton and 50% of its fibers sustainable by 2023. They will source sustainable cotton through organic or recycled cotton sources, and by working with Canopy Compliant suppliers to source man-made cellulosics. For clothing to be truly sustainable, it's not just the materials that matter; it's also the processes that make it. For example, Better Republic's water-saving initiative, Washwell™, uses less water in its washing processes compared to conventional washing methods. Plus Dry Indigo, an innovative foam dyeing process that uses 99% less water, 89% less chemicals and 65% less energy than traditional denim dyeing methods.
Banana Repúblic's Contributes to Forest Preservation In an effort to continue its commitment to nature locally and promote their shared vision of a better future, Banana Republic Mexico has joined forces with Reforestamos Mexico - an NGO dedicated to the preservation and care of forests. Forests, in addition to providing the air we breathe and mitigating the effects of climate change, have been a source of inspiration for countless stories, adventures and works of art throughout the ages. Their biological, cultural and historical importance is indisputable, which is why their care should be recognised and encouraged. The firm is aware of this and that is why it has decided to embark on a new and memorable journey hand in hand with Reforestamos Mexico, an organization with more than 19 years of experience in promoting the restoration and responsible management of this extraordinary ecosystem, to take another step on its path towards a sustainable future. To put their hands into action and celebrate customers who purchase any of the garments that are part of the "Better Republic" sustainable fashion initiative, Banana Republic Mexico donated 350 trees to Reforestamos Mexico, which were planted in protected areas around Mexico City, seeking to counteract the carbon footprint and contribute to reforestation in the city and information centre. With this action, Reforestamos Mexico estimates that in 40 years it will have captured 22 tonnes of carbon that will benefit the people, plants and animals that inhabit the area.