The report includes Crystal International’s sustainability vision, strategies, key initiatives, achievements, and performance in 2020.

The company has set itself Global 5-Year Environmental Targets since 2007. The current set of targets run until 2022 and include social targets and ambitions that hope to take sustainable fashion to the next level.

Crystal International’s CEO Andrew Lo explained: “We have experienced an exceptional year full of challenges and changes amid the pandemic in 2020, which has created headwinds for all businesses and people worldwide. As we navigate through
the uncertainty of the Covid-19 crisis and the challenges of the trade war, global apparel retailers and manufacturers are experiencing a tough period. There is a strong momentum for change and the crisis has highlighted the importance of innovation and resilience in the new normal to sustain business growth.”

Crystal International has worked hard to achieve its sustainability targets in 2020 despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. It managed to reduce its fresh water consumption per garment by 53% versus its 2017 base year and reduce the carbon footprint of each garment by 12% versus its 2017 base year. The company  has also planted 2.88 million trees since 2007 and empowered over 44,000 women through its CARE programme. Plus, it managed to engage employees to carry out 23,800 hours of volunteer work.

Crystal International is emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic with new business practices where technology for apparel manufacturing is no longer an option but a necessity.

To make full use of new technologies and tackle challenges and innovate sustainability practices, Crystal International plans to accelerate digitalisation and automation within
its business.

Lo pointed out: “2020 has seen how digitalisation has changed the way we work and has accelerated our transformation to digitalising and streamlining our operations to
maintain operational excellence. In a year of travel restrictions and social distancing, technology has greatly facilitated our daily business operations and we have transitioned to using digitalisation tools in many of our product development and manufacturing processes, such as automation, virtual sampling and digital showrooms.”

He added: “Virtual audits have been arranged to monitor product quality, social compliance and to ensure we are running an environmentally-friendly operation. These measures are in place to enhance our efficiency and transparency, and to reduce our environmental footprint.”

Crystal International believes apparel manufacturers who wish to innovate and succeed in the new normal need to focus on sustainable recovery.

The company is committed to ensuring business continuity and maintaining stable
employment opportunities for global garment workers to protect their income and health.

Other successes for Crystal International during 2020 included a number of awards and recognitions. The company received an award for ‘Best ESG Report and Excellence in Environmental Positive Impact Commendation’. It was listed in the SDG2000: the most influential 2,000 companies for a sustainable future and it was awarded Green building – Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE). 

By Just Style