Lululemon Wants to Achieve Full Pay Equity for Gender and Race by 2022
Samantha McDonald
Business Editor
Lululemon has unveiled its first-ever Impact Agenda.
The athletic apparel and accessories chain announced today that it has developed a long-term strategy to become a more equitable business through inclusion and diversity, as well as minimize its environmental impact. It set 12 ambitious goals, which involve commitments to invest $75 million into wellbeing programs by 2025, expand to full pay equity for its employees by 2022 and make 100% of its products with sustainable materials by 2030.
“Lululemon has a unique opportunity, responsibility and platform to drive meaningful change,” CEO Calvin McDonald said in a statement. “We share our Impact strategy against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, a global climate crisis and systemic inequities in our society. As a global brand, industry and as individuals, we must play a part to change the world for the better.”
The Vancouver-based brand — which said it has already achieved 100% gender pay equity — also intends to “reflect the diversity of the communities the company serves and operates in around the world” by 2025 and provide so-called empowerment programs that cover a range of issues, such as human rights education, to more than 100,000 workers across its supply chain by that same timeframe.
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Four months ago, against the backdrop of a racial justice movement, Lululemon expanded its Diversity, Equity and Action team by committing to hire a head of global DE&I, as well as pledged $5 million each year to fund internal efforts aimed at diversity and inclusion. It promised to develop voluntary employee-led resource groups and an advisory committee, plus engaged employees in anti-racism and -discrimination training last month.
What’s more, as it forges ahead with its sustainability goals, the sportswear business wants to ensure that at least 75% of its products contain sustainable materials by 2025. With circularity in mind, it expects to extend the life of its merchandise by offering resell, repair and recycle options to customers within five years.
Lululemon plans to source 100% renewable electricity to power its operations as soon as next year and reduce carbon emissions across its global supply chain by 60% per unit of value added to meet its 2030 targets.
“Our Impact Agenda is more than a set of commitments,” McDonald added. “It’s a holistic approach that reflects who we are, guided by our purpose to elevate the world by realizing the full potential within every one of us. I am grateful to everyone who has dedicated their knowledge and experience to help us define our approach.”
