Fifteen facts we’re most proud of…
1. We recycled 34.3 tonnes of waste preventing it from going to landfill.
2. 34% of our denim and 36% of our jersey for ready-to-wear was made from organic cotton and 50% of all knitwear for Stella McCartney Kids was organic.
3. We have always powered 100% of our UK operations with renewable energy but in 2012 we expanded our commitment to using renewable power to locations across the world. 45% of our directly operated locations are run on 100% renewable energy.
4. In May we joined the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI ), an organisation dedicated to improving the working lives of poor and vulnerable people across the globe who make consumer goods. The Ethical Trading Initiative is a ground breaking alliance of companies, trade unions and voluntary organisations and we are proud to be part of it.
5. We created a range of printed tote bags in partnership with the United Nations’ International Trade Centre. The program goes beyond charity by providing work and livelihood to disadvantaged communities in Kenya. Our bags are created by hand from printing to stitching and our production has now reached 160 people in poverty stricken areas, having a considerable impact. Find out more.
6. In July we launched the Clean by Design program with some of our Italian mills. Stella McCartney has been involved with the Natural Resource Defense Council’s (NRDC) Clean by Design program in the USA since its inception and was the first luxury brand to join. Working with them, we will improve the efficiency and decrease the impact of our mills by reducing water and energy use. This is the first time that the Clean by Design program has been implemented in the EU. Find out more
7. We continued our pledge to find innovative, ecological, and luxurious leather alternatives. For Winter 2012 we created a new collection of shoes with biodegradable soles that pushed the boundaries of what a sustainable product can look like. Find out more
8. In October we created our Green Guidebook to help our stores run more sustainably. The e-book provides guidelines on how to save energy and water, reduce waste, and lessen the overall environmental impact of Stella McCartney stores.
9. We took part in two Green Carpet Challenges. At the Met Costume Institute Gala in New York in May, Cameron Diaz wore a low-back column dress made of Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified silk. We also exhibited an evening dress at London Fashion Week in September made from GOTS certified organic floral cotton embroidery, GOTS certified organic silk georgette and GOTS certified organic cruelty free silk crepe de chine.
10. We planted our first 20 full-grown trees in our Stella McCartney sponsored public park in Florida. A percentage of sales from the Miami store was used to plant these trees with the organisation Million Trees Miami.
11. We started a textile recycling program at our headquarters in London. By expanding our recycling to include off cuts and scraps of material we are aiming to redefine traditional office recycling.
12. In July the Stella McCartney Scholarship fund at Central Saint Martins was founded. The scholarship sponsors three MA design students at Central Saint Martins who will not use any products that support the harming of animals or any leather or fur in their designs during their time at the college.
13. In July we launched ‘Stella’, a new line of everyday lingerie made from organic cotton and recycled metals. Find out more.
14. adidas by Stella McCartney created a revolutionary DryDye t-shirt for Autumn Winter 2012. The first of its kind, the innovative DryDye technology uses no water to dye clothing and it only requires 50% of chemicals and energy that traditional dye uses.
15. We supported the PPR Foundation and its commitment to combat Violence Against Women. In November we launched a virtual badge designed by Stella McCartney for the White Ribbon For Women campaign that was estimated to reach over 15 million online people thanks to the engagement of PPR and its brands.