Water is a key resource for people and the planet. The frequency and intensity of adverse events, such as floods or severe droughts, make it clear that the climate crisis has interconnected impacts with water resource management, with possible negative consequences throughout the supply chain. Improper management of water consumption and discharge jeopardizes not only the natural environment, causing progressive soil degradation and ecosystem depletion, but also people’s health, for which reason access to water remains one of the basic human rights.
The textile industry uses large amounts of water, from raw materials to production processes to garment washing. For this reason, Benetton Group has drafted a water management policy to identify direct and indirect impacts, define water consumption reduction targets (through the promotion of in-house awareness campaigns and the selection of more sustainable materials) and ensure adequate wastewater quality criteria.
Benetton Group employs the Higg FEM (Facility Environmental Module) tool to monitor its suppliers’ environmental performance, impacts and commitment to adopt sustainable development practices.
In 2023, the adoption of the Higg FEM tool along Benetton Group’s supply chain covers:
- 39% of Tier 1 total volumes
- 77% of Tier 2 total volumes
- 53% of Tier 3 total volumes
Benetton Group considers water a key resource for people and the planet. For this reason, the Company measures its water consumption every year. In 2023, water consumption in the campus totaled 26 499 m3, while consumption by directly operated stores was estimated at 34 695 m3 per year. None of the operations directly managed by Benetton are located in high-risk areas.
Data as 31.12.2023
As for its supply chain, Benetton analyzes the geographic distribution of suppliers involved in wet processes in order to verify the Company’s impact in water-stressed areas. Nearly 8% of suppliers are located in high-risk areas.
Aligned with its commitment to promote sustainable production practices, Benetton Group monitors its suppliers water usage through the Higg FEM.
In 2022, we estimated the total water usage in Benetton Group’s supply chain was equal to 5.4 million m3. Benetton Group promotes the adoption of sustainable water reuse systems, and we estimate in 2022 10% of the total water consumption in the supply chain will derive from these systems.