At ANN INC., we recognize that part of reducing our environmental impact is making better decisions when sourcing our materials. Our associates are more aware of the environmental impacts of their business decisions and have started to incorporate more sustainable materials wherever possible, including in our marketing paper and new store designs.
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Shopping Bags |
| ANN INC. has eliminated the use of plastic shopping bags, and provides shopping bags at our stores made with 40% post consumer waste (PCW). |
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Higg Index |
| As members of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, we are evaluating opportunities to use the Higg Index within our brand and to measure product sustainability. |
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Marketing Paper |
| As part of our efforts to increase our sustainable procurement activities, we have taken a closer look at the paper used for direct mail marketing to our clients. We now primarily source Forest Stewardship Council® certified paper for our marketing products and strive to include post consumer waste in their content. |
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In Store Marketing |
| We have moved away from vinyl marketing displays in our stores, and now primarily use fabric or recyclable card stock wherever possible. |
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New Store Design |
| At our prototype stores, we continue to test more sustainable materials and procurement practices. We are excited about our innovative new features, low VOC flooring, low-E glass windows and recycled content in our ceiling tiles (where possible). We also use reusable barricades when building or renovating our stores, rather than traditional sheet rock. This will avoid up to one ton of solid waste per store that is renovated. We will continue to look for more sustainable materials to include in all new store projects and designs. |
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Cleaning Supplies |
| We are evaluating the cleaning products at our stores and are piloting lower impact alternatives. |
“I am proud to be part of a company that makes Corporate Social Responsibility a huge priority and goes above and
beyond what is expected…”Meet Libra, Senior Director of Marketing Operations at ANN INC. Libra manages the team that produces the printed in store graphics and signage, direct mail and collateral for Ann Taylor and LOFT brands, as well as ANN INC. corporate functions.
Libra incorporates environmental responsibility into all aspects of her work and has been instrumental in driving sustainable procurement of paper, window marketing and packaging.
“With two small children, it’s important for me to protect the environment for them and their children.
I am proud to be part of a company that makes Corporate Social Responsibility a huge priority and goes above and beyond what is expected of us in multiple areas – in the products we sell, in our marketing, in our corporate operations, and in our concern for our Suppliers’ employees.
Many of our best vendors are leading the way in sustainable practices and materials. They make it a real priority for their company, which makes us feel good to work with them. They regularly present sustainable materials and encourage us to make the right choices.
I’m excited that I have been able to work with the Green Initiative as they continue their great work of motivating our staff to be Green!”
