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Powerbroker for

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  • Overall approach
    4/10
    • Overarching commitment on deforestation
      0/4
    • Signatory to an initiative tackling deforestation
      1/1
      Signatory
      Yes
      1/1
      Gap Inc. Memberships And Partner Organizations: United Nations Global Compact
    • Awareness of the value of forests
      1/1
      Awareness
      Yes
      1/1
      "With our new policy, we are joining an important industry-wide effort to tackle this issue and help protect ancient and endangered forests. By taking these steps to protect these critical forests, we’re also furthering our climate change efforts, as trees are vital natural resources that help to combat climate change by removing carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere."
    • Deforestation as a business risk
      1/1
      Business risk
      Yes
      1/1
      Type of risk if Other. Also add any relevant details:

      What proportion of revenue that comes from relevant industries is exposed to each forest risk commodity?: NA

      What poportion of a company’s annual revenue depends on each forest risk commodity?: NA

      What type of risk is recognised?: Operational

      What revenue comes from industries relevant to each forest risk commodity?: NA
      "Risk 2 Risk type & Primary climate-related risk driver Chronic physical Changes in precipitation patterns and extreme variability in weather patterns Primary potential financial impact Increased direct costs: We are working closely with our top suppliers to support our company-wide policy to eliminate our use of wood-derived fibers from ancient and endangered forests.. This commitment helps protect critical forests and also supports our efforts to tackle climate change, as forest ecosystems are vital natural resources that promote biodiversity, protect watersheds and help mitigate the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere"
    • High-level management of deforestion
      1/1
      High-level management
      Yes
      1/1
      Which commodities does it apply to?: Pulp & paper

      How often does the committee or board meet to assess company's progress on addressing deforestation-related issues?: Annually
      "GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE CHARTER The committee’s responsibilities include: RESPONSIBILITIES RELATED TO SUSTAINABILITY: Review and evaluate company programs, policies and practices relating to environmental, social and community, and governance issues and impacts to support the sustainable growth of the company’s businesses."
    • Executive compensation linked to deforestation
      Executive compensation
      No
      0/0
      Does it disclose the percentage of pay at risk?: No
    • Target to reduce emissions from land-use change
      0/1
    • Reporting on emissions from land-use change
      0/1
    • Disclosure of conservation activity
    • Disclosure of reforestation activity
    • Target to reduce emissions in scope 1/2
      Reduce emissions
      Yes
      0/0
      Is this target aligned with/verified by SBTi?: Yes

      Type of climate target: Other or unclear

      What is the target date for the company to achieve their climate target?: 2030
      "By 2030 Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 90% from a 2017 baseline 2020 Scope 1 and 2 emissions were reduced by 39%, from a 2017 baseline"
  • Commodity score
    14/90
    • Leather
      9/90
      • Commitment Strength
        0/17
        • Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
          0/4
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
          • Target date
            Post 2050 or no target date
            0/1
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.5
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/7.5
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/4
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No traceability commitment
            0/4
            Do they have a traceability commitment which goes back to the birth farm?: No
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
          • Target date
            Post 2050 or no target date
            0/1
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.5
      • Associated Human Rights Abuses
        5/17
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Other workers' rights commitments: Only work legal working hours; Guaranteed safe and healthy workspaces; Free from abusive practices/undue disciplinary procedures

          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 2

          Details of commitment: ILO; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association
          "This Code is based on internationally accepted labor standards and guidance, including the International Labour Organization (ILO)’s core conventions, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the United Nations [...] This Code of Vendor Conduct (COVC)applies to all facilities that produce goodsfor Gap Inc. or any of its subsidiaries,divisions, affiliates or agents [...] CHILD LABOR: At the facility, all workers shall meet the applicable legal minimum agerequirements or are at least 15 years of age, whichever is greater [...] DISCRIMINATION: The facility shall employ workers on the basis of their ability to do thejob, not on the basis of their personal characteristics or beliefs [...] FORCED LABOR:The facility shall not use involuntary labor of any kind, including prison labor,debt bondage, slave labor, or forced labor by governments [...] FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION:The facility shall recognize that workers are free to join associations of their ownchoosing."
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/2
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address the inclusion of women in commodity supply chains
          1/2
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address the inclusion of women in commodity supply chains
          1/2
          "To underscore our commitment we have signed the Women's Empowerment Principles and are implementing them throughout our operations and supply chain. Through our Personal Advancement and Career Enhancement program we work to provide women with the opportunity to gain skills and confidence to advance both at work and in life.[...] We recognise our responsibility to engage with our business partners to address and remedy adverse impacts and seek to build their capacity to respect human rights through training and engagement"
        • Commitment to remediation
          Yes
          1/1
          Commitment to remediation
          Yes
          0.5/1
          What does the commitment cover?: Social harm
          "We use our Assessment and Remediation program to evaluate our suppliers and incentivize improvements by driving more business toward the highest-performing facilities.[...] Our Supplier Sustainability Assessment Manual outlines the protocols these teams use to assess and remediate issues related to labor or working conditions. If the issue is a violation of our COVC or a breach our Human Rights Policy, the parties are informed of the results of any investigation, and corrective action plans are developed that include follow-up with management on any additional remedial actions taken. Gap Inc. considers the grievance or complaint closed when the issue has been resolved and Gap Inc. has determined through its Assessment and Remediation framework that the appropriate remedy has been provided in accordance with our COVC and Human Rights Policy expectations."
        • Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          No
          0/3
        • Commitment to respect customary rights to land, resources, and territory
          No
          0/3
        • Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          No
          0/3
      • Implementation and Reporting
        4/56
        • Reporting is independently verified
          No
          0/2
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          No
          0/3
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          What initiatives does the company participate in?: Leather Working Group

          What is the nature of that participation?: Attending & contributing to meetings
          "Banana Republic also joined the [...] Leather Working Group to source responsible animal-derived materials."
        • Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          No
          0/2
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          No
          0/2
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company?: Own mechanism

          Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental
          "We are each responsible for living up to our COBC and acting with integrity. We have an equal responsibility to speak up and voice any questions and concerns.If you believe anyone is not living up to our COBC, other policies or the law, have questions or concern, or are unsure how to handle a situation, here is what to do:Use our Open Door process and talk with your supervisor, manager, or Human Resources. If you are not comfortable using the Open Door process, email Global Integrity at global_integrity@gap.com or contact the COBC HotlineAlso, check out the resources section for more information about who to contact with specific questions."
        • Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          No reporting
          0/3
        • Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          No
          0/5
        • Monitor compliance for zero tolerance approach and customary rights
          No
          0/5
        • Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          No engagement or exclusion
          0/2
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
    • Pulp & Paper
      18/90
      • Commitment Strength
        5/17
        • Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
          3/4
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            If Other, specify: NA

            What subsidiaries are explicitly excluded?: NA

            What percentage of commodity production/sourcing is excluded?: NA

            What subsidiaries are explicitly included?: NA

            What is the rationale for any exclusions?: NA
            "Environment commitment: Eliminate the use of wood-derived fibers sourced from ancient and endangered forests Target year 2025"
          • Target date
            2025
            0.8/1
            Target date
            2025
            0.8/1
            What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: Use FSC certification
            "Eliminate the use of wood-derived fibers sourced from ancient and endangered forests"[...]"Target Year 2025"
          • Interim target date
            Yes
            0.5/0.5
            Interim target date
            Yes
            0.5/0.5
            What date is given for the interim milestone?: 2020
            "By 2020, eliminating the use of wood-derived fibers made of dissolving pulp from ancient and endangered forest areas such asthe Canadian and Russian Boreal Forests; coastal temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest and Chile; tropical forests and peatlands of Indonesia, the Amazon, and West Africa"
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          0/7.5
          • Commitment details
            No traceability commitment
            0/4
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
          • Target date
            Post 2050 or no target date
            0/1
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.5
      • Associated Human Rights Abuses
        7/17
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association

          Other workers' rights commitments: Only work legal working hours; Guaranteed safe and healthy workspaces; Free from abusive practices/undue disciplinary procedures

          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 2
          "This Code is based on internationally accepted labor standards and guidance, including the International Labour Organization (ILO)’s core conventions, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the United Nations [...] This Code of Vendor Conduct (COVC)applies to all facilities that produce goodsfor Gap Inc. or any of its subsidiaries,divisions, affiliates or agents [...] CHILD LABOR: At the facility, all workers shall meet the applicable legal minimum agerequirements or are at least 15 years of age, whichever is greater [...] DISCRIMINATION: The facility shall employ workers on the basis of their ability to do thejob, not on the basis of their personal characteristics or beliefs [...] FORCED LABOR:The facility shall not use involuntary labor of any kind, including prison labor,debt bondage, slave labor, or forced labor by governments [...] FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION:The facility shall recognize that workers are free to join associations of their ownchoosing."
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/2
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address the inclusion of women in commodity supply chains
          1/2
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address the inclusion of women in commodity supply chains
          1/2
          "To underscore our commitment we have signed the Women's Empowerment Principles and are implementing them throughout our operations and supply chain. Through our Personal Advancement and Career Enhancement program we work to provide women with the opportunity to gain skills and confidence to advance both at work and in life.[...] We recognise our responsibility to engage with our business partners to address and remedy adverse impacts and seek to build their capacity to respect human rights through training and engagement"
        • Commitment to remediation
          Yes
          1/1
          Commitment to remediation
          Yes
          0.5/1
          What does the commitment cover?: Social harm
          "We use our Assessment and Remediation program to evaluate our suppliers and incentivize improvements by driving more business toward the highest-performing facilities.[...] Our Supplier Sustainability Assessment Manual outlines the protocols these teams use to assess and remediate issues related to labor or working conditions. If the issue is a violation of our COVC or a breach our Human Rights Policy, the parties are informed of the results of any investigation, and corrective action plans are developed that include follow-up with management on any additional remedial actions taken. Gap Inc. considers the grievance or complaint closed when the issue has been resolved and Gap Inc. has determined through its Assessment and Remediation framework that the appropriate remedy has been provided in accordance with our COVC and Human Rights Policy expectations."
        • Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
          2/3
          Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
          2/3
          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tree Farm
          "Avoiding the use of wood-derived fibers logged illegally, sourcedfrom tree farms established after 1994 through the conversion or simplification of natural forests; or from areas being logged in contravention of indigenous peoples’ rights; or without obtaining Free, Prior and Informed Consent of local and indigenous communities, or from controversial suppliers."
        • Commitment to respect customary rights to land, resources, and territory
          No
          0/3
        • Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          No
          0/3
      • Implementation and Reporting
        7/56
        • Reporting proportion of compliant volumes
          0/0
        • Reporting is independently verified
          No
          0/2
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/3
          Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/3
          "• Encouraging suppliers to disengage from destroying or fragmenting forests, and engaging suppliers to cease operations inendangered species habitat or high carbon-value forest areas."[...]"Our Wood-Derived Fabric Policy aims to ensure that our suppliers do not use ancient, endangered, high-conservation or high-carbon value forest areas to make cellulose-based textiles, including rayon, modal, viscose and lyocell.[...]Partnerships: Together with CanopyStyle, we are encouraging our suppliers to set policies"
        • Deforestation cut off date
          Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
          2/2
          Deforestation cut off date
          Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
          2/2
          What cut-off date is specified?: 1994
          "To achieve this, we are committed to: Avoiding the use of wood-derived fibers logged illegally, sourcedfrom tree farms established after 1994 through the conversion or simplification of natural forests"
        • Collaborative actions
          No
          0/2
        • Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          No
          0/2
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          No
          0/2
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company?: Own mechanism

          Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental
          "We are each responsible for living up to our COBC and acting with integrity. We have an equal responsibility to speak up and voice any questions and concerns.If you believe anyone is not living up to our COBC, other policies or the law, have questions or concern, or are unsure how to handle a situation, here is what to do:Use our Open Door process and talk with your supervisor, manager, or Human Resources. If you are not comfortable using the Open Door process, email Global Integrity at global_integrity@gap.com or contact the COBC HotlineAlso, check out the resources section for more information about who to contact with specific questions."
        • Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          No reporting
          0/3
        • Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          No
          0/5
        • Monitor compliance for zero tolerance approach and customary rights
          No
          0/5
        • Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          No
          0/4
          Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          No
          0/4
          Does the company disclose location of suppliers' production areas or primary processing sites?: No
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          2/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          2/4
          For what percentage of suppliers does the company use/rely on external mechanisms to monitor compliance?: NA

          How is compliance monitored?: Internal monitoring and verification systems

          What percentage of the company's supply chain volume does that represent?: 100%

          How frequently is compliance assessed?: Unclear

          For what percentage of the commodity sourced by the company is deforestation/conversion monitored at the farm level on production units known to be in the company's supply chain?: na

          For what percent of suppliers does the company directly monitor compliance of production or processing operations?: na
          "Our Wood-Derived Fabric Policy aims to ensure that our suppliers do not use ancient, endangered, high-conservation or high-carbon value forest areas to make cellulose-based textiles, including rayon, modal, viscose and lyocell.[...]Partnerships: Together with CanopyStyle, we are encouraging our suppliers to set policies and complete audits to guarantee they are not sourcing from ancient and endangered forests in their production. We also partner with Canopy on next-generation fiber sourcing, which prioritizes alternative inputs such as recycled textiles and waste materials.In early 2022, we reached our goal to eliminate the use of wood-derived fibers sourced from ancient and endangered forests."
        • Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
          No
          0/4
          Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
          No
          0/4
          Does the dowsntream company report the attributed deforestation or ecosystem conversion by sourcing area?: No
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          No engagement or exclusion
          0/2
          Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          No engagement or exclusion
          0/2
          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No

          Does the company work with the non-compliant supplier to develop an implementation plan to remedy associated harms or non-compliance?: No

          Does the company commit to engage with rightsholders, Indigenous peoples and local communities when developing the implementation plan?: No
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
          Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
          Does the company have a list of blacklisted or otherwise excluded suppliers or producers?: No
  • Commitment strength
    3/17
    Avg. score
  • Implementation and Reporting
    5/56
    Avg. score
  • Associated Human Rights Abuses
    6/17
    Avg. score

Profile

Gap is an American retailer of clothes and accessories operating 3,700 own brand and franchise stores around the world, as well as having an online presence. Well-known brands include Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy. Gap is one of the top clothing and footwear retailers selling exclusively own brand products in the world by brand share. It has significant presence in the US, Asia and Europe. Gap Inc. is selected as a powerbroker for leather and pulp & paper.

Sector
Industry sector 
Apparel Accessories & Luxury Goods, Apparel Retail, Paper Packaging
Segments
Manufacturer, Retailer
HQ
HQ 
United States
Company Type
Company type 
CO
Collective Commitments
Consumer Goods Forum member
New York Declaration on Forests signatory

Top Brands

GAP, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, InterMix, Hill City, Janie and Jack

How we assess the Forest 500

To ensure deforestation free supply chains, companies need to adopt and implement timebound and measurable policies for forest risk commodities.

All assessments use policies published on company websites, some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Disclaimer

This assessment has been carried out following the methodology developed for the Forest 500 project, available here. Please see our disclaimer applicable to all information contained within this site and our terms and conditions for use of data presented on this site.

All assessments use policies published on company and financial institution websites, and while we endeavor to keep them updated some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Please contact us with any concerns or feedback about this or other assessments included in the Forest 500.