Download data

Powerbroker for

Select an assessment year:

  • Overall approach
    4/10
    • Overarching commitment on deforestation
      0/4
      Overall commitment
      Commodity-specific commitment - commitment that does not apply to all of the commodities the company is exposed to
      0/4
      Which commodities does the commodity-specific commitment apply to?: Leather

      Do they have a commitment for other non-Forest 500 commodities, if so which?: Rubber
      "In consultation with Canopy and Rainforest Alliance, we developed a Forest Derived Materials policy that covers the responsible sourcing of forest products used in our supply chain. This policy aims to prevent any contributions to deforestation or to the degradation of forest habitats."[...]" "VF has two publicly available policies that address deforestation, our Animal Derived Materials (ADM) and Forest Derived Materials (FDM) policies. Our ADM prohibits leather originating from cattle raised on farms in the Amazon Biome that have contributed to new Amazon deforestation. This effort is to protect the largest intact tropical rainforest in the world. Our FDM policy addresses loss of ancient and endangered forests and loss of biodiversity and habitat associated with deforestation and its effects on climate change""
    • Signatory to an initiative tackling deforestation
      1/1
      Signatory
      Yes
      1/1
      Which initiatives?: UN Global Compact
      VF Corp has been a signatory of the UN Global Compact since December 2020
    • Awareness of the value of forests
      1/1
      Awareness
      Yes
      1/1
      "VF’s FDM policy specifically highlights efforts to protect the Amazon Biome as well as an overarching effort to preserve high conservation value forests (HCVF)."
    • Deforestation as a business risk
      1/1
      Business risk
      Yes
      1/1
      Type of risk if Other. Also add any relevant details: Regulatory

      What revenue comes from industries relevant to each forest risk commodity?: NA

      What type of risk is recognised?: Reputational; Other

      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?: 6-11%
      "Our definition of substantive financial risk, as it relates to any of the forest risks mentioned below, would be any impact with a likely probability over the next 5-10 years affecting 1% of our revenue or 1% of our cost of goods sold (COGS) caused by regulatory or reputational risk. Strategic risks include impacts that have a reputational impact to our brand(s), a lower probability threshold, and/or do not meet the financial threshold as defined above. The risks disclosed in this report meet the conditions for strategic risk but do not meet the threshold for substantive financial risk."
    • High-level management of deforestion
      1/1
      High-level management
      Yes
      1/1
      Which commodities does it apply to?: Leather

      How often does the committee or board meet to assess company's progress on addressing deforestation-related issues?: Annually
      "VF’s Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability teams will conduct an annual review of its FDM policy including a global inventory of FDM’s (via the VF Materials Inventory) and a random sample audit of suppliers and a corresponding risk assessment of environmental issues. Identified non-conformity will lead to Supplier and Brand education and an action plan to address outstanding issues."
    • Executive compensation linked to deforestation
    • 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
      What is the target date for the company to achieve their climate target?: 2030

      Is this target aligned with/verified by SBTi?: Yes

      Type of climate target: N/A
      "Scope 1 & 2 Emissions: By sourcing renewable energy and implementing energy efficiency initiatives VF achieved a 17% reduction toward its commitment of an absolute reduction of Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 55% by 2030 from a 2017 baseline"
  • Commodity score
    42/90
    • Leather
      45/90
      • Commitment Strength
        14/17
        • Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
          8/9.5
          • Commitment details
            Zero-gross deforestation
            4/6
            Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
            Zero-gross deforestation
            4/6
            Do they have a deforestation commitment covering animal feed?: No

            When was this commitment set?: 2020
            "Leathers shall not come from cattle grazed on lands that have contributed to new deforestation or forest degradation [...] Leathers sourced from cattle grazed near protected areas or deforestation fronts must come with proof that the land where animals were raised did not contribute to deforestation."
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "Leathers shall not come from cattle grazed on lands that have contributed to new deforestation3 or forest degradation. Leathers sourced from cattle grazed near protected areas or deforestation fronts must come with proof that the land where animals were raised did not contribute to deforestation."
          • Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: NA
            "Leathers shall not come from cattle grazed on lands that have contributed to new deforestation or forest degradation [...] Leathers sourced from cattle grazed near protected areas or deforestation fronts must come with proof that the land where animals were raised did not contribute to deforestation."
          • Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            What date is given for the interim milestone?: NA
            "Leathers shall not come from cattle grazed on lands that have contributed to new deforestation or forest degradation [...] Leathers sourced from cattle grazed near protected areas or deforestation fronts must come with proof that the land where animals were raised did not contribute to deforestation."
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          7/7.5
          • Commitment details
            Traces to Point of production
            4/4
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Traces to Point of production
            4/4
            Do they have a traceability commitment which goes back to the birth farm?: Yes

            When was this commitment set?: 2020
            "Tracing Our Materials VF commits that by 2027, we will fully trace five of VF’s key materials from Tier 1 through Tier 5. We currently trace to Tier 5 for many materials – including leather, cotton, rubber, wool and others – through third-party certifications such as the ZQ Standard for wool and the Responsible Down Standard (RDS)"
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "Tracing Our Materials VF commits that by 2027, we will fully trace five of VF’s key materials from Tier 1 through Tier 5. We currently trace to Tier 5 for many materials – including leather, cotton, rubber, wool and others – through third-party certifications such as the ZQ Standard for wool and the Responsible Down Standard (RDS)"
          • Target date
            2027
            0.3/1
            Target date
            2027
            0.3/1
            What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: Specified in CDP report
            "Tracing Our Materials VF commits that by 2027, we will fully trace five of VF’s key materials from Tier 1 through Tier 5. We currently trace to Tier 5 for many materials – including leather, cotton, rubber, wool and others – through third-party certifications such as the ZQ Standard for wool and the Responsible Down Standard (RDS)"
          • Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            What date is given for the interim milestone?: 2021
            "In FY2019, we published 10 product maps with a goal to publish 100 product maps by 2021. By the end of FY2020, we’ve published 44 maps and are on track to meet our goal" [...] "Today’s milestone of 100 traceability maps, which completes our three-year goal, is just the beginning as we continue to drive the industry and ourselves to do even more."
      • Associated Human Rights Abuses
        10/17
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: The whole supply chain

          Details of commitment: ILO; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association
          "Better Work is a collaboration between the UN’s International Labor Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, that brings together all levels of the garment industry to improve working conditions, respect labor rights for workers, and improve the competitiveness of the industry. VF is one of 40 Global Partners of the Better Work program."[...]"As a Global Partner, VF will increase collaboration with Better Work through enhanced training and assessments on critical supply chain issues such as child labor, discrimination, forced labor, freedom of association, and occupational health and safety."
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          Yes
          2/2
          Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          Yes
          2/2
          What is the nature of that support?: Technical assistance/support; Education and training, Economic

          How many smallholders do they support, and what percentage does this represent in terms of their sourcing from smallholders?: NA
          "Why stakeholders have been included: Other forest risk commodity users/producers at the local level, such as smallholders, are considered in our sustainability strategy assessments, which include forest risks and opportunities. Specific to smallholders, Timberland® works with the Smallholder Farmers Alliance (SFA), an organization that works to feed and reforest a renewed Haiti using a new agroforestry model in which smallholders plant trees to earn credits that they exchange for seed, tools, training and other agricultural and community services. Since 2010, this has resulted in close to 7.5 million trees in Haiti. Timberland® also works with Trees for the Future, an organization that works to improve the livelihoods of impoverished farmers by revitalizing degraded lands. To do so, they provide farmers with seeds, technical training, and on-site planning assistances. We are also partnering with Trees for the Future to educate and empower farmers in Kenya and Senegal to plant trees around their crops to increase their yields so they can make a better living."
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to ensure equality of women in the supply chain
          1/2
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to ensure equality of women in the supply chain
          1/2
          "Principle 10 – Women’s Rights VF Authorized Facilities must ensure that women workers receive equal remuneration, including benefits, equal treatment, equal evaluation of the quality of their work and equal opportunity to fill all positions open to male workers. Pregnancy tests will not be a condition of employment, nor will they be demanded of employees. Workers who take maternity leave (of a duration determined by local and national laws) will not face dismissal nor threat of dismissal, loss of seniority or deduction of wages, and will be able to return to their former or comparable employment at the same rate of pay and benefits. Workers will not be forced or pressured to use contraception. Workers will not be exposed to hazards, including glues and solvents, which may endanger their safety, including their reproductive health. Facilities shall provide appropriate services and accommodation to women workers in connection with pregnancy."
        • Commitment to remediation
          Yes, and until those open harms are remediated the company ceases operations on/sourcing from those operations
          1/1
          Commitment to remediation
          Yes, and until those open harms are remediated the company ceases operations on/sourcing from those operations
          1/1
          What does the commitment cover?: Social harm
          "We conduct a robust Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) periodically at the enterprise level, enabling us to identify and address the most salient human rights issues related to our business. Taking into account the scale, scope and remediability of the impacts identified in our HRIAs, we prioritize risks related to Forced Labor, Freedom of Association, Women’s Rights, Child Rights, Health and Safety and Fair Wages. Through the HRIA process, we seek both the guidance of human rights experts and feedback from those impacted by our operations to make meaningful improvements. [...] Our child rights efforts exemplify VF’s adoption of the Know, Show, Fix principles for identifying, tracking and remediating potential human rights risks within our supply chain [...] VF CRITICAL LIFE SAFETY: FACTORY REMEDIATIONS FY22 Number that remediated all imminent and near-term findings 128 Percentage that remediated all imminent and near-term findings 85% [...] In FY22, 8% of VF’s audited supplier factories were rated ‘pending rejection’ due to non-conformance with one of our requirements as detailed in the VF Terms of Engagement. Failure to remediate issues can result in a factory designation downgrade and potential contract termination"
        • 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
          Yes
          3/3
          Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          Yes
          3/3
          VF commits to neither tolerate nor contribute to threats, intimidation and attacks against human rights defenders.
      • Implementation and Reporting
        21/56
        • Reporting proportion of compliant volumes
          0/0
        • Reporting is independently verified
          No
          0/2
          Reporting is independently verified
          No
          0/2
          Which tools, approaches, third-party verification, including certification, schemes are used?: NA

          For what percent of the company's supply volume is third-party verification of performance relative to commitments conducted?: NA

          Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: NA

          What methods are used for verification?: NA

          What percent of the company's supply volume is verified using company verification systems?: NA

          Is the performance of compliance of some suppliers, sources, or origins not verified, and if so why not?: NA
          NA
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/3
          Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/3
          "Due to the nature of our business, all of our forest-related impacts are in our supply chain. Suppliers represent both the greatest risk (being outside our direct control and operations) as well as the greatest areas of opportunity to enact large-scale change. Suppliers are therefore relevant and always included in our sustainability-related strategy assessments, which include forest risks and opportunities. Method of engagement with stakeholder: We value our partnerships and collaborate with our stakeholders in the creation and implementation of our strategies and programs. VF interacts with a wide range of stakeholder groups – from NGOs, to local and national government and community groups"
        • Deforestation cut off date
          Yes, for partial sourcing regions/operations
          1/2
          Deforestation cut off date
          Yes, for partial sourcing regions/operations
          1/2
          What cut-off date is specified?: 2009
          "Forest risk commodity Cattle products_Cutoff date 2009"[..]"We are committed to implementing the sourcing criteria outlined in our public Animal Derived Materials (ADM) policy, which includes levels of activation and policy enforcement."
        • Collaborative actions
          No
          0/2
        • Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          For what percentage of material produced or sourced by the company has forest risk been assessed?: NA

          How frequently are assessments conducted?: Biannually
          "For example, in FY2020 our risk assessment processes showed that sourcing cattle raised in the Amazon Biome was both a contradiction to our values and posed reputation and environmental risks to our business. As part of our ongoing traceability work through deployment of leather supply chain surveys and our overarching goal to trace our product supply chains back to their raw material sources, we determined that the most appropriate risk mitigation strategy was to cease sourcing from Brazil for our international business until we have confidence and assurance that the materials used in our products do not contribute to environmental harm in the country."[...]"The impact of forest risk commodities on the status of ecosystems and habitats is relevant and always included in our risk assessments."[...]"Risks are assessed through our biannual materiality exercises, ongoing Internal Audit and Procurement assessments, and traceability programs. Our materiality assessments solicit information and feedback from a broad group of stakeholders, ranging from NGOs to industry associations. How the information about this issue is used internally for decision-making: Information from risk assessments is used to inform sourcing strategies, which vary by commodity."
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          "Principle 14 – Environment VF Authorized Facilities must comply with all laws and regulations relating to environmental protection in the countries in which they operate. Facilities should have policies and procedures in place to ensure environmental impacts are minimized with respect to energy, air emissions, water, waste, hazardous materials and other significant environmental risks. Facilities are expected to make sustainable improvements in environmental performance and require the same of their suppliers and subcontractors.[...[Principle 16 – Monitoring and Compliance VF Authorized Facilities must maintain on site all documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with these Global Compliance Principles. VF and its subsidiaries will undertake affirmative measures, such as announced and unannounced on-site inspections of production facilities, to monitor compliance with these Global Compliance Principles. VF Authorized Facilities must allow VF representatives full access to production facilities, employee records and employees for confidential interviews in connection with monitoring visits. In addition, VF Authorized Facilities must respond promptly to reasonable inquiries by VF representatives concerning the subjects addressed in the audit. VF Authorized Facilities must never offer gifts, cash or other incentives to influence a business decision or to retain business with VF."
        • 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 have an Ethics Hotline through which employees, suppliers and other third parties can report violations of VF’s policies, including violations of our Conflict Minerals Policy. The number for the Ethics Hotline is (866) 492-3370."
        • Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          Reporting partial volumes
          2/3
          Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          Reporting partial volumes
          1.5/3
          What product types/sectors is this in?: Clothing, footwear

          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume: 0 Square Metres

          Total volume: 5650500 Square Metres

          What is the non-DCF commodity volume sourced from known production areas, and proportion of total supply chain volume this represents?: NA

          Reporting certified/compliant volume: 5650500 Square Metres
          "Forest risk commodity Cattle products Data type Consumption data Volume 5650500_Please explain In CY2019, VF sourced approximately 5,650,500 square meters of cattle-derived hide for product manufacturing. This metric is not inclusive of suede hide, and therefore is a partial representation of total VF consumption of cattle-derived product."
        • Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          Yes, and publishes evidence of actions taken to implement its commitment on labour rights in the production or primary processing operations that it owns, manages or otherwise controls or its supply chains
          3/5
          Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          Yes, and publishes evidence of actions taken to implement its commitment on labour rights in the production or primary processing operations that it owns, manages or otherwise controls or its supply chains
          2.5/5
          What is the status of those FPIC processes?: NA

          What percentage/number of new interests, developments, or expansions has the company used FPIC to secure consent of indigenous peoples/local communities?: NA

          What steps has the company taken to implement their labour rights commitment?: Training and Audits
          "Our contract supplier factories are expected to comply with VF’s Terms of Engagement and Factory Facility Guidelines. We verify compliance with our requirements through internal and third-party audits, including unannounced audits, as outlined in VF’s Factory Audit Procedures."[...]"To ensure ongoing commitment to and understanding of our values-based principles, the Ethics & Compliance Program provides online and facilitator-led training on our Code of Business Conduct and other crucial topics such as human rights, anti-corruption, conflicts of interest, fair competition and intellectual property."
        • Monitor compliance for zero tolerance approach and customary rights
          No
          0/5
        • Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          Yes, report direct suppliers
          2/4
          Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          Yes, report direct suppliers
          2/4
          For what percent is no location data disclosed?: 0%

          From what country(ies) does the company source material?: China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Georgia, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Republic Of Morocco, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United States of America, Vietnam

          What type of location data (boundary, point, etc.) is provided for smallholder farms?: 0%

          What is the volume of each forest risk commodity that the company sourced in the previous year from each national or subnational location?: NA

          For what percent of smallholder suppliers is location disclosed?: 0%

          For what percent of suppliers' production areas are point locations disclosed?: 0%

          For what percent are boundaries disclosed?: NA

          From what sub-national jurisdiction(s) does the company source material?: NA

          Does the company disclose location of suppliers' production areas or primary processing sites?: No
          "Our disclosure accounts for 100% of Tier 1* facilities used by VF, and approximately 70% of Tier 2** facilities measured by spend for the period 2021’s Quarter 4 (October - December).*** Updated quarterly, the list fluctuates over time to reflect the seasonality of VF’s business and corresponding production. All factories must meet VF’s strict standards and adhere to our Global Compliance Principles. VF's Factory Compliance program continues to expand to cover VF’s Tier 2 factories. As of this publication, 293 Tier 2 factories have been audited under the VF Factory Compliance program, and Corrective Action Plans developed when required. VF’s supplier factory list will continue to expand on a regular basis.*Tier 1 is defined as: Final product manufacturing and assembly facilities, as well as value-added operations subcontracted by Tier 1 vendors.**Tier 2 is defined as: Facilities that supply our Tier 1 factories with textiles, leather, down, wool, polymers, trims, packaging, and hardware materials.***Supreme factories are not included in this factory disclosure at this time. VF’s process is to incorporate all new acquisitions along with their unique suppliers into our factory compliance program and disclosure process over a 12-15 month period from the time of acquisition."
        • 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 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

          How frequently is compliance assessed?: Not specified

          For what percentage of suppliers does the company use/rely on external mechanisms to monitor compliance?: NA

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

          For what percent of suppliers does the company directly monitor compliance of production or processing operations?: NA

          How is compliance monitored?: Internal monitoring and verification systems
          "VF is committed to continuous improvement of the criteria and enforcement of its ADM policy. All existing and ne w suppliers of ADM’s must adhere to the below implementation process. Level 1 – Communication and Acknowledgement • VF will train and educate ADM suppliers regarding VF’s ADM policy. • VF will communicate ADM Policy to all ADM Suppliers.[...] If a supplier does not meet policy requirements, they must submit a plan to achieve policy adherence. Level 2 – Adherence & Self-Declaration • ADM suppliers must acknowledge their commitment to adhere to VF’s ADM Policy by providing a signed policy acknowledgement. • All suppliers (new and existing) must sign the VF ADM policy agreement declaring adherence to our criteria. • Suppliers must provide proof of country of origin and state or province where the animal was born and bred for all ADM’s sold to VF. Level 3 – Verification & Audit • VF will randomly select suppliers for auditing to ensure policy adherence. Non-compliance will be subject to Corrective Action Plans in a similar fashion to other forms of supplier non-compliance."
        • 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
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          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 engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: Yes

          Does the company commit to engage with rightsholders, Indigenous peoples and local communities when developing the implementation plan?: No

          What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: Provide corrective action plans to identify how to address non-compliance

          What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Non-compliance with the Animal-derived materials policy
          "VF will randomly select suppliers for auditing to ensure policy adherence. Non-compliance will be subject to Corrective Action Plans in a similar fashion to other forms of supplier non-compliance. • VF will ask ADM suppliers to begin to adopt third party ADM certifications where feasible and applicable. • VF will continue to activate our policy through ongoing processes as our supply chain evolves."
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
    • Pulp & Paper
      39/90
      • Commitment Strength
        10/17
        • Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
          6/9.5
          • Commitment details
            Credible certification scheme
            2/6
            Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
            Credible certification scheme
            2/6
            What paper/pulp product does their commitment apply to?: Paper products; Pulp; Packaging

            When was this commitment set?: 2017

            Type of sustainability commitment: Reduce the volume of virgin wood fibre used in paper and packaging products through usage of recycled content

            Which certification schemes are used?: FSC; PEFC
            "We are committed to implementing the sourcing criteria outlined in our public Forest Derived Materials (FDM) policy, which includes timelines for policy activation and enforcement. The implementation of VF’s FDM policy covers the sustainable and responsible use of forest products to avoid the issues associated with deforestation and forest degradation. VF seeks to address these issues by using raw materials with a minimal impact on forests and forest habitats with a focus on 1) Supporting programs to conserve ancient and endangered forests, 2) prioritizing the use of certified sustainable sources, 3) encouraging responsible Forest Management Practices for suppliers, and 4) reducing virgin material use and prioritizing recycled content materials."
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            What is the rationale for any exclusions?: NA

            What subsidiaries are explicitly included?: NA

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

            What subsidiaries are explicitly excluded?: NA
            "We are committed to the responsible use of raw materials. This forestry policy covers the sustainable and responsible use of forest products, to avoid the issues associated with deforestation and forest degradation"[...]"This policy is applicable to all VF Brands, Coalitions, and Supply Chain Partners involved in the procurement, sourcing and manufacture of all products produced for any VF Brand (including but not limited to fabrics containing manmade cellulosic fibers, hangtags, shoeboxes, hangers, shopping bags, corrugate, tissue paper, store fixtures and solid wood furniture)."
          • Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: NA
            "We have set and met our target for all suppliers to review and agree to our Forest Derived Materials policy after its implementation in 2017. VF's commodity-specific policy for timber is captured within our Forest Derived Materials (FDM) policy, which covers our approach to minimizing impacts on forests and forest habitats from raw materials. The FDM includes a focus on 1) Supporting programs to conserve ancient and endangered forests, 2) prioritizing the use of certified sustainable sources, 3) encouraging responsible Forest Management Practices for suppliers, and 4) reducing virgin material use and prioritizing recycled content materials."
          • Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            What date is given for the interim milestone?: na
            "VF seeks to addresses these issues by using raw materials with a minimal impact on forests and forest habitats with a focus on 1) Supporting programs to conserve ancient and endangered forests, 2) prioritizing the use of certified sustainable sources, 3) encouraging responsible forest management practices for suppliers, and 4) reducing virgin material use and prioritizing recycled content materials. In addition to tighter supplier performance standards, we have also joined initiatives such as CanopyStyle (specific to manmade cellulosic fibers) and Pack4Good, a Canopy initiative to with commitments to minimize the impact of packaging. Outcomes to date: As of FY2020, 100% of our suppliers reviewed and signed our FDM policy or confirmed their agreement with our FDM policy by executing an agreement with our FDM policy attached"
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          4/7.5
          • Commitment details
            Downstream company, traces to First Importer, checks compliance
            4/4
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Downstream company, traces to First Importer, checks compliance
            4/4
            When was this commitment set?: 2020
            "Tracing Our Materials VF commits that by 2027, we will fully trace five of VF’s key materials from Tier 1 through Tier 5. We currently trace to Tier 5 for many materials – including leather, cotton, rubber, wool and others – through third-party certifications" [...] "Forest risks specific to timber are assessed through several processes which include annual assessments of supplier compliance to our Forest Derived Materials (FDM) policy, ongoing traceability work, and biennial materiality assessments. [...] we use Sourcemap to trace our product supply chains back to their raw materials source [...] We manage deforestation risks through our Forest Derived Materials Policy. When further engagement is warranted, our Tier 1 suppliers work directly with sub-tiers of the supply chain. [...] We do not engage with our direct suppliers beyond our Forest Derived Materials (FDM) policy. We require regular review and agreement to our FDM Policy by all of our suppliers."
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
            If no, what is excluded?: Indirect suppliers
            "Tracing Our Materials VF commits that by 2027, we will fully trace five of VF’s key materials from Tier 1 through Tier 5. We currently trace to Tier 5 for many materials – including leather, cotton, rubber, wool and others – through third-party certifications" [...] "Forest risks specific to timber are assessed through several processes which include annual assessments of supplier compliance to our Forest Derived Materials (FDM) policy, ongoing traceability work, and biennial materiality assessments. [...] we use Sourcemap to trace our product supply chains back to their raw materials source [...] We manage deforestation risks through our Forest Derived Materials Policy. When further engagement is warranted, our Tier 1 suppliers work directly with sub-tiers of the supply chain. [...] We do not engage with our direct suppliers beyond our Forest Derived Materials (FDM) policy. We require regular review and agreement to our FDM Policy by all of our suppliers."
          • Target date
            2027
            0.3/1
            Target date
            2027
            0.3/1
            What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: NA
            "Tracing Our Materials VF commits that by 2027, we will fully trace five of VF’s key materials from Tier 1 through Tier 5. We currently trace to Tier 5 for many materials – including leather, cotton, rubber, wool and others – through third-party certifications"
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.5
      • Associated Human Rights Abuses
        10/17
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Details of commitment: ILO; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association

          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: The whole supply chain
          "Better Work is a collaboration between the UN’s International Labor Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, that brings together all levels of the garment industry to improve working conditions, respect labor rights for workers, and improve the competitiveness of the industry. VF is one of 40 Global Partners of the Better Work program."[...]"As a Global Partner, VF will increase collaboration with Better Work through enhanced training and assessments on critical supply chain issues such as child labor, discrimination, forced labor, freedom of association, and occupational health and safety."
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/2
          Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/2
          How many smallholders do they support, and what percentage does this represent in terms of their sourcing from smallholders?: NA
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to ensure equality of women in the supply chain
          1/2
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to ensure equality of women in the supply chain
          1/2
          "Principle 10 – Women’s Rights VF Authorized Facilities must ensure that women workers receive equal remuneration, including benefits, equal treatment, equal evaluation of the quality of their work and equal opportunity to fill all positions open to male workers. Pregnancy tests will not be a condition of employment, nor will they be demanded of employees. Workers who take maternity leave (of a duration determined by local and national laws) will not face dismissal nor threat of dismissal, loss of seniority or deduction of wages, and will be able to return to their former or comparable employment at the same rate of pay and benefits. Workers will not be forced or pressured to use contraception. Workers will not be exposed to hazards, including glues and solvents, which may endanger their safety, including their reproductive health. Facilities shall provide appropriate services and accommodation to women workers in connection with pregnancy."
        • Commitment to remediation
          Yes, and until those open harms are remediated the company ceases operations on/sourcing from those operations
          1/1
          Commitment to remediation
          Yes, and until those open harms are remediated the company ceases operations on/sourcing from those operations
          1/1
          What does the commitment cover?: Social harm
          "We conduct a robust Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) periodically at the enterprise level, enabling us to identify and address the most salient human rights issues related to our business. Taking into account the scale, scope and remediability of the impacts identified in our HRIAs, we prioritize risks related to Forced Labor, Freedom of Association, Women’s Rights, Child Rights, Health and Safety and Fair Wages. Through the HRIA process, we seek both the guidance of human rights experts and feedback from those impacted by our operations to make meaningful improvements. [...] Our child rights efforts exemplify VF’s adoption of the Know, Show, Fix principles for identifying, tracking and remediating potential human rights risks within our supply chain [...] VF CRITICAL LIFE SAFETY: FACTORY REMEDIATIONS FY22 Number that remediated all imminent and near-term findings 128 Percentage that remediated all imminent and near-term findings 85% [...] In FY22, 8% of VF’s audited supplier factories were rated ‘pending rejection’ due to non-conformance with one of our requirements as detailed in the VF Terms of Engagement. Failure to remediate issues can result in a factory designation downgrade and potential contract termination"
        • 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?: Unknown
          "Secure Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of indigenous people and local communities" Specifically stated in the timber products section.
        • Commitment to respect customary rights to land, resources, and territory
          No
          0/3
        • Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          Yes
          3/3
          Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          Yes
          3/3
          " VF commits to neither tolerate nor contribute to threats, intimidation and attacks against human rights defenders."
      • Implementation and Reporting
        20/56
        • Reporting proportion of compliant volumes
          0/0
        • Reporting is independently verified
          No
          0/2
          Reporting is independently verified
          No
          0/2
          Which tools, approaches, third-party verification, including certification, schemes are used?: FSC Certification

          Is the performance of compliance of some suppliers, sources, or origins not verified, and if so why not?: NA

          What methods are used for verification?: FSC Certification, PEFC Certification

          For what percent of the company's supply volume is third-party verification of performance relative to commitments conducted?: NA

          What percent of the company's supply volume is verified using company verification systems?: NA

          Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: FSC Certification, PEFC Certification
          NA
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/3
          Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, encouraged
          0/3
          "VF seeks to address these areas by using raw materials with minimal impact on forests and forest habitats with a focus on: Encouraging Responsible Forest Management Practices for suppliers"
        • 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?: 1993-1997
          Cutoff date 1993-1997 : ""We are committed to implementing the sourcing criteria outlined in our public Forest Derived Materials (FDM) policy, which includes timelines for policy activation and enforcement. The implementation of VF’s FDM policy covers the sustainable and responsible use of forest products to avoid the issues associated with deforestation and forest degradation. VF seeks to address these issues by using raw materials with a minimal impact on forests and forest habitats with a focus on 1) Supporting programs to conserve ancient and endangered forests, 2) prioritizing the use of certified sustainable sources, 3) encouraging responsible Forest Management Practices for suppliers, and 4) reducing virgin material use and prioritizing recycled content materials."
        • Collaborative actions
          No
          0/2
        • Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          For what percentage of material produced or sourced by the company has forest risk been assessed?: NA

          How frequently are assessments conducted?: Annually
          "Forests risks were initially identified as part of VF’s materiality assessments, which resulted in the creation of internal policies and targets as part of our Made for Change sustainability strategy. Forest risks specific to timber are assessed through several processes which include annual assessments of supplier compliance to our Forest Derived Materials (FDM) policy, ongoing traceability work, and biennial materiality assessments. The nature of these assessments generally consider risks greater than 6 years into the future. FDM policy process: VF engaged Canopy, the Rainforest Alliance, and Stand for input and creation of our Forest Derived Materials (FDM) policy, with the intent of defining the risks associated with sustainable and responsible use of forest products, defining core concepts, and implementing practical sourcing strategies. The risks were identified as sourcing practices associated with loss of ancient and endangered forests, loss of biodiversity and habitat, use of forced labor in making forestry products, and loss of indigenous people and local community rights. To avoid these impacts, VF's risk mitigation process focuses on supporting programs to conserve ancient and endangered forests, prioritizing the use of certified sustainable sources, encouraging responsible forest management practices for suppliers, and reducing virgin use and prioritizing recycled content materials"
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          "Principle 14 – Environment VF Authorized Facilities must comply with all laws and regulations relating to environmental protection in the countries in which they operate. Facilities should have policies and procedures in place to ensure environmental impacts are minimized with respect to energy, air emissions, water, waste, hazardous materials and other significant environmental risks. Facilities are expected to make sustainable improvements in environmental performance and require the same of their suppliers and subcontractors.[...[Principle 16 – Monitoring and Compliance VF Authorized Facilities must maintain on site all documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with these Global Compliance Principles. VF and its subsidiaries will undertake affirmative measures, such as announced and unannounced on-site inspections of production facilities, to monitor compliance with these Global Compliance Principles. VF Authorized Facilities must allow VF representatives full access to production facilities, employee records and employees for confidential interviews in connection with monitoring visits. In addition, VF Authorized Facilities must respond promptly to reasonable inquiries by VF representatives concerning the subjects addressed in the audit. VF Authorized Facilities must never offer gifts, cash or other incentives to influence a business decision or to retain business with VF."
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental

          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company?: Own mechanism
          "We have an Ethics Hotline through which employees, suppliers and other third parties can report violations of VF’s policies, including violations of our Conflict Minerals Policy. The number for the Ethics Hotline is (866) 492-3370."
        • Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          No reporting
          0/3
        • Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          Yes, and publishes evidence of actions taken to implement its commitment on labour rights in the production or primary processing operations that it owns, manages or otherwise controls or its supply chains
          3/5
          Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          Yes, and publishes evidence of actions taken to implement its commitment on labour rights in the production or primary processing operations that it owns, manages or otherwise controls or its supply chains
          2.5/5
          What steps has the company taken to implement their labour rights commitment?: Training and Audits

          What percentage/number of new interests, developments, or expansions has the company used FPIC to secure consent of indigenous peoples/local communities?: NA

          What is the status of those FPIC processes?: NA
          "Our contract supplier factories are expected to comply with VF’s Terms of Engagement and Factory Facility Guidelines. We verify compliance with our requirements through internal and third-party audits, including unannounced audits, as outlined in VF’s Factory Audit Procedures."[...]"To ensure ongoing commitment to and understanding of our values-based principles, the Ethics & Compliance Program provides online and facilitator-led training on our Code of Business Conduct and other crucial topics such as human rights, anti-corruption, conflicts of interest, fair competition and intellectual property."
        • Monitor compliance for zero tolerance approach and customary rights
          No
          0/5
        • Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          Yes, report direct suppliers
          2/4
          Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          Yes, report direct suppliers
          2/4
          For what percent are boundaries disclosed?: NA

          From what sub-national jurisdiction(s) does the company source material?: NA

          What type of location data (boundary, point, etc.) is provided for smallholder farms?: NA

          For what percent is no location data disclosed?: NA

          Does the company disclose location of suppliers' production areas or primary processing sites?: No

          For what percent of suppliers' production areas are point locations disclosed?: NA

          What is the volume of each forest risk commodity that the company sourced in the previous year from each national or subnational location?: NA

          For what percent of smallholder suppliers is location disclosed?: NA

          From what country(ies) does the company source material?: China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Georgia, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Republic Of Morocco, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United States of America, Vietnam
          "Our disclosure accounts for 100% of Tier 1* and owned manufacturing facilities used by VF, and approximately 70% of Tier 2** facilities measured by spend for the period 2021’s Quarter 1 (January - March).*** Updated quarterly, the list fluctuates over time to reflect the seasonality of VF’s business and corresponding production. All factories must meet VF’s strict standards and adhere to our Global Compliance Principles. VF's Factory Compliance program continues to expand to cover VF’s Tier 2 factories. As of this publication, 217 Tier 2 factories have been audited under the VF Factory Compliance program, and Corrective Action Plans developed when required. VF’s supplier factory list will continue to expand on a regular basis*Tier 1 is defined as: Final product manufacturing and assembly facilities, as well as value-added operations subcontracted by Tier 1 vendors.**Tier 2 is defined as: Facilities that supply our Tier 1 factories with textiles, leather, down, polymers, trims, packaging, and hardware materials.***Supreme factories are not included in this factory disclosure at this time. VF’s process is to incorporate all new acquisitions along with their unique suppliers into our factory compliance program and disclosure process over a 12-15 month period from the time of acquisition."
        • 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

          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

          How frequently is compliance assessed?: Not specified

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

          How is compliance monitored?: Internal monitoring and verification systems

          For what percent of suppliers does the company directly monitor compliance of production or processing operations?: NA
          "VF is committed to continuous improvement of the criteria and enforcement of its FDM policy. We have set the following compliance and time-bounded goals. All existing suppliers of FDMs must adhere to the below implementation timeline. New suppliers of FDMs will be given the same time-period to achieve policy adherence starting from their initial contract date. Level 1 – Communication & Acknowledgement (Q2 2017) • Begin to train and educate FDM suppliers regarding VF’s FDM policy • Communicate FDM Policy to all FDM Suppliers • Submission of list of all FDM’s and quantities used via our annual VF Materials Inventory or though alternative means determined by VF. All suppliers (new and existing) must sign the VF FDM policy agreement declaring adherence to our criteria and timeline. Level 3 – Verification & Audit (2017, forward) • VF will randomly select suppliers for auditing to ensure policy adherence. Non-compliance will be subject to Corrective Action Plans in a similar fashion to other forms of supplier non-compliance 4. Governance VF’s Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability teams will conduct an annual review of its FDM policy including a global inventory of FDM’s (via the VF Materials Inventory) and a random sample audit of suppliers and a corresponding risk assessment of environmental issues. Identified non-conformity will lead to Supplier and Brand education and an action plan to address outstanding issues. 5. Collaboration We are committed to constantly improving our FDM Policy and practices by working with relevant stakeholders including NGO’s, materials suppliers, industry groups and competitors."
        • Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          Does the company commit to engage with rightsholders, Indigenous peoples and local communities when developing the implementation plan?: No

          What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: Provide corrective action plans to identify how to address non-compliance

          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: Yes

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

          What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Non-compliance with the Forest-derived materials policy
          "VF will randomly select suppliers for auditing to ensure policy adherence. Non-compliance will be subject to Corrective Action Plans in a similar fashion to other forms of supplier non-compliance. • VF’s Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability teams will conduct an annual review of its FDM policy including a global inventory of FDM’s (via the VF Materials Inventory) and a random sample audit of suppliers and a corresponding risk assessment of environmental issues. Identified non-conformity will lead to Supplier and Brand education and an action plan to address outstanding issues. 5. Collaboration We are committed to constantly improving our FDM Policy and practices by working with relevant stakeholders including NGO’s, materials suppliers, industry groups and competitors.
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          Yes, engaged
          1/2
          Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          Yes, engaged
          1/2
          Does the company have a list of blacklisted or otherwise excluded suppliers or producers?: No

          How many noncompliant producers or suppliers are engaged through improvement plans or other processes, and what percentage of the company's supply chain volume does that represent?: NA
          VF Corp "have set the following compliance and time-bounded goals. All existing suppliers of FDMs must adhere to the below implementation timeline[...]VF will randomly select suppliers for auditing to ensure policy adherence. Non-compliance will be subject to Corrective Action Plans in a similar fashion to other forms of supplier non-compliance"
  • Commitment strength
    12/17
    Avg. score
  • Implementation and Reporting
    20/56
    Avg. score
  • Associated Human Rights Abuses
    10/17
    Avg. score

Profile

VF Corp is an international apparel, footwear and accessories company with product markets in over 170 countries worldwide. The company owns many well-known brands including The North Face, Vans, Wrangler, Timberland and JanSport. As the manufacturer of these leading products, VF Corp is exposed to the forest risk commodity leather, which is used in items such as luggage, footwear and accessories. VF Corp. is selected as a powerbroker for leather and paper packaging.

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

Top Brands

Altra, Bulwark, Dickies, Eagle Creek, Eastpak, Horace Small, Icebreaker, Jansport, Kipling, Kodiak, Napapijri, Red Kap, Smartwool, Terra, The North Face, Timberland, VF Solutions, Vans, Walls, Supreme, Blue Bell, Wrangler

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.