US-based Elevate Textiles, has been recognized as the first global textile manufacturer to receive validation of its Science Based Target (SBTi) goals related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the highest levels recommended. Elevate has enhanced its original greenhouse gas emission reduction objective for its portfolio brands American & Efird (A&E), Burlington, Cone Denim, Gütermann, and Safety Components from 2.5% to 4.2% per year as part of its commitment.

Specific Elevate brands have emerged as leaders in their respective markets including Burlington as the first performance woven fabrics manufacturer to earn approved targets, A&E as the first thread manufacturer to receive approved targets, and Cone Denim as the first denim mill to receive approved targets.

Jimmy Summers, Chief Sustainability Officer for Elevate Textiles, said that having their Science-Based Targets approved is a significant step forward in their sustainability journey. Elevate is excited to be the first global textile manufacturer to get this honor, further validating its efforts to cut GHG emissions in accordance with climate science and in partnership with a wide range of private and public sector organizations. Scope 3 emissions will be reduced as a result of their efforts to reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. This collaborative effort benefits not only their brands and customers but also Elevate's shared commitment to responsible and sustainable production around the world.

Elevate officially joined the SBTi in September 2019, and as part of its overarching 2025 Sustainability commitments, began reviewing and setting aggressive Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emission goals. Since then, the company has increased its commitment by joining the Business Ambition 1.5°C Campaign and evaluating emissions reduction objectives across the value chain. 

Elevate's approved targets include a 46.2% reduction in absolute scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to a 2019 baseline, as well as a 46.2% reduction in several scopes 3 categories – purchased goods and services, processing of sold products, and fuel and energy-related emissions – over the same time period. As part of the Business Ambition for 1.5°C Campaign, Elevate has set a long-term goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

Science-based targets give businesses a clear roadmap to future-proof growth by stating how much and how soon they must reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Science-based target setting is promoted by the Science-Based Targets project as an effective tool to increase companies' competitive edge in the transition to a low-carbon economy. CDP, the World Resources Institute (WRI), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and the United Nations Global Compact collaborated on it (UNGC).