Epic Group reveals ESG initiatives to meet 20% reduction in GHGs

The initiatives cover the manufacturing, management, and talent process.

ESG initiatives by Hong Kong-based apparel manufacturer Epic Group were announced as part of the group’s efforts to respond to local and global socio-environmental challenges. 

The efforts cover the manufacturing, management, and talent process of the group.

For 2021, a target of a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas intensity was set, with the group upgrading its energy systems to ensure optimum efficiency. All expansions are to also face the same upgrades, beginning with the 730-kW system in a factory that starts production in March 2022. 

All Effluent Treatment Plans will also be upgraded to enable 50% water reuse, with the same upgrades also ensuring that they meet the ZDHC progressive/aspirational level treater water quality. A reduction in hazardous chemicals was also seen from 72 in 2019 to 4, currently. 

The group also moved to more sustainable fibers for cotton and man-made cellulosic. In 2020 alone, Epic Group made 9,957,852 pieces of apparel, with these being made from sustainable fibre. A low-water-denim was launched, with a 60% decrease in water consumption being recorded in the process.

In terms of social impact, the group launched an initiative in 2020 to facilitate career progression for females in the factory. Trained female associates shadowed existing line providers for a period of 1-3 months, with them being promoted to line supervisors following evaluations. 

In 2 years, 92 female supervisors were present, up from the previous of count of six female supervisors. The group is expected to reach 200 female supervisors by July 2022.