This week, Ralph Lauren introduced the industry’s first-ever Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold Cashmere Sweater, available in both the Men’s Purple Label and Women’s Collection brands. It is the first of five Ralph Lauren products (“icons”) that the company has committed to having C2C Certified® by 2025.
Ralph Lauren is dedicated to continuously improving their environmental and social impact through the Cradle to Cradle certification process. This includes using sustainable materials such as fine cashmere fibers and organic cotton, ensuring their manufacturing processes are responsible and promoting transparency and social responsibility throughout their supply chain. The product has undergone a multi-step certification process and will replace the original “icon” and be expanded to include additional cashmere styles.
In addition, Ralph Lauren has also launched its Cashmere Recycling Program for 100% cashmere in partnership with Re-Verso. The program, initially available in North America and Europe, allows consumers to ship their 100% cashmere items – from any brand – to Re-Verso in Prato, Italy to be recycled.
“We congratulate Ralph Lauren on their commitment to creating products that advance safety and responsibility,” says Aly Khalifa, Chief Technical Officer at McDonough Innovation. “Their achievement of Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold for their Cashmere Sweater and the launch of their Cashmere Recycling Program is a testament to the company’s dedication to creating sustainable, circular products. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Ralph Lauren as they work towards certifying more of their products in the future.”
Ralph Lauren’s commitment to creating timeless, authentic products that are meant to be lived in and loved for generations aligns with the Cradle to Cradle Design™ framework of designing for long-term impact. The process involved reimagining every component of the sweater, from the cashmere fiber to the dyes used in the label, to ensure it met the Cradle to Cradle Certified program standards.
“It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Ralph Lauren on their sustainability efforts,” said Michelle Molloy, Managing Director at MBDC. “Ralph Lauren’s steadfast commitment to producing sustainable and responsible products is truly admirable, and we are privileged to be a part of their endeavors to drive positive change within the fashion industry.”
Ralph Lauren’s “Timeless By Design” philosophy focuses on creating products that are designed to last and be reused for years to come. This approach, inspired by William McDonough’s idea of ‘timeless mindfulness,’ contrasts with the wasteful ‘timeful mindlessness’ of fast fashion. “Ralph Lauren’s commitment to incorporating circular principles into their design and development process, as well as their “Live On” promise to ensure their products are responsibly made, beautifully exemplifies the essence of timeless mindfulness. We look forward to supporting Ralph Lauren on their journey toward a sustainable future,” said McDonough.
To read more about Ralph Lauren’s commitment to sustainability, click here.
To learn more about the C2C Certified® Luxury Cashmere Sweater and Cashmere Recycling Program, click here
To view the Cradle to Cradle Certified® products registry, click here.
