Article content
GATINEAU, Que. – The Competition Bureau of Canada has opened an investigation into Vancouver-based Lululemon Athletica Inc. following a complaint from members of an environmental group.
Stand.earth asked the office to investigate the sportswear giant in February, claiming Lululemon was misleading customers about its climate impact.
Article content
The group issued a statement earlier this year saying Lululemon used the “Be Planet” slogan as part of its “Impact Agenda” released in 2020, but the company’s own reports show greenhouse gas emissions have doubled since then have.
Article content
A Competition Office spokeswoman confirmed on Monday that it had launched an investigation into “alleged misleading marketing practices”.
The office says there are no conclusions about wrongdoing at this time.
No one from Lululemon could immediately be reached for comment, although an earlier statement in February said the company was focused on “helping create an apparel industry that is more sustainable and addresses the severe impacts of climate change.”
Lululemon’s 2022 Impact Report says its products and actions help lead the industry “towards a climate-resilient future where nature and people thrive.”
According to the report, the company aims to achieve a number of climate goals by 2030, including a 60 percent reduction in emissions intensity for “Scope 3” operations, which include the manufacturing and global shipping of clothing.
But Lululemon’s reports cited by Stand.earth show that total emissions for the category rose from about 830,000 tons in 2020 to nearly 1.7 million tons.
These “Scope 3” activities account for 99.7 percent of the company’s total carbon footprint, the 2022 report said.
Article content
Lululemon said earlier this year that its “decarbonization plan” aims to become a “net-zero company” with a 90 percent reduction in emissions by 2050.
Luluelmon has so far met its goals of powering its own facilities with renewable electricity while reducing those emissions by 60 percent, it said.
The company recognizes that the majority of its carbon footprint comes from emissions “within the broader supply chain,” the statement said.
Lululemon donated $10 million to a fund aimed at accelerating climate action in the global apparel industry, it added.
Recommended by Editorial
-
Lululemon shares fall on cautious outlook
-
Lululemon is accused of “greenwashing.”
A statement from Rachel Kitchin, senior corporate climate activist at Stand.earth, said Lululemon is providing Team Canada’s equipment for the upcoming Paris Olympics and Paralympics and representing the country on the world stage.
“Our athletes deserve to do their best work in a brand that aligns with their values as Canadians and not be misled by misleading and greenwashing marketing.”
Share this article on your social network