Levi’s updates water and chemical management goals for 2030
Levi Strauss & Co. has outlined a refreshed sustainability roadmap focused on improving water stewardship and chemical management across its global supply chain. The company aims for all of its direct discharge supplier facilities to reach the “foundational” level set by the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Foundation by 2030.
The ZDHC framework helps the fashion industry eliminate harmful substances and promote safer chemical practices. Reaching the foundational level means that Levi’s suppliers will meet the minimum environmental requirements for managing chemicals responsibly. Beyond that, the company expects 25% of these facilities to achieve the “progressive” level — a higher standard that involves advanced wastewater treatment and deeper knowledge of chemical management.
Levi’s first introduced a water strategy in 2019, targeting a 50% reduction in freshwater use in high-water-stress regions by 2025, compared to a 2018 baseline. By the end of 2024, the company had reached only 27% of that target. This shortfall prompted Levi’s to reassess its approach and extend its timeline.
The new strategy builds on lessons learned and sets clearer expectations for long-term water management across supplier operations. It also aligns with Levi’s broader climate transition plan, announced in October 2024, which includes reaching net-zero emissions across its supply chain by 2050.
As part of that plan, Levi’s committed to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2025 (from a 2016 baseline) and cutting scope 3 emissions by 42% by 2030 (from a 2022 baseline).
Levi’s ongoing sustainability efforts reflect a balance between ambition and accountability—adapting its goals to real progress while maintaining its focus on responsible production and supply chain transparency.
