Levi Strauss & Co. has announced an updated global water strategy aimed at cutting freshwater consumption and expanding recycling and reuse across its manufacturing network. The denim major stated that it intends to reduce freshwater use by 15% across its garment manufacturing supply chain and processing facilities by 2030, compared with a 2022 baseline.
The company said the revised targets focus on processes such as cutting, sewing, laundry, fabric dyeing and weaving — stages it identified as having the “largest impacts on water and nature.” Levi’s has also set a goal to recycle and reuse 40% of the water consumed during its manufacturing processes by the end of the decade. In addition, it plans to publish an industry guide to support water conservation and restoration efforts within the apparel sector.
As part of its broader sustainability agenda, Levi’s outlined a 2030 target for all its direct discharge supplier facilities to meet at least the “foundational” level of the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Foundation’s framework. The foundation works with global brands and manufacturers to eliminate hazardous substances and promote sustainable chemical management. The company further aims for 25% of these facilities to reach the “progressive” level of the ZDHC framework, which requires advanced wastewater treatment systems and greater proficiency in chemical management practices.
The updated water stewardship strategy builds on Levi’s 2019 goals, which sought to halve freshwater use in high water-stress regions by 2025 against a 2018 baseline. However, the company said it achieved only 27% of that target by the end of 2024, prompting a revision of its strategy and timeline.
This latest initiative follows Levi’s first climate transition plan, unveiled in October 2024, under which the company committed to achieving net-zero emissions across its supply chain by 2050. As part of that plan, Levi’s pledged to cut absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2025 (from a 2016 baseline) and reduce Scope 3 emissions by 42% by 2030 (from a 2022 baseline).
Levi Strauss & Co. said the new water strategy reflects its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable growth, as it works to align resource efficiency with global climate and water resilience goals.
