At Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.), sustainability means operating and using resources in a way that can be continued in perpetuity without harming people, the planet or future generations. We are committed to doing our part by reducing waste in our supply chain and our own operations with a goal of achieving zero waste to landfill at all company-operated facilities by 2030 and 50% waste diversion across its strategic suppliers by the same year.
Our distribution center in Henderson, Nevada is a key example of our dedication to these goals, having recently achieved TRUE Silver certification, along with a 95.2% waste diversion rate in 2023. The facility spans 735,000 square feet and is a critical hub for our product distribution operations. The facility is LEED Platinum certified and, when it was first certified in 2019, it was the largest distribution center to receive LEED certification. It continues to push the envelope with design features that range from a solar panel array to a reflective white roof and motion-sensor lighting to energy-efficient kiosks with healthy snacks further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability beyond waste management.
In line with our corporate goals, the Henderson distribution center implemented a comprehensive waste diversion strategy, focusing first on reuse before ultimately recycling non-viable materials. Our distribution team is finding ways to reduce its waste footprint:
- Our Carton Breakdown Department receives empty cartons previously filled with products and materials to reuse for outgoing shipments
- Hangers and sensor tags that come in with products are reused almost exclusively for outgoing shipments
- Internally, the facility uses reusable plastic totes to transport product to be processed
- 100% of cardboard and cartons are recycled when they reach the end of their useful life
- We partner with Power Pallets to take all unwanted pallets to first be reused and then be recycled
“We’re honored to earn TRUE certification to be recognized for the work our Distribution and Logistics team is leading to prioritize reuse and recycling,” said Jeffrey Hogue, chief sustainability officer at LS&Co. “Certifications like TRUE validate our actions are on track to meet the moment and address the most pressing sustainability challenges.”
Learn more about the Henderson facility on their website and their TRUE case study.
Photo credit: Levi Strauss & Co.