Ralph Lauren launches Cradle to Cradle certified sweater, recycling program

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Jan 26, 2023

Ralph Lauren Corporation is taking its sustainability efforts to the next level with the introduction of its first Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certified gold cashmere sweater and cashmere recycling program. 

The crewneck sweater launches through Ralph Lauren's Men’s Purple Label and Women’s Collection brands, and is expected to be the first of five iconic Ralph Lauren products that the company has committed to have C2C Certified by 2025. 

In particular, the C2C Certified Gold cashmere sweater was woven from fine cashmere fibers, dyed in rich hues and features a transformed signature label cut from organic cotton. It will be highlighted in a multi-media consumer marketing campaign featuring models Andreea Diaconu and Simon Nessman. 

Likewise, as part of the Cradle to Cradle certification process, Ralph Lauren has launched a Cashmere Recycling Program in partnership with Re-Verso, a leading textile production company. The program is making its debut in North America and Europe, and will allow consumers to ship their 100% cashmere items to Re-Verso in Prato, Italy to be recycled.

“The kind of luxury we stand for at Ralph Lauren has always been about timelessness, authenticity and a life well-lived,” said Katie Ioanilli, chief global impact and communications officer. 

“Today more than ever, we believe true luxury encompasses not only a product’s beauty and quality, but how it was made and how it will endure. That’s why we’ve created the industry’s first-ever Cradle to Cradle Certified luxury cashmere product, with plans to deliver four more verified icons by 2025.”

The initiative is part of the company’s goal to implement circular principles into its design and development process by 2025. The Ralph Lauren 'Live On' promise builds on these commitments, as does the company’s existing circularity strategy.