[ESG+20 Sustainability Leaders] Bosideng Integrates Corporate Sustainability in Down Jacket Production

(Yicai) April 2 -- [Editor's note] With the implementation of international environmental, social, and governance standards, industrial development has entered a new era.In 2024, which marked the 20th anniversary of the ESG concept, the United Nations Global Compact, the Center for Asia-Pacific at China International Communications Group, and Yicai jointly launched the ESG+20 Sustainable Development Leadership Interview Series. Through dialogues with 20 entrepreneurs and on-site visits, the series explores the insights and achievements of Chinese companies in sustainable development and corporate social responsibility.In this interview of the series, Gao Dekang, founder and chairman of Bosideng International Holdings, stated that “through 50 years of entrepreneurial development, I have realized that the value of a company lies in resonating with the times, and the vitality of a brand lies in growing together with society."Having focused on down jackets for nearly heal a decade, Bosideng has actively integrated itself into the global governance system amid globalization and green, low-carbon development. As a member of the United Nations Global Compact, the Shanghai-based firm has made sustainable development part of its core business strategy. Through the process of making a down jacket, Bosideng aims to reflect the narrative of China's sustainable fashion, offering a replicable and scalable Chinese solution for global industrial transformation.Sustainable development in a company is inseparable from sustainable leadership, Gao said, adding that this implies profound internal changes and a commitment to the long term. Secondly, it involves external collaboration and the responsibility for co-building an ecosystem. Finally, it also means upward global participation and contributions to standards.ESG StrategyGao said that in recent years, Bosideng has established a "1+3+X" ESG strategic framework as part of its vision of being "consumer-oriented and leading sustainable fashion," as well as its goal of achieving net-zero emissions in its operations by 2038.Bosideng has integrated sustainability into its strategic layout and daily operations by establishing an incentive and constraint mechanism that links ESG performance to executive compensation. Through dual assessments, the firm accurately identifies key development issues, ensuring that the principles of ESG are truly embedded throughout the entire process of decision-making, execution, and supervision. This practice has garnered recognition from global capital markets, making Bosideng the first and only company in the Asian textile and apparel industry to achieve the highest possible ESG ratting of AAA from global index provider MSCI.As a leading business in the industry chain, Bosideng understands that sustainable development requires ecosystem co-construction. Gao explained that Bosideng has established a comprehensive ESG management system for its supply chain. It has formulated stringent supplier codes of conduct, implemented green supplier certifications, and linked these certifications to procurement priorities. Bosideng has also developed a digital management platform for supply chain ESG, achieving 100 percent traceability of ESG performance for core suppliers. The company provides regular training to empower suppliers and collaborates with upstream and downstream partners in collaborative innovation, such as developing eco-friendly fabrics and promoting the green upgrading of raw materials, thereby creating a low-carbon, circular, and responsible industrial ecosystem through positive incentives.Looking to the future, Gao expressed confidence in meeting Bosideng’s target of net-zero emissions by 2038. "By that time, our brand will be favored by global consumers not only for the warmth and fashion of our products but also for the leadership and action demonstrated in promoting global sustainable fashion and addressing climate change," he said.Editor: Tom Litting