A&F Co. works closely with its supply chain partners to trace raw materials back to their origin. It published a Cellulosic Fiber Policy in 2017 outlining a due diligence process to track and trace cellulosic fibers. It also partners with down suppliers to ensure responsible sourcing standards and works to prevent conflict minerals from benefiting armed groups in the Congo. A&F Co. is taking steps to implement traceability programs for wool, cotton and other materials to ensure responsible sourcing.

1. Traceability
To ensure the raw materials used to produce A&F Co. merchandise are
responsibly sourced, A&F works closely with its supply chain partners to trace
the origin of the materials through the tiers back to the forest or farm.
Targets
A&F Co. published its Cellulosic Fiber Policy in 2017 outlining a due diligence process tracking
system to improve our traceability through the supply chain. We work directly with our vendors
to identify cellulosic fiber suppliers and safeguard against sourcing materials from ancient or
endangered forests.
Moving forward, A&F Co. will work with Canopy and our cellulosic fiber suppliers to
collaborate and support solutions that protect ancient and endangered forests.
A&F Co. partners with its down suppliers to comply with Textile Exchange’s Responsible Down
Standard by obtaining proper certification and supply chain transparency.
A&F Co. supports the goal of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act to prevent armed groups
from benefitting from the sourcing of conflict minerals, including tantalum, tin, gold and
tungsten (3TG metals), from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the covered countries.
Read more about A&F’s Conflict Mineral Policy.
As a member of the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), A&F Co. is able to confirm suppliers
are conformant with RMI’s Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) assessment
protocol.
Beginning in 2019, A&F Co. will implement a new process to work with its wool supplying
partners to comply with Textile Exchange’s Responsible Wool Standard. By obtaining proper
certification and supply chain transparency, A&F Co. will work to ensure its wool is responsibly
sourced and track progress.
A&F Co. recognizes that the cotton supply provides a unique challenge for traceability. With a
long-term target of being able to identify where cotton used in A&F Co. products originates,
we are working to identify a process for tracking cotton. As an initial step, A&F Co. became
a Cotton LEADS Partner in 2018 and supports its mission to advance sustainable cotton
production in the US and Australia.
In fall 2018, members of the A&F Co. sustainability team participated in a Cotton LEADS Farm
Tour in Arkansas to see first had cotton growing, harvesting and ginning processes.
In 2019, A&F Co. joined the Better Cotton Initiative to promote sustainable cotton farming
practices globally. Over the coming years, A&F Co. will identify opportunities to increase its
contributions to BCI and track progress.
97% TRACED
3% AWAITING RESPONSE
100%
RDS CERTIFIED
100%
COMPLIANT CONFLICT
MINERAL SMELTERS
BY PURCHASE ORDER
Percent of Viscose Purchase Orders Trace by Fiber Supplier
UPDATED 02/19