We recognise that sourcing raw materials carries environmental and social risks, such as deforestation, water stress and greenhouse gas emissions.
Our Responsible Sourcing Approach sets out our ambition to source 100% of the key raw materials we use through known, responsible or certified routes between 2025 and 2030, depending on the material. Our products must be:
- Sourced in line with our Responsible Sourcing Approach
- Free from harmful substances
- Excellent quality
- Safe, functional and fit for their intended purpose
In addition, we:
- Aim to provide the highest standards of customer experience, regardless of whether our customers shop instore or online
- Support our customers to donate difficult to recycle unwanted products
NEXT products must not contain chemicals which could be harmful to our customers, the workers who make our products or the environment. Therefore NEXT has strict Restricted Substances Standards which state the limits for harmful chemicals used in or during the manufacture of our products. As a member of ZDHC, which provides insight into our supply chains' chemical management processes, we work with our suppliers to identify opportunities to improve and prevent pollution events.
NEXT sources products from over 39 countries and those products are made up from a large variety of raw materials. We are committed to responsible sourcing and building full transparency to trace the raw materials back to source as part of our Responsible Sourcing Approach. The raw materials in our products must be sourced in a way that respects the people, animals and environment in our supply chain.
The main raw materials used in our products are cotton, polyester, manmade cellulosic (such as viscose), timber, leather and wool. We recognise these materials come from the world’s natural resources and can have wide ranging environmental and social risks associated with their production and extraction contributing to issues such as deforestation, water stress and climate change.
As part of our Responsible Sourcing Approach, we have a range of policies and have developed clear guidance for our Product team to use when developing their ranges. We are working with our suppliers to help reduce the impact of manufacturing processes on the environment and on the health of those working and living in communities around our production sites.
We are also exploring ways to design for circularity, extending product life and reducing waste, and have launched a takeback scheme. Our progress depends on continued innovation, collaboration with suppliers and peers and improved data from supply chain partners.
Looking Ahead - during this year, we will:
- Review and update our key policies, including Cotton, MMCFs and Deforestation
- Continue collaboration with our Total Platform partners to establish minimum standards and share best practice
- Increase supplier engagement through both online and in-person formats
- Work with Textile Genesis to improve traceability of MMCFs
For more information on our targets and progress see our Corporate Responsibility Report.
