Who Owns Wrangler?

Wrangler operates under Kontoor Brands' sustainability framework, which includes environmental goals, ethical sourcing practices, and social responsibility programs. Kontoor Brands has committed to Sustainable Development Goals with specific targets through 2030.

Wrangler has implemented the Indigood Facility Certification Program to expand the adoption of water-saving technologies in textile production. The company set a goal to save 10 billion liters of water by 2025 and is working with manufacturing partners to implement water conservation techniques in denim production.

Wrangler aims to use 100 percent sustainably grown or recycled cotton by 2025. The company has joined Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture as an associate member, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and working to increase the supply of sustainable cotton in the denim industry.

As a member of the Fair Labor Association (FLA), Wrangler maintains ethical sourcing policies that cover ILO principles and address modern slavery risks. The company's Code of Conduct establishes clear expectations for supplier compliance with labor standards.

Wrangler has set science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both direct operations and supply chain, though the company has acknowledged it is not yet on track to meet these targets. Kontoor Brands has achieved zero-waste designation at all owned and operated distribution centers in North America.

Wrangler received a "Good" sustainability rating from Good On You, which recognized the company's environmental policies, use of lower-impact materials, science-based climate targets, and designer training for circularity. However, the rating noted that Wrangler does not publish evidence of ensuring workers are paid living wages in its supply chain.

Wrangler uses animal-derived materials including leather, shearling, wool, and down. The company has a formal animal welfare policy, though it is not fully aligned with the Five Domains of Animal Welfare. Wrangler does not use fur, angora, exotic animal skin, cashmere, alpaca, or mohair.

Wrangler has received recognition for its sustainability initiatives, denim innovation, and cultural heritage contributions.

Wrangler received a "Good" sustainability rating from Good On You, which recognized the company's environmental policies, use of lower-impact materials including recycled materials, science-based climate targets, designer training for circularity, and biodiversity protection policies.

Wrangler's membership in Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture has been acknowledged as strengthening the company's commitment to sustainable cotton sourcing. The brand has also received recognition for its FR (Flame Resistant) workwear line, which serves industrial workers in oil and gas, utilities, and other sectors requiring flame-resistant clothing.

As a member of the Fair Labor Association, Wrangler has been recognized for its commitment to ethical labor practices and worker protection in the supply chain. Kontoor Brands has achieved zero-waste designation at all owned and operated distribution centers in North America.

Wrangler has faced relatively few major controversies compared to fast fashion brands, though the company has faced typical apparel industry challenges regarding labor practices, environmental impact, and questions about sustainability claims.

Wrangler has faced criticism regarding worker wages in its supply chain, with sustainability assessments noting that the company does not publish evidence of ensuring workers are paid living wages. While the company is a member of the Fair Labor Association and has implemented worker protection initiatives, questions remain about wage adequacy in manufacturing facilities, particularly in low-cost production regions.

While Wrangler positions itself as a sustainable alternative to fast fashion, the company faces scrutiny regarding the environmental impact of denim production, which is water and energy intensive. Critics question whether Wrangler's sustainability initiatives are sufficient given the inherent environmental challenges of denim manufacturing, particularly regarding water usage and chemical treatments.

Some sustainability advocates have raised questions about the accuracy of Wrangler's sustainability marketing claims. The company has set science-based climate targets but has acknowledged it is not yet on track to meet these goals, leading to questions about the effectiveness of current sustainability initiatives.

Wrangler has been criticized for limited transparency in its supply chain reporting, with sustainability assessments noting that the company does not publish an aggregate breakdown of suppliers by geographic location or risk level. This lack of detailed supply chain transparency makes it difficult for stakeholders to fully assess the company's social and environmental impact.

While Wrangler has a formal animal welfare policy, sustainability assessments indicate that it is not fully aligned with the Five Domains of Animal Welfare. The company's use of animal-derived materials including leather and wool has raised questions among animal welfare advocates about the adequacy of animal protection standards.

Wrangler's mid-market positioning creates competitive pressure from both premium denim brands like Levi Strauss and budget options from fast fashion retailers. The company's emphasis on durability and longevity contrasts with fast fashion business models, creating tension between traditional Wrangler values and modern retail dynamics.