We recognize the benefits of implementing innovative sustainability programs and strategic initiatives with our partners - including suppliers, customers, industry associations and non-governmental organizations -- who share our commitment to sustainability. By taking the lead ourselves, contributing to the development of our customers' sustainability strategies and supporting our suppliers, we effect greater positive change in our supply chain.

In 2011, we reviewed our engagement with external stakeholders – including customers, suppliers, industry associations and non-governmental organizations – to look for strategic opportunities where we could focus our efforts for impact, and support our priority of building capacity in our supply chain. As a result and for example, we are expanding our engagement with the following organizations:

• International Labor Organization and its Better Work program for improving labor conditions in factories;
• Business for Social Responsibility and its programs in factories for energy efficiency and water management;
• Sustainable Apparel Coalition and its Apparel Sustainability Index tool, which will improve our ability to measure and manage the environmental impact of products in our supply chain; and
  
• Global Social Compliance Programme and its efforts to improve working and environmental conditions in the global supply chain.

The learning and tools from these programs support and enhance our ongoing efforts to build a sustainable supply chain that benefits diverse communities around the world.