MONTREAL, QUEBEC–(Marketwired – Sept. 8, 2016) – Gildan Activewear Inc. (TSX:GIL)(NYSE:GIL), a global manufacturer and marketer of quality family apparel, announced today that the Company has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World Index) for the fourth consecutive year. Gildan remains the only North American company in the Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods industry group listed in the DJSI World Index. Gildan is also pleased this year to have been included for the first time in the DJSI North American Index.

This ranking is an important recognition of Gildan’s Genuine Responsibility™ program, encompassing the full spectrum of corporate social responsibility initiatives that touch all aspects of the Company’s operations. Gildan’s vertically-integrated business model and ongoing manufacturing investments allow it to have visibility over the complete production process, positively influencing the social, environmental and economic impacts associated with each step.

“Being included on the DJSI World index once again is a great source of pride for our employees, customers and partners worldwide and a validation that we are investing our energies in the right places to deliver sustainable value to all of our stakeholders,” said Glenn Chamandy, President and Chief Executive Officer, Gildan. “As one of the largest apparel manufacturers in the world, we acknowledge the impacts of our operations and remain committed to leading the industry by ensuring that no detail is overlooked in producing our product in the most sustainable manner possible.”

The Company recently published, for the 12^th consecutive year, its Genuine Responsibility™ report. One of the highlights of the 2015 update was the Company’s strong performance on its 2010-2015 five-year goals. During that period Gildan reduced greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 34%, reduced energy use and water per kg of production by 14% and 17% respectively, and recycled or repurposed 89% of its total waste. The Company also increased its reliance on renewable energy solutions and generated 51% of its energy needs through the use of biomass. Gildan remains committed to investing in new technologies and innovation to further drive continuous improvements in reducing the Company’s energy, GHG emissions intensity, water and waste footprint.

The Dow Jones Sustainability World Index comprises global sustainability leaders and represents the top 10% of the largest 2,500 companies in the S&P Global BMI (Broad Market Index) based on long-term economic, environmental and social criteria. It is a leading benchmark for identifying the organizational drivers that are most likely to contribute to long-term value creation for all stakeholders, and remains one of the world’s most credible sustainability ratings.

About Gildan

Gildan is a leading manufacturer and marketer of quality branded basic family apparel, including T-shirts, fleece, sport shirts, underwear, socks, hosiery, and shapewear. The Company sells its products under a diversified portfolio of company-owned brands, including the Gildan®, Gold Toe®, Anvil®, Comfort Colors®, Alstyle®, Secret®, Silks®, Kushyfoot®, Secret Silky®, Peds®, MediPeds® and Therapy Plus™ brands. Sock products are also distributed through the Company’s exclusive U.S. sock license for the Under Armour® brand, and a wide array of products is also marketed through a global license for the Mossy Oak® brand. The Company sells its products through two primary channels of distribution, namely printwear and retail markets. The Company distributes its products in printwear markets in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. In retail markets, the Company sells its products to a broad spectrum of retailers primarily in the U.S. and Canada and also manufactures for select leading global athletic and lifestyle consumer brands.

Gildan owns and operates vertically-integrated, large-scale manufacturing facilities which are primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean Basin, North America and Bangladesh. These facilities are strategically located to efficiently service the quick replenishment needs of its customers in the printwear and retail markets. Gildan has over 48,000 employees worldwide and is committed to industry-leading labour and environmental practices throughout the Company’s supply chain. More information about the Company and its corporate citizenship practices and initiatives can be found at www.gildan.com and www.genuinegildan.com, respectively.

Media inquiries:
Garry Bell
(514) 744-8600
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