Hanes Sustainability Efforts Earn Coveted U.S. EPA Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., March 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanes®, America's No. 1 Brand of Family Basics[ii], is proud to announce the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the company with the highly coveted Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award as a 2012 Energy Star Partner of the Year, the company's third consecutive partner for the year honor. Hanes will be honored with the Sustained Excellence recognition for its commitment to energy efficiency and promotion of sustainable energy management practices at an awards ceremony on March 15 in Washington, D.C.

As part of its sustainability commitment, Hanes created a line of EcoSmart™ products, including Hanes hoodies, socks, sweats and T-shirts that stay incredibly soft, wash after wash. Hanes EcoSmart products are made with fabric produced in part from recycled plastic bottles or recycled cotton. Hanes EcoSmart products will save the equivalent of more than 57 million plastic bottles from going into landfills this year. Additionally, Hanes EcoSmart Socks contain either some recycled cotton fiber or alternative flax fibers, while the fabric in 67 percent of Hanes men's and boys' undershirts is made using renewable energy.

"Sustainability is very important to our consumers, and we hope they take comfort in the fact that Hanes is doing its part for the environment," said Sidney Falken, Chief Branding Officer, Hanes. "We are proud of our commitment to environmental responsibility and the significant progress and accomplishments our company has made in recent years; however, we know we have the potential to achieve even more in this area and we are committed to doing so to benefit future generations."

Consumers Invited to Test Their "Eco-IQ" on Facebook During Earth Month

Hanes' sustainability-focused website (www.Hanesgreen.com) is an online destination where consumers can learn more about Hanes' environmental responsibility efforts. The Hanes Green website also offers information and ideas for how consumers can take small steps toward making more responsible environmental decisions in their own lives. 

What's more, in recognition of Earth Month, Hanes will encourage consumers to take an Eco-IQ Quiz on the brand's Facebook® page (www.facebook.com/Hanes) from April 2-27 with a chance to win prizes. Prizes include Hanes EcoSmart products and a $2,000 gift card to put toward the purchase of an Energy Star appliance. No purchase is necessary to win prizes. The official rules of the promotion and more details will be posted on the Hanes Facebook page beginning April 2.

A Companywide Commitment to Environmental Responsibility

Hanes has quietly become a leader in energy management and aspires to be an international apparel industry leader in overall environmental responsibility and stewardship. According to U.S. EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, the energy efficiency achieved by Hanes in 2011 could supply the annual energy requirements for 874 American homes. In addition, the company's sustainability accomplishments since 2007 include reducing carbon emissions per garment produced by 27 percent, reducing water use by 33 percent per garment produced and using renewable sources of energy for more than 33 percent of its worldwide needs.

For more information on the Hanes environmental responsibility efforts and for tips on how to "Go Green" visit www.Hanesgreen.com or www.Facebook.com/Hanes.

About Hanes
Hanes, America's No. 1 Apparel Brand, is a leading brand of intimate apparel, underwear, sleepwear, socks and casual apparel. Hanes products can be found at leading retailers nationwide and online direct to consumers at www.Hanes.com.  Hanes is a flagship brand of Hanesbrands Inc. (NYSE: HBI) (www.Hanesbrands.com)

[i] The NPD Group / Consumer Tracking Service, R12 Apr 11, Unit Share

[ii] The NPD Group / Consumer Tracking Service, R12 Apr 11, Unit Share

SOURCE Hanes