THE ICONIC has released its 2023 People Planet Positive Progress Year in Review, highlighting important strides it has made towards its mission to be People Planet Positive by 2030, including beginning its journey to become B Corp certified. 

In 2023, THE ICONIC began its journey to become B Corp certified, reiterating its ambition to operate at a standard that demonstrates purpose, backed by credible action.

Further strengthening its commitment to circularity and conscious consumption, THE ICONIC was one of six retailers to sign on as foundation and board members of Seamless, Australia’s National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme. Its ongoing partnership with Giving Made Easy helped customers donate 19,211 items of clothing to Salvos Stores in 2023, while preloved brand partners enabled customers to give products another life.

THE ICONIC continued to take steps to reduce its carbon footprint, including increasing the use of on-site solar at its fulfilment centre, with 25% of the electricity used in 2023 generated by on-site solar. 

Through ongoing engagement and visits, there are now active worker dialogue and grievance mechanisms in 77% of THE ICONIC’s exclusive brands’ factories.One-quarter (26%) of all cotton sourced for THE ICONIC’s own brands in 2023 was either organic, recycled or Australian cotton, and reviews are underway to enhance how its Considered Edit recognises and categorises products that aim to have a lower social, environmental or animal impact.

THE ICONIC reduced its total product intake weight delivered via air from 14.4% in 2019 to 2.9% in 2023, aiming to keep this at 2% from 2024 onwards. 

THE ICONIC has implemented a comprehensive wellbeing program and increased its safety leadership through safety engagement walks. Its Indigenous Engagement Strategy came to life through theTHE ICONIC X FNFD Incubator Program, a 12-month industry-first program in partnership and co-design with First Natons Fashion + Design.

“As Australia’s leading fashion and lifestyle platform, we believe sustainability isn’t optional. We have a responsibility to do better. Having recently launched our refreshed company purpose to ‘Create A Better Way for People to Shop’, how we deliver on this from a sustainability standpoint has never been more pertinent,” THE ICONIC commercial and sustainability officer, Gayle Burchell said.

“While we’re incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made, we’re cognisant that we cannot act alone in our efforts. Having joined forces with six other leading retailers in 2023 as a founding member of Australia’s first National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme, as well as co-designing THE ICONIC X FNFD Incubator program in partnership with First Nations Fashion Design, we’re excited to unlock the potential of combined skills, knowledge and agendas on our path to be people and planet positive by 2030.”