PVH and WWF: Celebrating 10 Years of Partnership on Water Stewardship

When selecting clothing, consumers often focus on color, style, and fit. But behind every garment lies a resource-intensive process, especially when it comes to water.

In 2024, PVH and WWF marked a decade of collaboration focused on advancing water stewardship across key textile-producing regions.

A Decade of Impact

The partnership began with a water risk assessment for TOMMY HILFIGER’s supply chain and has since evolved into a broader strategy for sustainable water use. Throughout the years, PVH has supported WWF’s work in several critical river basins, including the Noyyal-Bhavani in India, the Büyük Menderes in Türkiye, and the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. These programs bring together multiple stakeholders, brands, governments, NGOs, and communities, to tackle shared water challenges.

Noyyal-Bhavani Basin, India

In India’s Noyyal and Bhavani sub-basins, PVH has supported collective action efforts that address water pollution and scarcity in one of the country’s most important textile hubs. The region, home to over 800 garment factories and 3,000 finishing units, contributes significantly to India’s cotton knitwear exports.

WWF-India’s initiatives here include clean technology assessments, groundwater recharge structures, and wetland restoration. In 2024 alone, 128,780 cubic meters of water were saved through efficiency improvements. A Water School Program engaged over 2,000 students and 100 teachers, fostering a culture of conservation from the ground up.

Büyük Menderes Basin, Türkiye

Türkiye’s Büyük Menderes basin is the country’s second-largest cotton-producing region and a biodiversity hotspot. PVH’s involvement in WWF’s program here supports cleaner production in the textile sector and regenerative agriculture in cotton farming.

In 2024, modern irrigation systems on a 15.5-hectare farm reduced water use by 60%, saving 58,000 cubic meters annually. WWF-Türkiye also launched a Regenerative Cotton Scorecard and facilitated a technical working group to restore habitats for the endangered European eel. These efforts demonstrate how sustainable practices can benefit both industry and ecosystems.

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

The Mekong Delta is a vital agricultural and industrial region, but it faces increasing risks from climate change and pollution. PVH is part of a collective action initiative in Vietnam that promotes water stewardship among textile manufacturers.

In 2024, the program secured $1.6 million in funding for its second phase and expanded its reach to aquaculture and beverage sectors. Training sessions and supplier engagement activities helped build capacity for cleaner production and wastewater recycling, with one denim facility achieving a payback period of just 11 months on its upgraded system.

Looking Ahead

By investing in shared water stewardship, PVH is helping to build more resilient ecosystems, communities, and supply chains.