Our Approach
It is our mission to make beautiful clothes in a beautiful way


Our design, sourcing, retail and logistics teams are constantly evaluating the best options in this fast-changing space, from fabric printing methods, materials and trims right through to packaging and delivery. We welcome new ideas and innovations. Our approach is practical, research-driven and open-minded. We are looking for the best long-term solutions to ensure our business is as responsible as possible, and we actively engage in initiatives, business methods and systems that promote human rights, support communities and protect our natural environment.
Yes, Zimmerman is committed to sustainability. The brand operates in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, collaborating with suppliers to support ethical and sustainable business practices. We review yearly our policies, goals and strategies to strengthen the implementation of best practices across our ESG strategic priorities.
Zimmermann's approach to making meaningful progress on social and environmental issues is multi-faceted and involves several key strategies:
Sustainability Roadmap and Strategic Decisions
Zimmermann's sustainability efforts are guided by a Sustainability Working Group chaired by the CEO and COO. This group meets quarterly to review and execute the sustainability strategy across various departments.
Strategic Priorities
The company has identified ten strategic priorities, including responsible sourcing, workplace well-being, diversity and inclusion, business ethics, product safety, natural resources conservation, greenhouse gas emissions, traceability and transparency, plastic pollution, and chemical pollution.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Zimmermann collaborates with suppliers and partners with organizations that share their values. We are members of initiatives like The United Nations Global Compact, Better Cotton, The Fashion Pact, and signatories to ZDHC Foundation’s Roadmap to Zero Programme.
- Better Cotton: Their mission is to help cotton communities survive and thrive while protecting and restoring the environment. Their Capacity Building Programme puts farmers and farm workers front and centre, ensuring they can access the necessary tools, training, and support they need to continuously improve their practices.
- The Fashion Pact: This is a CEO-led coalition committed to impactful action on climate, biodiversity, and ocean health. As signatories since March 2021, we have pledged specific targets, detailed on The Fashion Pact’s website. Additionally, we participated in the Collective Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (CVPPA) to promote renewable energy adoption through investments in new clean energy infrastructure. For more information on this project, visit https://www.zimmermann.com/sustainability-cvppa.
- We are members of The United Nations Global Compact and therefore committed to implement sustainability as a core principle in the day-to-day operations of the business.
- ZIMMERMANN has also joined the ZDHC Foundation’s Roadmap to Zero Programme as a Friend of ZDHC committed to reducing the chemical footprint of our supply chain.
- We also support grassroots and local organisations looking after the planet. In 2023, we announced our partnership with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) in supporting the inaugural ZIMMERMANN Biodiversity Fellowship.
Environmental Impact
Zimmermann focuses on using high-quality, natural fibres and designs their products for durability and longevity. We prioritize recycled materials and have implemented policies to reduce their chemical footprint.
Traceability and Transparency
The company is committed to achieving traceability from Tier 4 (country-level) through each processing stage for 100% of key natural fibres used in their main materials by 2025.
Zimmermann is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the company and the broader community. Here are some of the key initiatives and strategies we have implemented:
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Zimmermann has established a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Group to lead and drive our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging strategies. This group convenes quarterly and is composed of senior leaders with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, roles, experience, and locations across the business. The group is chaired by the Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for leading, driving, and tracking the delivery of their diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments.
- Employee Development and Training
Zimmermann invests in learning and development with a mandatory face-to-face unconscious bias training program for all leaders and hiring managers. This program is designed to assist them in developing their individual leadership style, help increase employees’ engagement, and nurture future leaders.
- Partnerships and Support
The company partners with organizations like CareerTrackers and The Social Outfit to support First Nations people and refugee women. CareerTrackers is an Australian non-profit with a mission to build Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation across sectors of professional employment and nurture emerging leaders for the future. The Social Outfit focuses on removing barriers to training and employment for refugee and new migrant women, contributing to the circular economy, and advocating for better employment pathways for refugees and a more ethical, sustainable fashion industry.
- Inclusive Workplace and Community Support
Zimmermann is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace, fostering inclusivity for our clients and the broader community, and supporting marginalized groups within the community.We aim to operate with integrity, honesty, respect, and fairness when dealing with customers, employees, and business partners, as stated in our company’s Code of Ethics.
By integrating these strategies, Zimmermann aims to create an environment that is supportive, respectful, encouraging, and values creativity in all its forms, ensuring our business practices are as inclusive and equitable as possible
The Careers section of our website outlines our commitments and provides regular updates on the important developments we are initiating from our hiring practices to career development to unconscious bias training.

