Gap, Banana Republic & Old Navy Launches Sustainability Initiative With Mad Travel: Paper Bag Proceeds To Fund Tree Planting

Manila, Philippines — In a time when climate change and environmental issues continue to threaten our future, Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic are stepping up their commitment to sustainability. These three brands are proud to launch a campaign that encourages customers to reuse, recycle, and make mindful shopping choices—because saving the planet starts with small, everyday actions.

The American apparel brands have launched a new eco-conscious initiative as part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability, in partnership with MAD Travel, a social enterprise focused on reforestation and community development. Customers who opt to use the store paper bags will be charged a minimal fee of ₱2 for every paper bag used in-store and ordered online, with 100% of the proceeds directly supporting reforestation efforts in selected areas in the Philippines. Every peso collected will go towards planting trees and helping rural communities through MAD Travel’s well-recognized environmental programs.

MAD (a shortened Make A Difference) Travel’s mission is to educate local communities about restoration and sustainability in the context of green economies that can end poverty of people and planet. With this partnership with three iconic American retail brands, their ongoing efforts are amplified further, and done in style too.

In 2024, it has been reported that the organization’s efforts rehabilitated 4000 hectares of land in Zambales, all because of working closely with Aeta communities of Yangil & Banawen to plant 62,000 seedlings.

This initiative is not just about reducing single-use packaging but creating long-term, positive impact. By choosing to bring your own reusable bag or supporting the donation, customers take part in a bigger effort to restore the environment and give back to communities.

Together, these 4 brands believe that we can grow a greener tomorrow.


Visit the following stores: Gap in SM Mall of Asia & Megamall, Ayala Malls Manila Bay & Abreeza, Glorietta 4, Shangri-la Plaza, Trinoma & Alabang Town Center and Evia Lifestyle Center ; Old Navy in Bonifacio High Street, One Ayala & Shangri-la Plaza or Banana Republic in Central Square & Rustan’s Makati. Shop online too at gap.com.ph, oldnavy.com.ph & bananarepublic.com.ph


ABOUT GAP 

Gap is a globally recognized icon of casual American style. Founded in San Francisco in 1969, Gap champions originality by creating loved essentials and delivering culturally-relevant experiences that celebrate individuality. Gap is an adult apparel and accessories brand that offers GapKids, babyGap, Gap Maternity, GapBody and GapFit collections. The brand also serves value-conscious customers with exclusively designed collections for Gap Outlet and Gap Factory Stores. Gap is the namesake brand and global specialty retailer, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) and connects with customers online and in company-operated and franchise retail locations globally. For more information, please visit www.gap.com.


ABOUT OLD NAVY

Old Navy is a global apparel and accessories brand that makes current American essentials accessible to every family. Originated in 1994, the brand celebrates the democracy of style through on-trend, playfully optimistic, affordable and high-quality product. A division of San Francisco-based Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), Old Navy brings a fun, energizing shopping environment to its customers in more than 1,000 stores around the world. For more information, please visit www.oldnavy.com.


ABOUT BANANA REPUBLIC

Banana Republic is a storyteller’s brand, outfitting the modern explorer with high-quality, expertly crafted collections and experiences to inspire and enrich their journeys. Founded in 1978 in San Francisco, Banana Republic connects with customers across online and company-operated and franchise retail locations globally. For more information, please visit www.bananarepublic.com and follow @BananaRepublic on social channels.

 
About Specialty Lifestyle Concepts, Inc.

In the Philippines, Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic are exclusively distributed by Specialty Lifestyle Concepts, Inc. (formerly Casual Clothing Retailers, Inc.), a member of SSI Group, Inc. Gap is available at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Glorietta 4, Shangri-La Plaza, SM Mall of Asia, Trinoma, Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall, and Abreeza Davao. Old Navy is available at Bonifacio High Street, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and One Ayala. Banana Republic is available at Rustan’s Makati. Follow Gap on Facebook or Instagram @GapPhilippines, Old Navy on Facebook @OldNavyPH, Banana Republic on Facebook @BananaRepublicPhilippines, and @ssilifeph on Instagram or visit ssilife.com.ph or www.gap.com.ph, www.oldnavy.com.ph, www.bananarepublic.com.ph for more information. 


About SSI Group, Inc.:

The SSI Group is the Philippines’ largest specialty retailer, with an established brand portfolio that includes some of the world’s most recognized international brands. We lead the country’s specialty retail market through the size and breadth of our brand portfolio and store network, with 94 brands and 593 stores. With our growing e-commerce presence, we are also the Philippine specialty retailer with the most diverse and extensive e-commerce offering. Our unique brand portfolio covers a wide range of specialty and lifestyle concepts, spanning the luxury, casual, and fast fashion, beauty, footwear, home, and restaurant categories.  Established in the 1980s, SSI has been at the forefront of the Philippine retail industry for more than 30 years. Throughout this time, we have sought to inspire and enhance the lifestyle values of our customers and to cater to the evolving tastes and aspirations of Filipino consumers. In response to the evolution of the retail industry, the company introduced "The Specialist," an At Home concierge service dedicated to serving its valued customers with their shopping needs. Customers may get in touch with SSI’s Customer Service team through any of the following channels to inquire about a particular brand or product:


SSI GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM

Email: customerservice@ssigroup.com.ph
Telephone Number: 8-830-5000
Mobile Number: (0917) 552 9359
Facebook: facebook.com/SSILifePH
Instagram: @ssilifeph
Viber Community: bit.ly/SSILifePH
#TheSpecialistBySSI