Australian brand Cotton On are known and loved around the world for their fun and affordable clothing and accessories. But just how ethical are they when it comes to their environmental impact, the treatment of their workers, and animal welfare?
The Cotton On Group, which includes brands such as Rubi Shoes, Factorie, and Supré, was named the top performing retailer of 2017 in Australia. According to the Cotton On Manifesto, the company is “focused on building an ethical, sustainable and profitable business and ensuring we have a positive impact on our people, the community, the planet and all those we connect with.” But does this translate into real-world action? Let’s take a look!
Environmental Impact: Not Good Enough
Cotton On don’t publish sufficient relevant information about their environmental policies to achieve a higher rating. And we have a sneaking suspicion why!
As a fast fashion brand, Cotton On produces huge quantities of cheaply made garments, most of which are made from unsustainable materials including conventional cotton, viscose, and polyester. Manufacturing these materials consumes vast amounts of energy and water, not to mention the use of hazardous chemicals. Not only do these chemicals have a detrimental effect on workers and the surrounding air, soil waterways and communities, but they have also been found to affect those who end up wearing the clothes.
As a shopper, you have the right to know how a brand’s production practices impact the environment. We strongly recommend Cotton On get their act together and publically provide information about their environmental policies.
Labour Conditions: Good
Overall, Cotton On are doing quite well when it comes to improving labour conditions across their supply chain. Their labour rating is based on the 2017 Ethical Fashion Report, which looks at criteria including payment of a living wage, transparency, and worker empowerment.
Cotton On are a signatory to the Bangladesh Fire and Safety Accord and received the top score for their Supplier Code of Conduct. They trace all suppliers at the final manufacturing stage and inputs production stage and are in the process of tracing at the raw materials stage. They publicly list most of their suppliers and also audit all of their traced facilities over a two-year period across their entire supply chain.
While Cotton On are taking steps toward implementing a living wage, they don’t currently ensure payment of a living wage to all workers across their supply chain. They also have few worker empowerment initiatives in place. So, while there is a lot to be proud of here, more action in this area could see Cotton On achieve the top score.
Animal Welfare: It’s a Start
Cotton On do not use fur, angora, wool, down or exotic animal skin or hair in their products, which is great! However, they do use leather without specifying sources. This is problematic as the welfare of leather workers and animals are unknown and therefore cannot be guaranteed.
