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06 Sep

How Ethical Is Just Jeans?

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This article is based on the Just Jeans rating published in September 2020.

 

Founded in 1970, Just Jeans defines itself as the “Australia denim destination” and prides itself on its expertise in all things denim. The brand sells its own line, as well as some of the world’s leading denim brands, including Levi’s, Riders by Lee, Mavi, Guess, True Religion, NYDJ, Calvin Klein Jeans and Wrangler. With now more than 400 stores around Australia and New Zealand, how does that brand rate on its environmental, labour and animal welfare policies? We ask, how ethical is Just Jeans?

Environment: Very Poor

Unfortunately, Just Jeans does not publish sufficient relevant information about its environmental policies for Good On You to give a higher rating. Transparency is the first step towards sustainability, that’s why Just Jeans, and other brands which do not disclose enough information, get a “Very Poor” rating.

Labour: Not Good Enough

Based on its grade in the 2018 Ethical Fashion Report, we rated Just Jeans ‘Not Good Enough’. The brand has a Code of Conduct that covers all of the International Labour Organisation principles, however it has made little to no progress towards ensuring payment of a living wage. What’s more only some of the brand’s facilities have worker empowerment initiatives such as collective bargaining or right to make a complaint.

Just Jeans does trace some of its supply chain, including a portion of the final stage of production although it is unlikely it publicly lists its suppliers. It also audits some of its traced facilities over a two-year period.

Animal: It’s A Start

Just Jeans does not use fur, down, angora, or exotic animal skin or hair, which is great! However, it uses leather and wool without stating its sources, which is problematic as the welfare of workers or animals cannot be guaranteed if the source is unknown.

Hopefully, we found some ‘Good’ and ‘Great’ ethical alternatives which do have a denim, as well as ethical and sustainable expertise!

Overall Rating: Not Good Enough

Rated: Not Good Enough

Overall, we rated Just Jeans ‘Not Good Enough’. Despite its knowledge and experience in denim, the brand’s lack of transparency on environmental policies, animal-products sourcing and poor labour practices means it is not a great option for us ethical fashionistas.

Just Jeans could improve its score by being more transparent about its practices, where it sources its materials, or even better, by not using any animal products at all.

Editor's note

Feature image via Just Jeans. All other images via brands mentioned. Good On You has big plans for ethical fashion! Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands.

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