8 Ethical Brands You'll Love More Than Zara - Good On You (2024)

FAQs

8 Ethical Brands You'll Love More Than Zara - Good On You? ›

Zara's owner, the Inditex Gropu, has been accused multiple times of greenwashing, exploitation, and environmental distraction. Yet, still, many consumers have absolutely no clue how terrible this highly unsustainable business model actually is to people and the environment.

Zara's owner, the Inditex Gropu, has been accused multiple times of greenwashing, exploitation, and environmental distraction. Yet, still, many consumers have absolutely no clue how terrible this highly unsustainable business model actually is to people and the environment.

In 2022, Zara promised to use 100% renewable energy in their own operations. In 2023 they promise to eliminate single-use plastics for customers. By 2025 they plan to introduce more sustainable 100% linen and sustainable or recycled polyester. By 2040 they promise to have zero net emissions.

Zara again scores “Not Good Enough” for labour. Half of its final stage of production is undertaken in Spain, a medium risk country for labour abuse, and the brand received a score of 51-60% in the Fashion Transparency Index.

Scoring even lower than H&M on the Rank a Brand sustainability scale, Zara received a 14/36 - also a C. Taking a look at the report, we see that Zara has implemented policies for the reduction of hazardous chemical use, but none that have to do with carbon emissions or the usage of sustainable raw materials.

Ethical fashion takes into consideration the rights of both the people who make the clothing and the animals from which some materials may be taken, and the environmental impacts the creation of the clothing may have on the environment.

Despite its success, Zara has faced criticism for its fast-fashion model, which has been linked to environmental and labor concerns. However, the brand has tried to address these issues, including implementing sustainable practices and promoting ethical labor standards throughout its supply chain.

Zara has set its core values to be guided by the principles of “beauty, clarity, functionality, and sustainability. These four principles guide the company in making comprehensive business decisions and even in the day-to-day running of the business.

Is Zara a socially responsible company? ›

Ethical Supply Chain

This includes: Fair trade: ZARA ensures that all workers in its supply chain are paid a fair wage. Safe working conditions: ZARA is committed to ensuring safe and healthy working conditions in its factories. No child or forced labor: ZARA has a zero-tolerance policy towards child or forced labor.

At the time CCC stated that: "It is Zara's responsibility to know who is making their clothes". "According to the code of conduct that they have signed up to, they are responsible for everyone involved in the supply chain. It is up to them to do the monitoring."

The owners of Spanish fashion chain Zara say they are strengthening the oversight of their production system after workers were found toiling in a Brazilian sweatshop. A raid in Sao Paulo found mostly Bolivian immigrants working for a pittance in unsafe conditions.

Zara stores have been accused of labor abuses in supply chain subjecting workers to degrading conditions. This prompted many consumers to boycott the brand's products. The brand has been linked to forced labor camps in China, and its workers in Brazil are also subjected to inadequate working conditions.