Cotton On's environment rating is 'not good enough'. It uses some eco-friendly materials including recycled materials. There is no evidence it reduces its carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions in its supply chain. There is no evidence it has taken meaningful action to reduce or eliminate hazardous chemicals. There is no evidence it minimises textile waste when manufacturing its products.
Its labour rating is 'not good enough'. Some of its supply chain is certified by Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit - SMETA Best Practice Guidance in the final stage of production. It received a score of 21-30% in the 2022 Fashion Transparency Index. There is no evidence it implements practices to support diversity and inclusion in its supply chain. There is no evidence it ensures payment of a living wage in its supply chain. It has been linked with sourcing cotton from the Xinjiang region in China at risk of using Uyghur forced labour and has taken insufficient steps to remediate.
Its animal rating is 'not good enough'. It has a formal animal welfare policy aligned with Five Freedoms but has no clear mechanisms to implement. It uses leather. It has a policy to source wool from non-mulesed sheep but does not provide evidence on how it is implemented. It does not use fur, down, angora, exotic animal hair or exotic animal skin. There is no evidence it traces any animal products to the first stage of production.
Cotton On is rated 'Not good enough' overall.
FAQs
Overall rating: 'Not Good Enough'
What is cotton on doing to be sustainable? ›
We're on a mission to reduce our water usage at every step. It's as big as supporting responsible cotton farming, and saving millions of litres of water every year in our garment finishing processes. It's as small as turning off the tap when soaping up our hands, or washing the jeans we wear a little less often.
Is cotton actually sustainable? ›
Cotton. Although it is a natural fiber, conventional cotton is far from environmentally friendly. Cotton is mainly produced in dry and warm regions, but it needs a lot of water to grow.
What are the sustainability issues of cotton? ›
Its carbon emissions amount to around 220 million metric tons yearly. Additionally, the heavy use of chemicals in farming can affect the soil's ability to sequester carbon effectively. Cotton cultivation is a source of environmental degradation, including water scarcity and pollution.
What is rated for sustainability? ›
A sustainability rating usually covers multiple subjects: such as the amount of carbon emissions a company is responsible for, labor practices including DEI, details regarding their supply chain, how the community engages with the businesses, and corporate governance.
What is the ethical rating of cotton on? ›
Overall rating: 'Not Good Enough'
Cotton On is still rated “Not Good Enough” based on information from our research and analysis.
Does Cotton On use 100% cotton? ›
Sustainably sourced cotton
We're committed to purchasing 100% of the cotton that is produced.
Is H&M cotton sustainable? ›
Our cotton explained
Pretty much anything you could wish for when it comes to a textile fibre. Unfortunately, it's also a thirsty crop linked to high water and chemical use that affect both the soil and the farmers working in the cotton fields. That's why all our cotton is now sourced more sustainably.
What is the most ethical fabric? ›
10 sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics
- Organic hemp. Hemp is a versatile plant that can be used to make anything from food and building materials to cosmetics and fabrics. ...
- Organic cotton. ...
- Organic linen. ...
- Recycled fabrics. ...
- Lyocell. ...
- Econyl. ...
- Piñatex. ...
- Qmonos.
100% organic cotton may shrink slightly with washing, because it is not chemically treated to reduce the shrinkage effects of heat. This shrinkage is built into the size of the product, so can sometimes be noticeable after washing. If you wash and tumble dry on a high heat, it is possible for up to 10% shrinkage.
How? We sell our own products in over 1,000 Cotton On Group stores globally, and all of the proceeds go back to the Cotton On Foundation to support those most in need. It is as simple as that!
How do you make cotton sustainable? ›
Use water efficiently: Cotton is a water-intensive crop, and water scarcity is a growing concern in many regions. Farmers can use drip irrigation or other water-efficient techniques to reduce water use. Reduce the use of pesticides: Pesticides can have negative effects on the environment and human health.
Can cotton be sustainably sourced? ›
One of the key ways to ensure sustainable cotton is through traceability. Traceability, simply put, is the tracing of materials or goods throughout an entire supply chain – from source to shelf. With cotton, this means from farm/farmer through production/manufacturing to shelf and sale.
What is the world's leading sustainability initiative for cotton? ›
The Better Cotton Standard System is a holistic approach to sustainable cotton production which covers all three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social and economic.
