UK brands fail to make fashion’s transparency index top ten

The annual fashion transparency index does not feature any UK brands in the top 10, with Cheltenham-based Superdry the highest ranked with a score of 38%. JD Sports scored 31%, Sainsbury’s 27%, Next 26% and Marks & Spencer and Burberry both scored 25%.

Fashion Revolution ranks 250 of the world’s largest fashion brands and retailers – with a turnover of USD$400m (£313m) or more – on their public disclosure of human rights and environmental policies, practices and impacts in their operations and in their supply chains.

Brands are asked to respond to a survey and “participating brands typically score higher as they can highlight relevant disclosures our researchers may have missed or provide additional information”, said the report.

Each brand is given a percentage score. The average score is 18%, and the highest scoring brands are:

• Puma – 75%
• Gucci – 74%
• H&M – 61%
• Champion, Hanes – 58%
• Calzedonia, Intimissimi, Tezenis – 52%
• Decathlon – 51%
• Asics, Lululemon – 50%

A spokesperson for Fashion Revolution said: “It’s very difficult to pinpoint the exact specifics of why UK brands are not further along on decarbonisation and Just Transition transparency.

“The factors are likely to be specific to their brand circumstances rather than their home location, given the healthy levels of citizens and civil society calling on UK brands to do better for many years.

“It is possible that these specific issues are not yet a priority for them and in the absence of decarbonisation-focused media critiques, investor pressure or civil society and citizens demands, they have failed to act.”

In total, 32 brands scored 0% transparency in the index, they were: Aeropostale, BCBG Max Azria, Beanpole, Belle, Billabong, Bosideng, Celio, DKNY, Fabletics, Fashion Nova, Forever 21, Heilan Home, Koovs, Longchamp, Max Mara, Metersbonwe, Mexx, New Yorker, Nine West, Quicksilver, Reebok, Revolve, Roxy, Saks Fifth Avenue, Savage x Fenty, Semir, Smart Bazaar, Splash, Tom Ford, Tory Burch, Van Heusen and Youngor.

The Fashion Revolution spokesperson added: “We are hopeful that the publication of this report and our accompanying What Fuels Fashion? campaign signals to brands the need to step up, and most importantly to put their money where their emissions are by investing at least 2% of their annual revenue on a clear, fair energy transition.”