Professional Documents
Culture Documents
TRANSPARENCY
INDEX
2020 EDITION
A review of 250 of the biggest global fashion brands and retailers
ranked according to how much they disclose about their social
and environmental policies, practices and impacts.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 01
CONTENTS
02 KEY FINDINGS 21 THE FINAL SCORES ACROSS THE 5 SECTIONS
04 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 22 Average scores across the sections
23 1. Policy & Commitments
07 ABOUT THIS REPORT 30 2. Governance
08 Why transparency matters 34 3. Traceability
09 What do we mean by transparency? 39 Case Studies
10 Purpose of the research 41 4. Know, Show, Fix
11 About the methodology 47 Viewpoint: Ben Vanpeperstraete, Human Rights Expert
12 Annual updates to the methodology 48 5. Spotlight Issues
13 Weighting of the scores 60 Viewpoint: Garment Worker Centre
14 How the research is conducted
15 How brands and retailers are selected 61 FINAL THOUGHTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
16 A-Z of brands 62 Take Action on Transparency
62 Brands and Retailers
17 THE FINAL SCORES 62 Governments and Policymakers
18 A guide to the scoring 63 Citizens
19 The final scores 64 Thank You
20 Quick findings 65 ANNEX 1 References
66 ANNEX 2 Definitions & Abbreviations
67 Disclaimer
68 About Fashion Revolution
The content of this publication can in no way be taken to reflect the views of any of the funders of Fashion Revolution.
© Fashion Revolution CIC 2020. All rights reserved. This document is not to be copied or adapted without permission from Fashion Revolution CIC.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 02
KEY FINDINGS
AVERAGE SCORE IN EACH SECTION
23%
overall average POLICY & GOVERNANCE TRACEABILITY KNOW, SHOW SPOTLIGHT
COMMITMENTS & FIX ISSUES
score across the 250
brands reviewed
HIGHEST SCORING
BRANDS SINCE 2017
Percentage of brands
publishing suppliers lists
2020 2019
2017 2018 2019 2020 H&M (H&M Group) 73% Adidas/Reebok 64%
(100 brands) (150 brands) (200 brands) (250 brands)
C&A 70% Patagonia 64%
First-tier manufacturers
Adidas/Reebok 69% Esprit 62%
40%
Esprit 64% H&M (H&M Group) 61%
35%
Patagonia / Marks & Spencer 60% C&A 60%
37%
5%
7%
25%
overall average score
28%
overall average score
32%
overall average score
across the 198 brands across the 148 brands across the 98 brands
1%
reviewed in 2019 and 2020 reviewed since 2018 reviewed since 2017
0%
Up 3 percentage points Up 7 percentage points Up 12 percentage points
since 2019 since 2018 since 2017
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 04
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
About the Fashion Transparency High street brands lead on The majority of brands and Participation in the Fashion
Index 2020 transparency but luxury brands retailers lack transparency on Transparency Index is influencing
are making progress social and environmental issues brands to disclose more social
We are pleased to deliver our fifth annual and environmental information
Fashion Transparency Index 2020, which H&M (H&M Group) is the highest scoring More than half (54%) of brands score
reviews and ranks 250 of the world’s brand this year at 73% of the 250 possible 20% or less. However, there are fewer Brands that participated in the Fashion
largest fashion brands and retailers points, followed by C&A at 70%, Adidas low-scoring brands this year compared Transparency Index 2020 (by completing
according to how much they disclose and Reebok at 69% and Esprit at 64%. to 2019. 28% of brands score 10% or less, our questionnaire) have achieved an
about their social and environmental compared to 36% of brands last year. overall average score of 35% (compared
The overall average score among the 250
policies, practices and impacts. to 23% overall average among all 250
brands is 23% (up from 21% among the
Of the new brands added to the Index brands.) Non-participating brands
200 brands in 2019).
This year we reviewed an additional in 2020, 15 brands score 5% or less, achieved an overall average score of 11%.
50 brands and retailers, including including Canada Goose, Fashion Nova,
Gucci is the highest scoring luxury brand
major brands from Australia, India, New Pepe Jeans and DKNY. Every brand in the top 20% of scores in
at 48%, up from 40% in 2019, and is the
Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa 2020 and all brands scoring above 40%
only brand to score 100% on Policy and
and Switzerland for the first time. We Brands that disclose nothing at all participated in the Fashion Transparency
Commitments. The other Kering Group
also added in several e-retailers this include Swiss luxury brand Bally, Index this year.
brands we reviewed come in just behind
year, including Fashion Nova (USA), Koovs ready-to-wear brand Elie Tahari, Jessica
Gucci, including Balenciaga (47%), Saint
(India) and Pretty Little Thing (UK). Simpson’s eponymous brand, Dutch high However, the scores of approximately
Laurent (47%) and Bottega Veneta (46%)
street brand Mexx and Chinese retailers 30 brands have barely changed from
The Fashion Transparency Index Belle, Heilan Home and Youngor. 2017 to 2020, including Gap, Uniqlo and
Ermenegildo Zegna has become the
comprises 220 indicators covering a wide Walmart, among others. This means they
first luxury brand to publish a detailed
range of social and environmental topics have not taken significant steps towards
supplier list. However, Hermès has
such as animal welfare, biodiversity, increasing transparency within the past
disclosed many of its owned and
chemicals, climate, due diligence, three years, compared to other brands.
operated manufacturers and suppliers
forced labour, freedom of association, for many years. Meanwhile, Balenciaga,
gender equality, living wages, purchasing Bottega Veneta, Gucci and Saint Laurent
practices, supplier disclosure, waste and have also published a handful of raw
recycling, working conditions and more. material suppliers this year. We hope to
see more luxury brands follow their lead.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 05
Brands continue to publish more Information dumping is an Encouraging progress made on Continued lack of transparency
about their policies than how they ongoing problem disclosing supplier lists on living wages for workers in
implement them the supply chain
Information and data dumping almost 40% of brands (101 out of 250) are
As in previous editions of the Index, brands seems like a deliberate strategy by publishing their manufacturers (up As in previous editions of the Index, the
disclose more about their policies than some of the brands. For quite a few from 35% in 2019). 24% of brands (60 majority of brands and retailers publish
they do about how they put those policies brands, we have found information out of 250) are publishing some of their little information about their efforts, if
into action. Brands disclose comparatively repeated over and over again across processing facilities and/or mills (up from any, to improve pay and achieve living
less about the outcomes, results and different web pages and documents, 19% in 2019). 7% of brands (18 out of 250) wages in the supply chain. Less than
progress they have made to address social often with slightly different terminology are publishing some of their raw material a quarter (23%) of brands disclose the
and environmental issues in the business but no substantive difference. suppliers (up from 5% in 2019). company's approach to achieving the
and across the supply chain. Sometimes brands use a large amount payment of living wages to workers in
of filler words and fluffy explanations We have seen the overall average score the supply chain.
This is illustrated by the fact that the and details that obscure what on traceability increase to 16%, up from
overall average score among brands in information or data is actually relevant 12% in 2019 and 8% in 2017. Only 5 brands (2%) publish a time-bound,
the Policy and Commitments section and useful to external stakeholders. measurable roadmap or strategy for
is 52% while all other sections’ average We have even found instances of Next year, we hope to see 50% (or more) how they will achieve a living wage for
scores are less than 30%. conflicting facts and statistics. of brands publishing a supplier list and all workers across their supply chains.
more brands disclosing their processing Meanwhile, only 5 brands (2%) publish
The good news is that brands are For whatever reason this happens, facilities, mills, tanneries and raw data on the percentage above the
publishing more policies than they were it makes it extremely difficult for material suppliers further down the tiers minimum wage rate workers are paid in
in previous years (52% section average people to make sense of what relevant of the supply chain. their supply chains.
score in 2020, compared to 48% in 2019), information is actually disclosed by
but brands continue to lack transparency brands. It can be counterproductive to Also, look later in the report for four case This is an urgent issue for so many
when it comes to the types of information transparency and accountability. Not studies we have highlighted showing how workers in the textile supply chain who
that enables external stakeholders everyone has the hours and days it can journalists and workers rights organisations struggle to afford life’s basic necessities.
to hold them to account, e.g. detailed sometimes take to decipher what brands are using supplier lists to address and While it is a complex issue to solve,
supplier lists, audit results, wage data, are actually disclosing and how to use remedy poor working conditions in the without more collective action and greater
climate impact data and so on. this information in an effective way. supply chains of major brands. transparency from major brands and
retailers, it will be a very long time before
The brands that communicate best are
workers are paid decent and fair wages.
those that set out what they are doing in
a succinct, logical yet still detailed way.
They also avoid using difficult industry
jargon or fluffy storytelling devices that
don’t actually tell you much.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 06
Most brands do not disclose any Coronavirus is casting a spotlight The climate crisis is an Taking action on these findings
information about their on overconsumption increasingly important issue for
purchasing practices brands but more transparency is The Fashion Transparency Index has
As people are forced to stay at home and needed on what brands are doing enabled us to have constructive
Responsible purchasing practices retail stores are closed around the world, to reduce impacts conversations with some of the world’s
go hand-in-hand with the ability of the demand for clothing has plummeted largest fashion brands and retailers about
suppliers to pay workers adequate since the start of the year. It is causing 78% of major brands publish a company what they can do to be more transparent.
and reliable wages. Yet, on the whole, people to reassess and reprioritise what policy on energy use and carbon
brands disclose alarmingly little about they spend money on. emissions (up from 72% last year), while We believe transparency is the first step
what they’re doing to be good business 52% publish a supplier policy on this topic in holding these big brands to account
partners to their suppliers. Francesca Muston, fashion director for (up from 49% last year). for the human rights and environmental
global trend forecaster WGSN, told journalist impacts of their business practices.
Only 11% of brands explain how they Marc Bain that fashion’s frantic turnover of However, only 16% of brands publish
ensure that labour costs are ring-fenced trends could slow down, while companies Science Based Targets, which means We will continue to use the Index to
and non-negotiable in price negotiations, start to focus on delivering fewer, better their environmental goals are aligned measure brands’ annual progress
and only 6% of brands publish a policy quality products to remain profitable. with the Paris Agreement’s aim to limit on transparency and to push them
to pay suppliers within 60 days. global heating to below 2°C above pre- harder and faster towards taking greater
This is why it is interesting to see that so few industrial levels. responsibility for their policies and actions
The coronavirus pandemic brands currently publish data about their on social and environmental issues.
is proving why transparency annual production volume and the brands And, only 16% of brands publish annual
is so vital that do report staggering numbers. For carbon emissions produced within We invite you to read the rest of
example, Inditex (the parent company that their supply chains — where the highest the report for a deeper dive into
If major brands and retailers are owns Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Pull&Bear, proportion of carbon is emitted across the 2020 results.
publishing information about their Stradivarius and Zara) produced more than the lifecycle of a garment.
business values, who their suppliers are, 1.6 billion items last year.
what supply chain policies are in place,
how they do business with suppliers Furthermore, several media outlets
and their purchasing practices, then report that dozens of brands have
1
ABOUT THIS
REPORT
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 08
WHY
TRANSPARENCY
MATTERS
Lack of transparency costs lives Brands and retailers may work with Consumers want to know
hundreds or even thousands of factories #WhoMadeMyClothes
When Rana Plaza collapsed at any given time – and that is just the
suppliers that cut, sew and assemble Business of Fashion recently wrote,
seven years ago in Bangladesh,
our garments in the final stage of “Fashion companies must come
killing and injuring thousands
production. There are many suppliers to terms with the fact that a more
of garment workers, people distrusting consumer expects full
and facilities further down the chain that
had to dig through the rubble weave, dye, print and finish fabrics, spin transparency across the value chain…
looking for clothing labels in yarn, and farms that grow fibres used in consumers have become more active
order to figure out which brands our clothing. in scrutinising the brands they do
were producing clothes in one business with.”
of the five garment factories Since Rana Plaza, tragic and fatal
factory fires and accidents, poor When consumers are equipped with
operating in the building.
and exploitative working conditions, more — and better quality, credible
pollution and environmental — information about the social and
In some cases, it took weeks for brands
degradation remain rife throughout the environmental impacts of the clothes
to determine why their labels were found
global fashion supply chain. they buy, they are able to make better
in the ruins and what sort of purchasing
informed decisions. As a result,
agreements they had with those suppliers.
Simply put, if we don’t know where transparency builds trust in the brands
This is because the vast majority of
and by whom our clothes are being they buy and a lack of transparency
today’s fashion brands and retailers do
made, then it is difficult to for relevant can damage brands’ reputation.
not own their manufacturing and supplier
stakeholders to work together to fix
facilities, making it challenging to control
problems before they end in tragedy.
and monitor building and fire safety,
working conditions and environmental [TOP] 2014, Relatives of those killed in
management across a highly globalised the collapse of Rana Plaza rally for
changes in working conditions,
and fragmented supply chain. Andrew Biraj for Reuters.
WHAT DO
WE MEAN BY
TRANSPARENCY?
Transparency means public If done well, transparency should Transparency is a tool for
disclosure enable accountability change, not the end goal
TRANSPARENCY
[noun] Transparency is more than just sharing Transparency enables others to scrutinise Transparency is not a silver bullet
the good work that brands are doing. Too what companies say they are doing that will solve the many complex
The public disclosure of credible, often we see brands boasting about their to address human rights and protect and deeply systemic problems in
comprehensive and comparable business values and positive progress the environment. It means that there is the global fashion industry. However,
data and information about without sharing much about the things information available for which others transparency provides a window into
fashion’s supply chains, business that go wrong, the systemic challenges (consumers, investors, lawmakers, the conditions in which our clothes are
they face and the actual honest results of journalists, NGOs, trade unions, workers being made and allows us to address
practices and the impacts of these
their efforts to protect human rights and themselves) can hold brands and retailers them more quickly and collaboratively.
practices on workers, communities
the environment. This can come across to account for their policies and practices,
and the environment. as greenwashing. especially when things go wrong like it did Transparency isn’t just for
that day at Rana Plaza. transparency’s sake. The information
It is also not enough to disclose crucial disclosed by companies needs to
supply chain information internally or Being transparent doesn’t mean that be accessible and detailed enough
selectively to certain stakeholders only. companies are behaving in a responsible to take action upon. What each of us
This is how brands have operated for a and sustainable manner. A brand may does with this public disclosure, how
very long time, yet widespread abuses publish a considerable amount of we use it to drive positive change, is
remain endemic across the industry. True information about its policies, practices what will count most. In this sense, we
transparency requires public disclosure. and impacts and still be contributing see transparency as the first crucial
to poor working conditions and step towards systemic and structural
environmental degradation. On the other change in the global fashion industry.
hand, brands may be doing excellent work
behind the scenes to make improvements,
but if they don’t share this information
publicly then no one may know about it
and this learning cannot be shared more
widely with others who may find it useful.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 10
PURPOSE
OF THE
RESEARCH
Fashion Revolution has been Although it hasn’t necessarily been
campaigning for greater We designed the Index to: our intention, participating brands and
transparency throughout the retailers have told us that the Index transparency
• Compare the level of is a useful exercise for them to take
fashion industry since 2013 stock of what they are disclosing and
transparency among the
and our #WhoMadeMyClothes world’s largest fashion brands where they have room to improve.
social media campaign and retailers; accountability
has inspired millions of This is not a shopping guide.
• Incentivise major brands and The Fashion Transparency Index is not
people to take action.
retailers to disclose a greater an indication of whether particular
To build upon this question, our
level of credible, comparable
and detailed information
brands are ‘good’ or ‘bad’. We are not
recommending or endorsing any of
change
community asked us to help them make
year-on-year by leveraging the brands and retailers reviewed,
sense of the social and environmental
their competitive tendencies; regardless of their scores. The purpose
information being shared by major
is to understand how much social and
brands and retailers.
• Analyse trends in environmental information is shared
transparency across the by the world’s largest brands, to drive
Our community wants to know what
global fashion industry; greater disclosure from them and to
information they should expect to
use this information to hold them to
find disclosed by major brands, what
• Inform our own understanding account when needed.
it means, how to put the information
of what good transparency
they find into a wider context and how
looks like and use that
to make use of this information to
learning to help shape our
drive change. We created the Fashion
ongoing campaigning efforts.
Transparency Index for this purpose.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 11
ABOUT THE
METHODOLOGY
The Fashion Transparency Index uses a The methodology was designed in 2017 through a four-month consultative process.
ratings methodology to benchmark the We relied upon the pro-bono input of a diverse group of industry experts and
public disclosure made by brands and
retailers across five key areas:
stakeholders from academia, the trade union movement, civil society organisations,
socially responsible investment, business consulting and journalism. Among others, To explore
• Social and environmental policy
this includes:
the detailed
and commitments
• Governance
• Dr. Mark Anner, Director of Centre for
Global Workers’ Rights at Penn State
• Aruna Kashyap, Human Rights Watch methodology
• Kate Larsen, SupplyESChange
• Supply chain traceability University
Initiative click here.
• Know, show and fix (supply chain • Neil Brown, Liontrust Asset • Dr. Alessandra Mezzadri, SOAS,
due diligence and remediation) Management PLC University of London
• Spotlight issues (working • Professor Ian Cook, University of • Katie Shaw, Open Apparel Registry
conditions, consumption, product/ Exeter
material composition and climate) • Francois Souchet, Ellen MacArthur
• Subindu Garkhel, Fairtrade Foundation We recognise that the methodology
Foundation is not perfect and can always
Brands receive points for information • Joe Sutcliffe, Advisor - Dignified
that has been publicly disclosed on • Christina Hajagos-Clausen, be improved. We welcome any
Work, CARE International
the brand or parent company website, IndustriALL Global Union feedback on how to make it better:
through self-published annual reports • Ben Vanpeperstraete, human rights transparency@fashionrevolution.org
• Kristian Hardiman, Good On You expert
and via third parties where there is a
link between the company’s website
and the third party disclosure.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 12
ANNUAL
UPDATES TO THE
METHODOLOGY
In consultation with these experts, each Changes to the methodology may affect Finally, we would like to stress that the Index
year we update the methodology in order year-on-year comparability of the does not offer an in-depth analysis of the quality,
to clarify language, select new annual results. Where brands may have scored authenticity or accuracy of brands' policies,
Spotlight Issues and ensure that it stays one or two percentage points up or procedures, performance and progress in any given
current and acts as a driver of industry down compared to last year this could area. Verification of claims made by brands and
best practice on transparency. be due to changes in the methodology. retailers is beyond the scope of this research. We
There are other notable limits to this hope you use this information to query their claims.
The methodology is also based upon type of desk-based research. Human
alignment with existing international error is entirely possible. Some brands
standards and benchmarks such as publish annual reports that span +400
the UN Guiding Principles and SDGs, pages, with footnotes and appendices. How we calculate the findings:
OECD Due Diligence Guidelines, ILO It is quite possible our research team
conventions, ACT, Know The Chain, IHRB (or even brands themselves) may have • All scores have been calculated to two
• All averages in this report represent the
Responsible Recruitment Toolkit and the missed relevant disclosure. Also, the data decimal places (in the complete data set)
mean.
and then rounded to the nearest whole
Transparency Pledge. captures a moment in time and is only as • Where a score may have been rounded to
percentage point (what you will read in
current as of 31st March 2020. Brands may this report). the nearest percentage point in previous
In the 2020 methodology, there are 220 disclose or retract information at a later editions, we are calculating the year-on-
indicators. Across 250 brands, this means date. However, we try our best to be as • For the most part, year-on-year year difference according to the rounded
differences in scores are described as figures rather than to the exact decimal
we have researched and analysed 55,000 thorough, meticulous, objective and fair
the change in percentage points, which points. For example, where the average
individual data points. The weighting of as possible. means the actual amount of change, score in a particular section is 17.74%
the scores is intended to emphasise rather than the percent, which means we have rounded this up to 18%. If a
increasing levels of detailed and This is why we urge you to focus on the the rate of change (unless explicitly previous year’s report the average score
granular disclosure. In other words, we ranges in which brands score rather than stated otherwise). For instance, if a in that section was 12.41% we rounded it
reward disclosure that enables external their individual scores. The ranges reveal brand scored 30% in one year and 45% down to 12% in the report. Therefore, the
patterns of industry disclosure rather than in the next, we are usually reporting that year-on-year difference is technically
stakeholders to meaningfully use that
the brand increased by 15 percentage 5.33 percentage points, but if we go
information to hold brands to account; precise measurements.
points (45-30=15) rather than saying the by the nearest rounded figures it is 6
for example, supplier lists, audit findings, brand increased by a 50% rate of change percentage points.
wage data, etc. (45/30=1.5).
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 13
WEIGHTING
OF THE
SCORES
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
POLICY &
GOVERNANCE TRACEABILITY KNOW, SHOW & FIX SPOTLIGHT ISSUES
COMMITMENTS
This section explores brands’ Here we look at who on In this section we look for Here we review what brands In this final section we explore
social and environmental the executive board has brands to publish supplier lists disclose about their due what brands are doing
policies for both their own responsibility for social and at three levels: manufacturing, diligence processes, how to address forced labour,
employees and workers in environmental performance, processing facilities and mills, they assess suppliers gender equality, living wages,
the supply chain, how these how this is implemented, how and raw materials. We also against their policies, what freedom of association, waste,
policies are implemented, social and environmental look for extra details such as are the results of these circularity, overproduction, use
how the company prioritises improvements are linked to supplier address, number of assessments, what do they of more sustainable materials,
issues, what goals it has in employee, CEO and supplier workers, gender breakdown, do when problems are microplastics, deforestation,
place and if they’re reporting performance, and whether number of migrant workers, found, how workers can file climate change and water use.
annual progress. the relevant department and union representation and complaints and how these
person in charge can be easily when the list was last updated. are addressed.
contacted by the public.
Just a quick note: we often use the term 'brands' as shorthand for both brands and retailers.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 16
Abercrombie & Fitch (Abercrombie & Fitch) Chloé (Richemont) Hanes (Hanesbrands Inc.) Max Mara Sandro (SMCP)
Adidas (Adidas Group) Claire's Heilan Home (Helian Group Co.) Merrell (Wolverine World Wide, Inc.) Skechers
Aeropostale Clarks Helly Hansen (Canadian Tire Corporation) Meters/bonwe Speedo (Pentland Group)
ALDI Nord (ALDI Einkauf GmbH & Co. oHG) COACH (Tapestry, Inc.) HEMA Mexx Sports Direct
ALDI SOUTH (ALDI Einkauf GmbH & Co. oHG) Cole Haan Hermès Michael Kors (Capri Holdings Limited) Steve Madden
ALDO (The Aldo Group Inc.) Columbia Sportswear Hollister Co. (Abercrombie and Fitch) Miu Miu (Prada Group) Stradivarius (Inditex)
Amazon (Amazon.com, Inc.) Converse (Nike, Inc.) Hudson's Bay (HBC) Mizuno Superdry
American Eagle Cortefiel (Tendam) Hugo Boss Moncler Takko
ANTA Costco Intimissimi (Calzedonia Group) Monoprix (Groupe Casino) Target
Anthropologie (URBN) Cotton On (Cotton On Group) Ito-Yokado (Seven & I Holdings Co) Monsoon Target Australia (Wesfarmers)
Aritzia Debenhams J.Crew Morrisons Tchibo
Armani (Giorgio Armani S.p.A) Decathlon (Association Familiale Mulliez) Jack & Jones (BESTSELLER) MRP Ted Baker
ASDA (Walmart Inc.) Desigual JCPenney Muji (Ryohin Keikaku Co.) Tesco
ASICS Diane Von Furstenberg JD Sports (Pentland Group) Neiman Marcus Tezenis (Calzedonia Group)
ASOS Dick's Sporting Goods Jessica Simpson (Sequentional Brands Group) New Balance The Children's Place
Balenciaga (Kering) Diesel (OTB Group) Jil Sander (Onward Holdings) New Look The North Face (VF Corporation)
Bally (Shandong Ruyi Group) Dillards Jockey New York & Company The Warehouse
Banana Republic (Gap Inc.) Dior (LVMH) Joe Fresh (Loblaw Company Ltd.) New Yorker Timberland (VF Corporation)
BCBGMAXAZRIA (Centric Brands) Disney (The Walt Disney Group) John Lewis Next TJ Maxx (TJX)
Beanpole (Samsung C&T) DKNY (G-III Apparel Group) Jordan (Nike, Inc.) Nike (Nike, Inc.) Tod's
BeLLE Dolce & Gabbana JustFab (TechStyle Fashion Group) Nine West Tom Ford
Bershka (Inditex) Dr. Martens (Permira) Kate Spade (Tapestry, Inc.) Nordstrom Tom Tailor
Big Bazaar - ffb (Future Group) Dressmann (VARNER) Kathmandu Old Navy (Gap Inc.) Tommy Bahama (Oxford Industries, Inc.)
Big W (Woolworths Group) DSW (Designer Brands) Kaufland OTTO (Otto Group) Tommy Hilfiger (PVH)
Billabong (Boardriders) Eddie Bauer (Golden Gate Capital) KiK OVS Topman (Arcadia Group)
Bloomingdale's (Macy's Inc.) El Corte Inglés Kmart (Sears Holdings) Patagonia Topshop (Arcadia Group)
Bonprix (Otto Group) Elie Tahari Kmart Australia (Wesfarmers) Pepe Jeans TOPVALU COLLECTION (AEON)
boohoo (boohoo group plc) Ermenegildo Zegna Kohl's Pimkie Tory Burch
Bosideng Esprit Koovs Prada (Prada Group) Triumph
Bottega Veneta (Kering) Express K-Way (BasicNet) PrettyLittleThing (boohoo group plc) Truworths
Brooks Brothers Falabella La Redoute (Galeries Lafayette Group) Primark (Associated British Foods plc) UGG (Deckers Brands)
Brooks Sports (Berkshire Hathaway) Famous Footwear (Caleres) Lacoste (Maus Frères) Prisma (S Group) Under Armour
Brunello Cucinelli Fanatics (Kynetic) Lands' End Pull&Bear (Inditex) Uniqlo (Fast Retailing)
Buckle Fashion Nova Levi Strauss & Co Puma United Arrows
Burberry Fendi (LVMH) Lidl Quiksilver (Boardriders) United Colors of Benetton
Burlington Fila Lindex (Stockmann Group) Ralph Lauren Urban Oufitters (URBN)
C&A Fjällräven (Fenix Outdoor) Li-Ning Reebok (Adidas AG) Valentino
Calvin Klein (PVH) Foot Locker L.L. Bean REI Co-op Van Heusen (PVH)
Calzedonia (Calzedonia Group) Forever 21 LOFT (Ascena Retail Group Inc.) Reliance Trends (Reliance Retail) Vans (VF Corporation)
Canada Goose Foschini (TFG) Longchamp Reserved (LPP) Vero Moda (BESTSELLER)
Carhartt Fossil (Fossil Group, Inc.) Louis Vuitton (LVMH) REVOLVE Versace (Capri Holdings)
Carolina Herrera (Puig) Free people (URBN) Lululemon River Island Very (The Very Group)
CAROLL (Vivarte) Furla Macy's (Macy's Inc.) Ross Dress for Less Victoria's Secret (L Brands)
Carrefour Gap (Gap Inc.) Mammut (Conzzeta AG) Roxy (Boardriders) Walmart (Walmart Inc.)
Cato Fashions Gerry Weber Mango Russell Athletic (Fruit of the Loom) Woolworths (Woolworths Holdings Limited)
CELINE (LVMH) Gildan Marc Jacobs (LVMH) s.Oliver Wrangler (VF Corporation)
celio G-Star RAW Marks & Spencer Sainsbury’s-TU Clothing Youngor
Champion (Hanesbrands Inc.) Gucci (Kering) Marni (OTB Group) SAINT LAURENT (Kering) Zalando
Chanel GUESS Massimo Dutti (Inditex) Saks Fifth Avenue (Hudson's Bay Company) Zara (Inditex)
Chico's H&M (H&M Group) Matalan Salvatore Ferragamo Zeeman
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 17
2
THE FINAL
SCORES
To review full data
To access the complete
findings for individual
data set click here.
brands, visit wikirate.org
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 18
A GUIDE There are 250 total possible points. Final scores have been converted into
percentages and rounded to the nearest whole number. Please focus on the
TO THE SCORING range in which brands score rather than their individual scores as this gives
you a more accurate picture of trends in transparency across the industry.
0—5% 0—10% 11—20% 21—30% 31—40% 41—50% 51—60% 61—70% 71—80% 81—90% 91—100%
TRANSPARENCY
Brands scoring between Brands scoring between Brands scoring between Brands scoring between Brands scoring between Brands scoring 41-50% Brands scoring 51-60% Brands scoring 61-70% Brands scoring 71-80% No brands score above 80% but if they did these
0-5% are disclosing 5-10% are likely to be 11-20% are likely to be 21-30% are likely to be 31-40% are the brands are those who are most are disclosing all of the are disclosing all of the are disclosing all of the brands would be disclosing all of the information
nothing at all or a very publishing some policies publishing many policies publishing much more who are disclosing their likely to be publishing information already information already information already already described as well as publishing detailed
limited number of for both its employees for both employees and detailed information first tier manufacturers as more detailed supplier described in the other described in the other described in the other information about supplier assessment and
policies, which tend to be and suppliers. suppliers, some about their policies, well as detailed lists, many will be ranges and will be ranges and will be ranges and will be remediation findings for specific facilities. They
related to the brand's procedures and some procedures, governance, information about their publishing processing publishing detailed publishing detailed publishing detailed would also be sharing detailed supplier lists for at
Those closer to 10% are
hiring practices or local information about their social and environmental policies, procedures, facilities as well as supplier lists. These supplier lists, which supplier lists for least 95% of all suppliers from manufacturing right
more likely to be
community engagement supplier assessment and goals and supplier social and environmental manufacturers — in brands will be disclosing include manufacturers, manufacturers, down to raw materials . These brands would be
publishing a basic
activities. remediation processes. assessment and goals, governance, addition to detailed most human rights and processing facilities and processing facilities and mapping social and environmental impacts into
supplier code of conduct,
These brands will most remediation processes. supplier assessment and information about their environmental policies, some suppliers of raw suppliers of raw materials their financial business model and disclosing
some information about
likely not be publishing These brands may be remediation processes. policies, procedures, procedures, social and materials such as cotton, such as cotton, wool or ample data on their use of sustainable materials
their procedures and
supplier lists and won’t be publishing a basic list of These brands are also social and environmental environmental goals and wool or viscose. These viscose. These brands will and would provide sex-disaggregated data on job
some limited information
sharing much manufacturers only more likely to be goals, governance, information about their brands will also be be publishing detailed roles within their own operations and in the supply
about their supplier
information, if anything, containing the factory disclosing information on supplier assessments governance and due addressing most of the information about their chain. We would be able to find detailed information
assessment process.
about our Spotlight Issues: name and address. These a few of the Spotlight and remediation diligence processes. They Spotlight Issues explained due diligence processes about the company’s purchasing practices, the
forced labour, gender brands will not be sharing Issues such as gender processes and some will be publishing some in previous ranges as well and outcomes, supplier company’s approach and progress towards tackling
equality, living wages, information about the pay gap, use of more supplier assessment detailed information as production and waste assessments and modern slavery and living wages for workers in
freedom of association, outcomes of their supplier sustainable materials, findings. These brands are about the findings of their volumes, progress on remediation findings. their supply chain. These brands would be
waste, circularity, assessments or grievance textile waste and their also more likely to be supplier assessments. strategies to reduce waste These brands will be disclosing their carbon emissions, use of renewable
overproduction, use of channels. These brands carbon emissions at addressing the Spotlight These brands will be and use of virgin plastics, sharing comparatively energy and water footprint from their own
more sustainable will not widely be company level. Issues such as gender addressing many of the progress on sustainable more comprehensive and operations right down to raw material level.
materials, microplastics, disclosing information on equality, collective Spotlight Issues such as material use and more detailed information and
deforestation, climate the Spotlight Issues but bargaining, use of more forced labour, living detailed carbon and water data than any other
change and water use. may touch upon a few. sustainable materials, wages, collective use data. brands in the Index on the
textile waste, circularity, bargaining, gender Spotlight Issues.
and their carbon and equality, use of more
water footprint at sustainable materials,
company level. textile waste, circularity,
hazardous chemicals, and
their carbon and water
footprint at company level
and in the supply chain.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 19
* Brands ranked in numerical order by score out of 250, but shown as rounded-up percentage. Where brands have the same percentage score, they are listed in alphabetical order and grouped with others from same parent company
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 20
QUICK
FINDINGS
Average score
is 58 out of
10 brands 250 (23%).
(4%) score 0%
Not a single
this year
brand scores
above 80%
70
60
Only 1 brand
50 scores higher
than 70%
40
30
NO. OF BRANDS
20
10
0-5 6-10 11-20 21-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70 71-80 81-90 91-100
TRANSPARENCY
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 21
3
THE FINAL SCORES
ACROSS THE
5 SECTIONS
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 22
AVERAGE SCORES
ACROSS THE SECTIONS
In this section we reviewed what policies and procedures brands disclose • Brand website We looked to see whether brands and
both at company level (as related to the company’s own operations in retailers are disclosing their key human
• Parent company or group website
head offices, stores, warehouses, and owned production facilities) and at rights and environmental priorities (typically
supplier level (Code of Conduct or supplier guidance document). • Sustainability or corporate in the form of a materiality assessment).
responsibility microsite; Some issues will be more relevant and
• Investor relations website (so long as timely for each brand, and we wanted to
weblink made available via their understand how they decide upon these
main website) priorities and what these priorities are.
We looked at the following issues:
• Another external third party website (e.g.
• Animal Welfare • Harassment & Violence online data platform, NGO partner, data We also looked to see whether brands
• Annual leave & Public Holidays • Health & Safety sharing initiative, another benchmarking are publishing their goals or a strategic
• Anti-bribery, Corruption & • Living Conditions/ Dormitories disclosure - so long as the weblink roadmap for improving social and
Presentation of False Information is made available via the brand’s environmental impacts across the value
• Maternity Rights / Parental Leave
own website) chain. We only counted these goals if they
• Biodiversity & Conservation • Notice Period, Dismissal &
Disciplinary Action were time-bound, measurable and set for
• Child Labour
2020 or later. We also awarded points if
• Community Engagement • Overtime Pay We do not count the following
brands are reporting on annual progress
• Contracts & Terms of Employment • Restricted Substances List information sources: towards achieving these goals.
• Discrimination • Sub-contracting, Outsourcing &
Homeworkers • Clothing labels and hang tags on products
• Diversity & Inclusion
Verified information
• Energy & Carbon Emissions • Wages & Financial Benefits (e.g. • In-store or at other physical locations
• Equal Pay bonuses, insurance, social security, Finally, we looked to see if the human
pensions) • Smartphone apps
• Forced or Bonded Labour rights and environmental data reported
• Waste & Recycling (Packaging/Paper) • Social media channels by brands is audited by an independent
• Foreign & Migrant Labour
• Water Effluents & Treatment third party organisation, typically this is
• Freedom of Association, Right to • A third party website or document where
Organise & Collective Bargaining • Water Usage & Footprint there is no weblink from the brand’s own conducted by a large global
• Working Hours & Rest Breaks website, including press articles accounting firm.
* Brands ranked in numerical order by score out of 250, but shown as rounded-up percentage. Where brands have the same percentage score, they are listed in alphabetical order and grouped with others from same parent company
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 25
H OW M A N Y B R A N D S P U B L I S H R E L E VA N T P O L I C I E S ?
Wages & Financial Benefits (e.g. bonuses, insurance, social security, pensions) 138 174 210
0 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180 195 210 225 240 255 270
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 26
publish a disclose how publish supplier disclose procedures publish a company publish supplier
company policy their policies are policies that address this topic policy on this topic policies
implemented
publish a company disclose how policies publish supplier disclose how policies publish supplier disclose how policies
policy on this topic are implemented policies are implemented policies are implemented
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 27
91 91
86
85
70
57
40
33
30
23
2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020
% that publish policy % publish employee % that publish % that publish supplier % that publish a
on child labour policies on supplier policies on codes of conduct in Restricted
wages and benefits health and safety multiple languages Substances List
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 28
For the first time, the overall Majority of brands publish Where brands have made the most year- Since publishing the Index, several brands
average score among brands policies on egregious issues on-year progress taking steps to publicly have taken steps to publicly disclose
on policy and commitments disclose company policies for the first some of their internal company policies
More than three-quarters of brands time, this includes: for the first time. This is not something
is over 50%. Every year this
publish company policies - those that has had as much external scrutiny
is the area in which brands • Annual leave and public holidays:
that apply to its own directors and as supply chain disclosure. Relevant
disclose the most information. 42% in 2020, up from 26% in 2019 information is often found in an Employee
employees - on topics including: anti-
bribery and corruption (78%), community and 23% in 2017 Handbook, Company Code of Conduct,
engagement (82%), discrimination (80%), separate environmental management
• Anti-bribery and corruption: 78% in policies or sometimes in the careers
and energy and carbon emissions (78%).
Policy & Commitments: 2020, up from 71% in 2019 and 35% section of a brand’s website, depending
Overall average score year- The topics in which the fewest number
in 2017 on the topic.
on-year progress of brands publish company policies
• Maternity rights and parental leave: More than three-quarters of brands
include: contracts and terms of
2017 2018 2019 2020 43% in 2020, up from 31% in 2019 and publish supplier policies - those that apply
employment (16%), dismissal and
30% in 2017 to its supplier partners and workers in
disciplinary action (27%), and working
49% hours and rest breaks (39%) the supply chain - on topics including:
of 100 brands • Dismissal and disciplinary action:
child labour (91%), discrimination (88%),
27% in 2020, up from 17% in 2019 and
46% forced and bonded labour (92%), freedom
of 150 brands
13% in 2017
of association and unionisation (85%),
48% • Waste and recycling (office and harassment and violence (85%), health and
of 200 brands
packaging): 75% in 2020, up from 72% safety (91%), wages and benefits (84%), and
in 2019 and 37% in 2017 working hours and rest breaks (82%).
52%
of 250 brands
Less than one-third of brands publish
supplier policies on the following topics:
biodiversity and conservation (32%),
community engagement (17%), maternity
rights and parental leave (29%), and textile
waste and recycling (12%).
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 29
The issues that receive the most public Less than a third of brands At least three-quarters of brands explain Far more brands continue to
scrutiny and pressure are those most disclose Supplier Codes of how company and/or supplier policies are disclose goals towards improving
likely to be reflected in the policies Conduct in local languages implemented through specific focused environmental impacts than
that major brands have taken steps to activities or procedures on the following human rights
disclose. Such topics include forced and Most supplier policies are set out in what topics: community engagement (88%),
bonded labour (92%), child labour (91%) is referred to as the brands’ Supplier energy and carbon emissions (79%), 57% of brands publish time-bound,
and factory health and safety (91%). Code of Conduct (CoC). For the most part, and office and packaging waste and measurable goals or targets focused on
brands publish their CoCs in English. recycling (75%). improving their environmental impacts,
However, most suppliers and workers and 52% report annual progress towards
Where brands have made the most On the other hand, less than one-fifth
are based in non-English speaking achieving these goals. On the other hand,
year-on-year progress taking steps to of brands explain how company and/or
countries, so we also look for brands to be only 38% of brands publish time-bound,
publicly disclose supplier policies for supplier policies are implemented through
publishing their Codes of Conduct in the measurable goals or targets focused on
the first time, this includes: local languages of their most prominent specific focused activities or procedures improving their human rights impacts,
sourcing countries so that workers can on the following topics: annual leave and 36% report annual progress towards
• Anti-bribery and corruption: 75% in access and understand the standards that and public holidays (20%), supplier living achieving these goals. We would also like
2020, up from 68% in 2019 and 61% apply to them. We found that only 30% of conditions and dormitories (16%), and to highlight the fact that many of the time-
in 2017 brands publish translations of their CoC. dismissal and disciplinary action (16%). bound goals that brands are disclosing
However, on a more positive note, this is end in 2020, and we will be interested to
• Dismissal and disciplinary action: an increase from 23% of brands in 2019. Brands are taking some steps to publicly
see how brands will update and make
57% in 2020, up from 48% in 2019 disclose information about how they’re
more ambitious and comprehensive
and 26% in 2017 Brands continue to publish more implementing company and supplier
goals going forward.
about their policies than how they policies, but we hope to see more
• Equal pay: 61% in 2020, down from progress next year covering a broader
implement them For another year in a row, less than half
68% in 2019 but up from 49% in 2017 range of issues. This year, the topics
of brands (42%) publish a materiality
As in all previous editions of the Index, which saw the most year-on-year
assessment, which is a process a
• Foreign and migrant labour: 42% in major brands tend to disclose more about progress were:
company undertakes to speak to
2020; up from 36% in 2019 and 32% their policies than they do about how they different stakeholders to determine
in 2017 • Animal welfare: 52% in 2020, up from
put those policies into action and the its most significant human rights and
results of their efforts to address social 47% in 2019 and 34% in 2017
environmental impacts. This information
• Living conditions and dormitories: and environmental issues. is useful because it helps us understand
63% in 2020, up from 52% in 2019 • Forced and bonded labour: 66% in 2020,
how brands decide what the biggest
and 51% in 2017 up from 62% in 2019 and 52% in 2017
For example, 91% of brands publish a priorities are in their business.
supplier policy on child labour, but only
29% of brands are now having the • Foreign and migrant labour: 43% in
46% disclose information about how this
sustainability information published in 2020, up from 32% in 2019 and 30%
policy is implemented through a specific
annual reports verified by third party focused procedure or activity. in 2017
firms, an increase from 26% of brands
in 2019. This assurance is typically Meanwhile, 73% of brands publish a
carried out by large accounting firms company policy on diversity and inclusion,
such as Deloitte, Ernst & Young or PwC. but only 59% disclose how this policy is
implemented.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 30
2. GOVERNANCE
APPROACH
2. GOVERNANCE
RESULTS
0-5% 6-10% 11-20% 21-30% 31-40% 41-50% 51-60% 61-70% 71-80% 81-90% 91-100%
Aeropostale 0 Big Bazaar - ffb 8 ALDI SOUTH 17 American Eagle 25 Abercrombie & Fitch 33 Banana Republic 50 G-Star RAW 58 Asda 67 Fjällräven 75 Dressmann 83 Adidas 100
Anthropologie 0 Bloomingdale's 8 ALDO 17 Aritzia 25 Hollister Co. 33 Gap 50 Prisma 58 Walmart 67 Hugo Boss 83 Reebok 100
Free people 0 Macy's 8 Amazon 17 Big W 25 ALDI Nord 33 Old Navy 50 Zalando 58 Bershka 67 Marks & Spencer 83 Balenciaga 100
Urban Outfitters 0 boohoo 8 ANTA 17 HEMA 25 ASICS 33 Burberry 50 Massimo Dutti 67 Puma 83 Bottega Veneta 100
Bally 0 PrettyLittleThing 8 Armani 17 REI 25 ASOS 33 Calvin Klein 50 Pull&Bear 67 Sainsbury’s- 83 Gucci 100
TU Clothing
BCBGMAXAZRIA 0 CAROLL 8 Bosideng 17 Ted Baker 25 Beanpole 33 Tommy Hilfiger 50 Stradivarius 67 SAINT LAURENT 100
Belle 0 Cotton On 8 Brooks Sport 17 The Warehouse 25 Brunello Cucinelli 33 Van Heusen 50 Zara 67 C&A 100
Billabong 0 Fila 8 Buckle 17 Tom Tailor 25 Chico's 33 Champion 50 Bonprix 67 H&M (H&M Group) 100
Quicksilver 0 Merrell 8 Burlington 17 Chloé 33 Hanes 50 Otto 67 Tchibo 100
Roxy 0 Muji 8 Calzedonia 17 Clarks 33 Converse 50 CELINE 67
Brooks Brothers 0 Sandro 8 Intimissimi 17 Columbia Sportswear 33 Jordan 50 Dior 67
Canada Goose 0 Versace 8 Tezenis 17 Dick's Sporting Goods 33 Nike 50 Fendi 67
Cato Fashions 0 Carhartt 17 Dillards 33 Foschini 50 Louis Vuitton 67
celio 0 Carolina Herrera 17 El Corte Inglés 33 Gildan 50 Marc Jacobs 67
Chanel 0 Carrefour 17 Gerry Weber 33 JCPenney 50 Esprit 67
Claire's 0 COACH 17 GUESS 33 KiK 50 New Balance 67
Costco 0 Kate Spade 17 Helly Hansen 33 Lands' End 50 New Look 67
Debenhams 0 Cole Haan 17 Jack & Jones 33 Levi Strauss & Co 50
Desigual 0 Cortefiel 17 Vero Moda 33 Lindex 50
DKNY 0 Decathlon 17 JD Sports 33 Lululemon 50
Dolce & Gabbana 0 Diane Von Furstenberg 17 Kathmandu 33 Patagonia 50
Eddie Bauer 0 Diesel 17 Kmart 33 Ralph Lauren 50
Elie Tahari 0 Marni 17 Miu Miu 33 Speedo 50
Ermenegildo Zegna 0 Disney 17 Prada 33 Tesco 50
Fanatics 0 Dr. Martens 17 Mizuno 33 The North Face 50
Fashion Nova 0 DSW 17 Moncler 33 Timberland 50
Forever 21 0 Express 17 Monoprix 33 Vans 50
Fossil 0 Famous Footwear 17 Morrisons 33 Wrangler 50
Furla 0 Foot Locker 17 OVS 33 United Colors 50
0 of Benetton
Heilan Home Hermès 17 Reliance Trends 33
Falabella 42
Jessica Simpson 0 Hudson's Bay 17 Russell Athletic 33
Kohl's 42
Jil Sander 0 Saks Fifth Avenue 17 s.Oliver 33
LOFT 42
Jockey 0 Ito-Yokado 17 Salvatore Ferragamo 33
Monsoon 42
Justfab 0 J.Crew 17 Target 33
Next 42
KOOVS 0 Joe Fresh 17 TJ Maxx 33
Reserved 42
Lacoste 0 John Lewis 17 Tod's 33
LL Bean 0 Kaufland 17 Topman 33
Matalan 0 Kmart Australia 17 Topshop 33
Max Mara 0 Target Australia 17 UGG 33
Mexx 0 K-Way 17 Very 33
New York & Company 0 La Redoute 17 Woolworths
South Africa 33
New Yorker 0 Lidl 17
Pepe Jeans 0 Li-Ning 17
REVOLVE 0 Longchamp 17
Ross Dress for Less 0 Mammut 17
Skechers 0 Mango 17
Sports Direct 0 Metersbonwe 17
The Children's Place 0 Michael Kors 17
Tom Ford 0 MRP 17
Tommy Bahama 0 Neiman Marcus 17
Tory Burch 0 Nine West 17
Triumph 0 Nordstrom 17
United Arrows 0 Pimkie 17
Youngor 0 Primark 17
River Island 17
Steve Madden 17
Superdry 17
Takko 17
TOPVALU COLLECTION 17
Truworths 17
Under Armour 17
Uniqlo 17
Valentino 17
Victoria's Secret 17
Zeeman 17
* Brands ranked in numerical order by score out of 250, but shown as rounded-up percentage. Where brands have the same percentage score, they are listed in alphabetical order and grouped with others from same parent company
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 32
2. GOVERNANCE
FINDINGS
H OW E AS I LY C A N YO U CO N TAC T A B R A N D ? B OA R D L E V E L ACCO U N TA B I L I T Y
publish direct contact details of disclose the direct contact details of disclose who on the board publish a description of how
the sustainability or corporate the person with lead responsibility holds responsibility for the board level accountability
responsibility team for human rights and environmental company’s human rights and is implemented
impacts in the business environmental impacts
A R E I N C E N T I V E S T I E D TO S O C I A L A N D E N V I R O N M E N TA L P R O G R E S S ?
9% 14% 29%
explain how employee incentives explain how executive level explain how suppliers are rewarded for
(pay and bonuses) are tied to incentives (pay and bonuses) are improvements in working conditions and
improvements in social and tied to improvements in social environmental management (increased
environmental impacts and environmental impacts orders, longer contracts, fewer audits)
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 33
2. GOVERNANCE
ANALYSIS
Enabling customers and Board level accountability for Executive, employee and supplier However, more brands (29%) disclose
stakeholders to get in touch human rights and environmental incentives connected to making supplier incentives for improvements on
impacts progress human rights impacts and environmental
One simple act of transparency brands performance. This can include long-
can take is to provide a way to directly Many CEOs are coming to view We looked to see how major brands term commitments to purchase from
contact the corporate responsibility sustainability issues as critical to the are incentivising their own employees, suppliers, increased order sizes, price
or sustainability team. This allows an future of their business. A recent study company executives and suppliers premiums on orders or fewer audits.
open line of communication between of 1,000 global executives conducted by to improve human rights impacts
the brand and its customers and Accenture and UN Global Compact (2019) and environmental performance. By It is quite telling that brands disclose all
stakeholders who would like to ask shows that the business community incentives for employees and executives, sorts of policies and expectations of good
questions or raise concerns. This is why can and should be making a far we mean whether their job performance business practice for their suppliers, but
we look for brands to share a direct greater contribution to achieving the reviews, pay and bonuses are tied when it comes to tying that to executive
email address or phone number for a 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. to improvements in these areas. We and employee performance, then little
relevant department. Interestingly, 88% of CEOs “believe our found that only 9% of brands publish information is published. It begs the
global economic systems need to refocus information about how employees (e.g. question: why do brands seem more
We found that 64% of brands are now on equitable growth.” those working in designing, sourcing, willing to put performance-related
publishing an email address for their buying, merchandising, production) incentives and accountability in place for
CSR/sustainability department, up from On this topic, we found that fewer than incentives are tied to improvements in their suppliers than their own employees
60% of brands last year. However, only half of brands (43%) disclose the name human rights impacts and environmental and executives?
14% of brands disclose the direct contact of the board member, if there is one, performance. Meanwhile, only 14% of
details for the specific person in the who is responsible for human rights and brands disclose that executives' (e.g. CEO,
company in charge of human rights and environmental issues in the company, CFO, president) pay or bonuses are tied
environmental issues in the company. and 40% disclose how this board level to these improvements, an increase from
In next year’s report, we hope to see accountability is implemented in practice. 10% in 2019.
these numbers increase significantly,
especially for CSR/sustainability
department contact details.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 34
3. TRACEABILITY
APPROACH
3. TRACEABILITY
RESULTS
0% 1-5% 6-10% 11-20% 21-30% 31-40% 41-50% 51-60% 61-70% 71-80% 81-90% 91-100%
Aeropostale 0 ALDO 1 Tod's 10 Disney 20 Morrisons 30 Topman 39 Bonprix 49 Clarks 59 C&A 70 H&M (H&M Group) 77 Esprit 82
ANTA 0 American Eagle 1 Fjällräven 8 Amazon 19 Speedo 30 Topshop 39 Russell Athletic 49 Converse 59 ASOS 66 United Colors The North Face 81
of Benetton
73
Armani 0 Aritzia 1 Prisma 8 Bershka 19 Target 29 Levi Strauss & Co 38 ASICS 48 Jordan 59 Adidas 62 Timberland 81
Bally 0 Bloomingdale's 1 Abercrombie & Fitch 6 Massimo Dutti 19 Zalando 29 The Warehouse 35 Monsoon 48 Nike 59 Reebok 62 Vans 81
BCBGMAXAZRIA 0 Macy's 1 Hollister Co. 6 Pull&Bear 19 Ted Baker 28 Anthropologie 33 Helly Hansen 47 G-Star RAW 59 Patagonia 61 Wrangler 81
Beanpole 0 Burberry 1 Joe Fresh 6 Stradivarius 19 Cotton On 27 Free people 33 HEMA 47 Lindex 59
Belle 0 Canada Goose 1 Zara 19 Fanatics 27 Urban Outfitters 33 Puma 47 Debenhams 57
Big Bazaar - ffb 0 Carrefour 1 El Corte Inglés 16 Hermès 27 John Lewis 32 Banana Republic 46 Ermenegildo Zegna 57
Billabong 0 CELINE 1 Matalan 16 Mammut 27 Gap 46 Lululemon 57
Quicksilver 0 Dior 1 Kmart Australia 15 River Island 27 Old Navy 46 Sainsbury's 54
Roxy 0 Fendi 1 Target Australia 15 Under Armour 27 New Balance 46 Dressmann 53
boohoo 0 Louis Vuitton 1 Asda 14 ALDI SOUTH 25 New Look 43 Marks & Spencer 53
PrettyLittleThing 0 Marc Jacobs 1 Big W 14 Columbia Sportswear 25 Tchibo 42 Calvin Klein 52
Bosideng 0 Chloé 1 Brooks Sport 14 Jack & Jones 25 Tesco 42 Tommy Hilfiger 52
Brooks Brothers 0 COACH 1 LOFT 14 Vero Moda 25 Van Heusen 52
Brunello Cucinelli 0 Kate Spade 1 REI 14 Kathmandu 25 Gildan 52
Buckle 0 Cole Haan 1 Tom Tailor 14 Next 25 Champion 51
Burlington 0 Cortefiel 1 Balenciaga 13 Very 25 Hanes 51
Calzedonia 0 Costco 1 Bottega Veneta 13 Hugo Boss 24
Intimissimi 0 Dr. Martens 1 Gucci 13 Pimkie 24
Tezenis 0 Famous Footwear 1 SAINT LAURENT 13 Zeeman 24
Carhartt 0 Fossil 1 Lidl 13 Lacoste 23
Carolina Herrera 0 Gerry Weber 1 Victoria's Secret 13 Mizuno 23
CAROLL 0 Ito-Yokado 1 ALDI Nord 11 OVS 23
Cato Fashions 0 J.Crew 1 Hudson's Bay 11 Primark 23
celio 0 KiK 1 Saks Fifth Avenue 11 Kaufland 22
Chanel 0 Lands' End 1 Uniqlo 22
Chico's 0 LL Bean 1
Claire's 0 Merrell 1
Decathlon 0 Miu Miu 1
Desigual 0 Prada 1
Diane Von Furstenberg 0 Moncler 1
Dick's Sporting Goods 0 MRP 1
Diesel 0 Nordstrom 1
Marni 0 Otto 1
Dillards 0 Ralph Lauren 1
DKNY 0 Reserved 1
Dolce & Gabbana 0 s.Oliver 1
DSW 0 Salvatore Ferragamo 1
Eddie Bauer 0 Superdry 1
Elie Tahari 0 Takko 1
Express 0 UGG 1
Falabella 0 Walmart 1
Fashion Nova 0 Woolworths 1
South Africa
Fila 0
Foot Locker 0
Forever 21 0
Foschini 0
Furla 0
GUESS 0
Heilan Home 0
JCPenney 0
JD Sports 0
Jessica Simpson 0
Jil Sander 0
Jockey 0
Justfab 0
Kmart 0
Kohl's 0
KOOVS 0
K-Way 0
La Redoute 0
Li-Ning 0
Longchamp 0
Mango 0
Max Mara 0
Metersbonwe 0
Mexx 0
Michael Kors 0
Monoprix 0
Muji 0
Neiman Marcus 0
New York & Company 0
New Yorker 0
Nine West 0
Pepe Jeans 0
Reliance Trends 0
REVOLVE 0
Ross Dress for Less 0
Sandro 0
Skechers 0
Sports Direct 0
Steve Madden 0
The Children's Place 0
TJ Maxx 0
Tom Ford 0
Tommy Bahama 0
TOPVALU COLLECTION 0
Tory Burch 0
Triumph 0
Truworths 0
United Arrows 0
Valentino 0
Versace 0
Youngor 0
* Brands ranked in numerical order by score out of 250, but shown as rounded-up percentage. Where brands have the same percentage score, they are listed in alphabetical order and grouped with others from same parent company
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 36
3. TRACEABILITY
FINDINGS
D I S C LO S I N G F I R S T T I E R M A N U FAC T U R E R D E TA I L S
publish a list of their include the address include approximate include the gender include whether publish at least 95% of
first tier manufacturers number of workers breakdown of workers the factory has a their manufacturers
trade union
P R O C E S S I N G FAC I L I T I E S R AW M AT E R I A L S U P P L I E R S
publish processing include the address include the gender publish some of their have updated mapping at least
facilities beyond breakdown of workers raw material suppliers this list within the one raw material
the first tier past 12 months supply chain
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 37
3. TRACEABILITY
ANALYSIS
As Jenny Holdcroft, the Assistant General Traceability: Overall average Disclosing first tier for trade unions and NGOs. Only 28% of
Secretary of IndustriALL Global Union, score year-on-year progress manufacturers brands disclose what percentage of their
explained in previous editions of this report: manufacturers are published in this list,
2017 2018 2019 2020 First tier manufacturers are the suppliers and 25% report that 95% or more of their
manufacturers are disclosed. Finally,
“Knowing the names of major that do the cutting, sewing and finishing of
8% garments in the final stage of production. 32% of brands disclose that this list of
buyers from factories gives of 100 brands
manufacturers has been published or
This year, we found that 40% of brands (101
workers and their unions a 11% updated within the past six months.
out of 250) are publishing their first tier
stronger leverage, crucial of 150 brands
manufacturers (up from 35% in 2019.) 36%
for a timely solution when In other exciting news, Ermenegildo
12% include the factory address. 29% include
of 200 brands Zegna has become the first luxury
resolving conflicts, whether the types of products or services provided,
brand to publish a detailed supplier list.
it be refusal to recognise the 16% 30% include approximate number of
However, Hermès has disclosed some
of 250 brands workers in the facility. 14% include the
union, or unlawful sackings ratio of women to men workers, up from
of its manufacturers and suppliers for
for demanding their rights. It many years. Also, Balenciaga, Bottega
9% last year. 4% include both whether the
Veneta, Gucci and Saint Laurent have
also provides the possibility Publishing supplier lists can also benefit factory has an independent union and/or
brands themselves. With this information started disclosing a handful of raw
to create a link from the independent worker committee in place.
publicly available, unions and civil material suppliers for the first time this
4% also include the number of migrant or
worker back to the customer society groups can help clarify when year. We welcome and encourage this
contract workers.
and possibly media to bring unauthorised subcontracting occurs in a development and hope that other luxury
attention to their issues.” brand’s supply chain. It can also enhance brands will follow their lead soon.
To align with the Transparency Pledge and
investor and consumer trust in the brand, Open Apparel Registry requirements, we
Publicly disclosed supplier lists are Furthermore, 14 brands that were
showing stakeholders that brands are looked at what additional details brands
helping trade unions and workers rights reviewed in last year’s report have since
willing to be open and honest about include for each facility in their supplier
organisations to address and fix problems disclosed their first tier manufacturers
where their products are being made. lists. We found that 18% include the name
which workers are facing in the factories for the first time, including: Amazon,
of the parent company for each factory
that supply major brands and retailers Anthropologie/Urban Outfitters, El Corte
if there is one, and 15% publish this list
(see the case studies on page 39 and 40 Inglés, Fanatics, Lacoste, Monsoon, OVS,
as a CSV or Excel spreadsheet in order
for examples.) River Island, Ted Baker, Tod's, Tom Tailor,
to make this information easy to use
Victoria's Secret and Zalando.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 38
Disclosing processing facilities 12% of brands include the name of Publishing raw material suppliers Organic Cotton Standard, GOTS,
the parent company for each facility if FAIRTRADE Certified Cotton Mark and
These are the sorts of facilities that there is one, and 10% publish this list These suppliers are those that provide Cotton Programme, Cotton Made in
may do ginning and spinning yarn, as a CSV or Excel spreadsheet in order brands and their manufacturers further Africa HIP, Oeko-Tex SteP/Made in Green,
knitting and weaving fabrics, dyeing to make this information easy to use down the chain with raw materials such Leather Working Group) or blockchain,
and wet processing, leather tanneries, for trade unions and NGOs. Only 10% of as fibres, hides, rubber, dyes, metals and transaction certifications, DNA schemes
embroidering and embellishing, fabric brands disclose what percentage of their so on. We found that 7% of brands (18 and other similar technologies.
finishing, dyeing and printing and processing facilities are published in this out of 250) are publishing some of their
list, and 8% report that 95% or more of In other good news, 7 brands that were
laundering. We found that 24% of brands raw material suppliers (up from 5% in
their processing facilities are disclosed. reviewed in last year’s report have since
(60 out of 250) are publishing some of their 2019). This is usually only a handful of
20% of brands disclose that this list of disclosed some of their raw materials
processing facilities (up from 19% in 2019). their viscose, recycled polyester, wool or
processing facilities has been published suppliers for the first time, including:
cotton suppliers.
or updated within the past six months. Bottega Veneta/Gucci/Saint Laurent,
22% include the facility address. 20%
6% of brands have published or updated Ermenegildo Zegna, H&M (H&M Group),
include the types of products or services
And finally, a new indicator this year, we this list of raw material suppliers in Tesco and United Colors of Benetton.
provided, 16% include the approximate
number of workers in the facility. 8% looked to see if brands disclose which the past 12 months. 4% include the
manufacturer(s) each processing facility supplier address. 6% include the types Next year, we hope to see 50% (or
include the ratio of women to men
works with, and only 3% of brands of raw materials provided. 3% include more) of brands publishing a supplier
workers, up from 4% last year. 1% of
currently disclose this data. This piece of the approximate number of workers. list and more brands disclosing their
brands include both whether the facility
data is important because it establishes 2% include the ratio of women to processing facilities, mills, tanneries
has an independent union and/or
the relationship between different men workers. Less than 1% of brands and raw material suppliers further
independent worker committee in place.
tiers of the supply chain and enables include the number of migrant or down the tiers of the supply chain. We
2% also include the number of migrant or
suppliers, unions and workers' rights contract workers. And, less than 1% know that exploitation tends to thrive in
contract workers.
organisations to better leverage the right of brands publish this list as a CSV or hidden places, which is why focusing
decision makers to get issues solved. Excel spreadsheet in order to make this on transparency beyond the first tier
information easy to use for trade unions will become increasingly important.
The good news is that 15 brands and NGOs.
that were reviewed in last year’s
report have since disclosed some In slightly more positive news, half of the
of their processing facilities for the brands reviewed disclose evidence of
first time, including: Anthropologie/ tracing the supply chain for at least one
Urban Outfitters, Asics, Calvin Klein/ specific raw material. This is typically
Tommy Hilfiger/Van Heusen, Clarks, cotton, viscose, wool, recycled polyester,
Debenhams, Dressman, Ermenegildo leather or rubber. The tools they might be
Zegna, Lululemon, Monsoon, New Look, using to do this traceability work include
Sainsbury’s-TU Clothing and Topshop. certification systems (e.g. Responsible
Down/Wool Standard, Global Recycling
[LEFT] PHOTOGRAPHY ©NÄZ
Standard, Content Claim Standard,
naz.pt/
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 39
CASE STUDIES:
Transparency in action
[RIGHT] 2019,
Bangladeshi garment
workers shout slogans
during a protest in
Savar, on the outskirts
of Dhaka, Bangladesh,
© 2019 AP
LESOTHO
lists on their websites. WRC facilitated International Labor Rights Forum
In 2019, at three factories in Lesotho, all
owned by the same supplier, Worker discussions between local unions,
BANGLADESH
Rights Consortium (WRC) found that NGOs and the two companies, which
female garment workers were regularly resulted in a ground-breaking In December 2018, the Government of Around 11,600 workers were unlawfully
being coerced into sexual activity with legally-binding agreement to solve Bangladesh increased the minimum dismissed, most of who were unable
supervisors as a condition of gaining or this serious problem. monthly wage for garment workers to to find other jobs due to systematic
retaining employment or promotions. 8,000 Tk ($95 USD). The new minimum blacklisting. Through publicly disclosed
As part of the agreement, an wage was half the amount that the supplier lists, the International Labor
Nearly two-thirds of the garment
independent investigative workers’ rights organisations and trade Rights Forum identified which major
workers WRC interviewed reported
organisation has been established unions had demanded. Workers said the apparel brands were linked to factories
having experienced sexual harassment minimum wage was not enough to cover that filed unsubstantiated cases against
to receive complaints from workers,
and abuse or having knowledge of increased living costs, so they took to the workers. As a result of their campaign
carry out investigations and
harassment or abuse suffered by streets for largely peaceful strikes. Over efforts, the charges filed by 14 factories
assessments, identify violations of
co-workers. WRC discovered that VF the following two months, 65 workers were dropped.
a jointly developed code of conduct,
Corporation and Levi Strauss & Co. were were arrested while hundreds more
and direct and enforce remedies in faced unsubstantiated charges at the
both sourcing from these factories due
accordance with local law. behest of factory owners.
to the fact that they publish supplier
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 40
CASE STUDIES:
Transparency in action
[LEFT ]2019,
Bangladeshi garment
workers fill out their
worker diaries as part
of the Garment Worker
Diary project,
©Microfinance
Opportunities
[RIGHT] Garment
Workers in Malaysian
factory, ©giz.de
What do major brands and retailers communicate about their human KNOW FIX
rights and environmental due diligence processes? How are they
assessing suppliers’ adherence to their standards? This year we introduced new indicators Finally, we looked at what brands are
on human rights and environmental publishing about how they remediate
due diligence to understand what steps human rights and environmental
brands are taking to identify human rights violations occurring within their supply
We awarded points if brands disclose information such as: and environmental risks, impacts and chain. We also checked to see if brands
violations in their supply chains. publish a confidential grievance
• How the brand works to identify • The process for taking on new mechanism for both employees and
and address human rights and suppliers We also looked for information on how workers in the supply chain. And finally,
environmental risks, impacts brands assess suppliers to ensure they we looked to see if brands disclose
and violations in its supply chain • How frequently assessments are meet their ethical standards and policies the results of their efforts to remediate
(its approach to conducting due conducted (e.g every 12 months) (typically factory audits) and which third violations and address grievances.
diligence) party auditing standards used.
• If brands conduct supplier
assessments beyond the first tier
• How workers, unions and other SHOW
affected stakeholders are involved
• If supplier assessments include
in the due diligence process We looked at whether brands are
off site worker interviews, and
if so how many workers are disclosing the results of their supplier
• How suppliers are assessed assessments, either as a summary of
interviewed
against the brand’s policies issues found in factories or at a more
granular level (e.g. disclosing findings by
individual factory).
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2019 42
* Brands ranked in numerical order by score out of 250, but shown as rounded-up percentage. Where brands have the same percentage score, they are listed in alphabetical order and grouped with others from same parent company
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 43
disclose the approach explain how affected report what risks are disclose process for disclose the third-party report conducting
to human rights stakeholders are identified and prioritised assessing conditions audit standard(s) used supplier assessments
and environmental involved in due in supplier facilities beyond the first tier
due diligence diligence
S H OW: P U B L I S H I N G AU D I T R E S U LT S F I X : R E M E D I AT I N G I S S U E S
disclose aggregated publish selected audit publish full audit disclose the process for publish a confidential publish data about the
first tier supplier findings by named first findings by named first supplier remediation grievance mechanism number of grievances
audit findings tier supplier facility tier supplier facility for supply chain workers filed, addressed
and resolved in the
supply chain
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 44
KNOW 11% of brands publish what human Nearly half (48%) of brands explain 65% disclose what criteria they have in
rights and environmental risks, impacts how regularly they do supplier audits, place for taking on new suppliers before
and violations are identified through which is typically on an annual basis production is started to ensure the facility
Human rights and environmental
the supply chain due diligence process but sometimes more or less frequently meet its policies and standards. This is
due diligence
and how they are prioritised (e.g. (low, depending on the level of risk. most commonly some sort of supplier
medium, high). Meanwhile, just 8% of self-assessment or pre-production audit
Only 34% of brands are disclosing how Only 13% of brands disclose data
brands disclose the outcomes or results requirement. This is an increase from 55%
they proactively identify human rights indicating how many of these audits
of the steps the company has taken to of brands in 2017.
and environmental risks, impacts and are conducted on an announced,
cease, prevent, mitigate and remedy
violations in its supply chain — in other unannounced or semi-announced
these human rights and environmental 40% of brands explain that their
words, the company's approach to basis (where suppliers are given a two
risks, impacts and violations. supplier assessments go beyond direct
conducting due diligence. Good human week window in which the audit will take manufacturers to also include processing
rights due diligence practices are set out Supplier assessments place). There is always risk that suppliers facilities, textile mills, laundries, dye
clearly and comprehensively in sector may make special preparations for the houses, suppliers of raw materials and/
specific guidance published by the 92% of brands publish information about audit. Sedex suggests best practice or farms. This suggests that brands are
OECD, so we are surprised to see so few what sort of supplier assessments they is to use a mix of announced, semi- working to ensure that their social and
brands disclose that they conduct such do, up from 88% in 2019 and 84% in announced and unannounced audits to environmental standards are upheld
processes. Most brands seem to rely on 2017. These are typically social audits of mitigate this risk (Sedex, 2017). throughout the supply chain and not just
auditing their manufacturing facilities factories. 58% of brands disclose which in the facilities with which they have a
rather than explaining their broader due external audit standards or assessment Only 10% of brands report that their direct relationship.
diligence efforts, of which supplier audits methodologies they use, such as the audit process includes interviews with
might be a part. Higg Index, SMETA, BSCI, WRAP and so on. workers away from the factory premises.
This is a new indicator for 2020, and it is Speaking directly to workers is crucial
Furthermore, only 12% of brands explain useful because it gives us more insight for understanding what conditions are
how workers, producers, farmers, trade into exactly what criteria is used to really like in their workplace. Interviewing
unions and other affected stakeholders are measure suppliers’ compliance against workers offsite means they have more
involved in their due diligence process. social and environmental standards. of an opportunity to speak freely without
fearing their boss might be listening and
punish them as a result.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 45
transparency is the
result of the supplier assessment process,
complaints or reported violations. And,
up from 69% of brands in 2019 and 62%
only 15% disclose data about the number
in 2018. Typically brands will have put
business sense."
how workers, trade unions and any other
address) for the workers in their supply
affected stakeholders are involved in
chain to file complaints or report violations
the development and implementation of
of the brand’s policies related to working
these remediation plans. Remediation
conditions, environmental issues,
plans tend to be most effective when the
corruption and other issues. 36% of brands
affected stakeholders are involved as it
explain how the company responds to
ensures the remediation efforts have the
intended outcome for workers.
complaints or reported violations filed Stefan Seidel,
by workers in their supply chain. 22% Head of Corporate Responsibility, Puma Group
of brands also explain how garment
Only 15% of brands explain what happens
workers are informed that this grievance
when they decide to stop working with
channel exists and how to make use of it,
a supplier. This is important because if
up from 15% of brands in 2019. And, only
brands decide to abruptly drop a supplier
16% of brands disclose data about the
it can have negative impacts on workers,
number of garment workers’ complaints
such as suddenly losing their jobs, without
and reported violations that are filed,
any severance pay or being owed unpaid
addressed and resolved. This ensures that
wages. 20% of brands disclose how many
workers are able to speak up about poor
of their manufacturers have corrective
working conditions without the fear of
action plans in place on an annual basis.
being fired or punished.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 47
VIEWPOINT:
THE FASHION INDUSTRY
HAS A TRUST ISSUE “Transparency in the post This means identifying the links that
brands and retailers have with suppliers
BEN VANPEPERSTRAETE
rebuild the eroded trust limited freedom of movement or to the
cotton fields where forced labour may
HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERT
in brands and retailers.” be prevalent.
5. SPOTLIGHT ISSUES:
APPROACH
Each year, we explore a few key issues in deeper detail. For 2020, our focus covers
four strategic areas we call the 4 C’s: conditions, consumption, composition and
climate. These topics are selected and indicators formulated in consultation with
industry experts. We have also designed the indicators to align with and support
the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aims to bring
nations together to build a better world for people and our planet by 2030.
What are major brands and retailers What are major brands and retailers What are major brands and retailers Are major brands and retailers taking
doing to improve conditions for workers doing to address overproduction, doing to increase the use of sustainable urgent action to combat climate
within the company and their supply minimise waste and move towards materials and reduce the use of virgin breakdown and move towards sustainable
chains? Specifically, we looked at: circularity? Here we looked plastics and hazardous chemicals? management of natural resources?
specifically at: We looked at: Here we looked at whether brands:
• Modern slavery and supply chain
recruitment practices • How many items were produced • Strategies and progress on the • Publish Science Based Targets
in the reporting period switch to more sustainable materials
• Living wages and wage data in the • Publish a commitment to
supply chain • How much textile waste is • Strategies and progress on the deforestation
generated and how much of this reduction of the use of virgin plastics
• Purchasing practices and what • Publish carbon footprint in owned
was destroyed or recycled
brands are doing to be good • What the brand is doing to minimise facilities and in the supply chain
business partners to their suppliers • Strategies and progress on the impact of microfibres
• Disclose the amount of renewable
reducing pre-consumer energy used in owned facilities and
• Unionisation and collective • Investments in textile-to-textile
waste and recycling post- in the supply chain
bargaining circular recycling
consumer waste
• Gender equality and equal pay in • Strategies and progress on • Publish water footprint in owned
the company and supply chain the reduction of the use of facilities and in the supply chain
hazardous chemicals
• Link environmental impacts to
the business bottom line
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2019 49
5. SPOTLIGHT ISSUES:
RESULTS
0-5% 6-10% 11-20% 21-30% 31-40% 41-50% 51-60% 61-70% 71-80% 81-90% 91-100%
Bloomingdale's 4 ALDO 10 Champion 20 Decathlon 29 Esprit 39 Calvin Klein 47 Adidas 59 H&M (H&M Group) 63
Macy's 4 Big W 10 Hanes 20 Fjällräven 29 Mammut 37 Tommy Hilfiger 47 Reebok 59
Calzedonia 4 Brunello Cucinelli 10 El Corte Inglés 20 Gildan 29 The North Face 37 Van Heusen 47 Patagonia 57
Intimissimi 4 CAROLL 10 Fendi 20 John Lewis 29 Timberland 37 Balenciaga 45 Marks & Spencer 53
Tezenis 4 Carrefour 10 Marc Jacobs 20 Next 29 Vans 37 SAINT LAURENT 45 C&A 51
Dick's Sporting Goods 4 Cotton On 10 G-Star RAW 20 Sainsbury’s- 29 Wrangler 37 Bershka 45 Converse 51
TU Clothing
Diesel 4 La Redoute 10 Kmart Australia 20 29 Tesco 35 Massimo Dutti 45 Jordan 51
Tchibo
Marni 4 Li-Ning 10 Target Australia 20 29 Uniqlo 35 Pull&Bear 45 Nike 51
Zalando
Dr. Martens 4 Monoprix 10 Morrisons 20 27 Banana Republic 33 Stradivarius 45 Gucci 51
Asda
Fila 4 Otto 10 Tod's 20 27 Gap 33 Zara 45
Lindex
J.Crew 4 UGG 10 Topman 20 27 Old Navy 33 Burberry 45
Ralph Lauren
JCPenney 4 Under Armour 10 Topshop 20 27 New Balance 33 ASOS 43
Target
Kmart 4 boohoo 8 United Colors 20 24 Primark 33 Bottega Veneta 43
of Benetton Columbia Sportswear
Moncler 4 PrettyLittleThing 8 24 ASICS 31 Puma 43
Woolworths 20 Dior
River Island 4 Burlington 8 24 Levi Strauss & Co 31
South Africa
Louis Vuitton
Russell Athletic 4 Carolina Herrera 8 24
Brooks Sport 18 Hugo Boss
Tommy Bahama 4 Chloé 8 24
Clarks 18 New Look
United Arrows 4 Costco 8 24
Monsoon 18 OVS
Valentino 4 Falabella 8 24
Reserved 18 Speedo
Armani 2 Fossil 8 22
The Warehouse 18 CELINE
Canada Goose 2 Free people 8 22
TOPVALU COLLECTION 18 Hermès
Cole Haan 2 HEMA 8 22
Zeeman 18 Lidl
Dillards 2 Ito-Yokado 8 22
Abercrombie & Fitch 16 Mango
DSW 2 KiK 8 22
Hollister Co. 16 Prisma
Foot Locker 2 Kohl's 8 22
ALDI Nord 16 Superdry
Forever 21 2 MRP 8
ALDI SOUTH 16
Gerry Weber 2 Reliance Trends 8
Debenhams 16
Hudson's Bay 2 s.Oliver 8
GUESS 16
Saks Fifth Avenue 2 Salvatore Ferragamo 8
Helly Hansen 16
Longchamp 2 TJ Maxx 8
Kathmandu 16
Matalan 2 Very 8
LOFT 16
Pimkie 2 ANTA 6
Miu Miu 16
Skechers 2 Anthropologie 6
Prada 16
Steve Madden 2 Urban Outfitters 6
Nordstrom 16
Triumph 2 Beanpole 6
Vero Moda 16
Aeropostale 0 Chanel 6
Walmart 16
Bally 0 Cortefiel 6
American Eagle 14
BCBGMAXAZRIA 0 Disney 6
Aritzia 14
Belle 0 Jil Sander 6
Bonprix 14
Big Bazaar - ffb 0 Joe Fresh 6
COACH 14
Billabong 0 Mizuno 6
Kate Spade 14
Quicksilver 0 Muji 6
Dressmann 14
Roxy 0 Sandro 6
Jack & Jones 14
Bosideng 0 Sports Direct 6
JD Sports 14
Brooks Brothers 0 Takko 6
REI 14
Buckle 0 Tom Tailor 6
Amazon 12
Carhartt 0
Desigual 12
Cato Fashions 0
Foschini 12
celio 0
Kaufland 12
Chico's 0
Lacoste 12
Claire's 0
Lululemon 12
Diane Von Furstenberg 0
Ted Baker 12
DKNY 0
Truworths 12
Dolce & Gabbana 0
Victoria's Secret 12
Eddie Bauer 0
Elie Tahari 0
Ermenegildo Zegna 0
Express 0
Famous Footwear 0
Fanatics 0
Fashion Nova 0
Furla 0
Heilan Home 0
Jessica Simpson 0
Jockey 0
Justfab 0
KOOVS 0
K-Way 0
Lands' End 0
LL Bean 0
Max Mara 0
Merrell 0
Metersbonwe 0
Mexx 0
Michael Kors 0
Neiman Marcus 0
New York & Company 0
New Yorker 0
Nine West 0
Pepe Jeans 0
REVOLVE 0
Ross Dress for Less 0
The Children's Place 0
Tom Ford 0
Tory Burch 0
Versace 0
Youngor 0
* Brands ranked in numerical order by score out of 250, but shown as rounded-up percentage. Where brands have the same percentage score, they are listed in alphabetical order and grouped with others from same parent company
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 50
5. SPOTLIGHT ISSUES
FINDINGS
L I V I N G WAG E S G E N D E R E Q UA L I T Y
disclose approach to disclose annual publish the number publish the company’s disclose how publish data on gender-
achieving living wages progress towards of workers being gender pay gap women workers are based violations in
for supply chain workers paying living wages paid a living wage involved in the due supplier facilities
diligence process
P U R C H AS I N G P R AC T I C E S U N I O N I SAT I O N M O D E R N S L AV E RY
disclose method for publish policy to pay disclose number of disclose number of disclose approach to publish data on modern
isolating labour costs suppliers within 60 days supplier facilities that workers covered by recruitment fees in slavery related violations
from price negotiations have trade unions collective bargaining the supply chain in supplier facilities
agreements
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 51
5. SPOTLIGHT ISSUES
FINDINGS
WA S T E & R E C YC L I N G P L AS T I C S S U S TA I N A B L E M AT E R I A L S
publish the amount report investing in explain what the publish measurable publish time-bound, disclose progress on
of textile waste textile-to-textile brand is doing to progress towards measurable sustainable achieving sustainable
generated in the annual recycling solutions minimise microfibres reducing the use materials strategy material targets
reporting period of virgin plastics
publish time-bound disclose progress publish annual publish carbon publish annual water publish annual
commitment to towards this achieving carbon footprint footprint in footprint in company’s water footprint at
eliminate hazardous commitment in company’s company’s own facilities raw material level
chemicals own facilities supply chain
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 52
5. SPOTLIGHT ISSUES
ANALYSIS
CONDITIONS companies were required to start
reporting about forced labour in their
of trafficking are frequently trapped in
forms of modern slavery. Much of IHRB’s
supply chains in 2017. Following this, the work is focused on how workers are
92%
Modern Slavery Australian Modern Slavery Act was passed recruited and in particular the payment of
in 2018 and came into force during 2019. recruitment fees to secure employment.
This Spotlight Issue is new for We have based the methodology in this
2020, and we are looking at the subsection on IHRB’s work.
steps brands are taking to address
13% of brands publish data about of brands are
the prevalence of modern slavery
risks of forced and bonded related violations in their supplier We found that 42% of brands disclose publishing supplier
their approach to the use of recruitment
labour, particularly recruitment facilities. Potential indicators of modern policies on forced
slavery could include restricted fees in the supply chain. A company’s
practices in the supply chain. and bonded labour
freedom of movement, factories or typical approach is to set a policy that
recruiters retaining workers' passports no fees or related costs should be paid
In the last several editions, we have looked
or other identity/personal documents, by workers in the supply chain as part
to see if brands disclose policies and
forced and excessive overtime, of their recruitment process. The brand
procedures related to forced and bonded
withholding wages, debt bondage, and might also take steps to ensure that any
labour. This year we found that 92% of
as explained above, grievances related fees or related costs that are paid by
brands are publishing supplier policies on
to recruitment practices. workers are reimbursed.
forced and bonded labour, compared to
86% last year. However, in order to truly understand
As the Institute for Human Rights and
Business (IHRB) explains, “migrant if workers are paying recruitment fees
Only 42% of brands disclose a specific or related costs then they would need
workers are an ever-present feature
policy on the use of foreign and migrant to be interviewed about what their
of global supply chains, found in all
labour. Notably, 43% of brands publish recruitment journey has entailed, and only
sectors and all geographies. Low-income
information about programmes they 5% of brands disclose that workers are
migrant workers are amongst the most
have in place to address foreign and interviewed about this issue specifically.
vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, and
migrant labour, up from 32% last year.
are often the least able to assert their
This increase in disclosure around
rights. For many, a lack of viable options
forced labour could be a result of the
to sustain a livelihood at home increases
recent adoption of mandatory reporting
their willingness to accept poor working
legislation. For example, the UK Modern
conditions abroad.” In other words, victims
Slavery Act was passed in 2015 and
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 53
commitment to “reach living wages benchmarks its supply chain wage data which is why first results show a positive
by 2025 with our apparel assembly against both the Anker methodology development since 2018.” PUMA explains
LIVING WAGE factories” and links to Fair Labor and Asia Floor Wage calculations that, "on average, our core suppliers pay
[noun] Association’s Fair Compensation Work in Bangladesh and China. Outdoor 21% above legally mandated minimum
Plan to illustrate how they are working brand Patagonia also uses the Anker wages in their respective countries.
The remuneration received by a towards this goal. In fact, Patagonia Methodology, while Mammut uses the Fair Adding overtime and bonuses, this
is the only brand to disclose relevant Wear Foundation Wage Ladder, which is increases to 84%”.
worker in a standard working week in
a particular place sufficient to afford information for every indicator we looked based on a range of industry calculations
And finally, only one brand discloses the
at in the living wages sub-section. including the Asia Floor Wage. Mammut
a decent standard of living for the percentage or number of workers in its
Swedish fast fashion brand Lindex explains, we have “been analyzing the
worker and her or his family. Elements supply chain that are being paid a living
explains, “Our goal is that by 2025, Lindex wage levels of the sewing workers in
of a decent standard of living include wage. Granted this data is not very easy to
suppliers who stand for 80% of our [our] factories. As they mostly use FWF
food, water, housing, education, health find and buried many pages within a self-
production work actively with a living audits they have used the wage ladder
care, transport, clothing, and other published magazine found via their blog,
wage program.” In the luxury sector, information for this analysis”.
essential needs including provision Patagonia explains, “Based on our initial
Gucci says, "both Kering and Gucci have
Furthermore, only 12 (5%) of brands report analysis, our apparel suppliers pay at
for unexpected events. developed a 2025 strategy to achieve a
annual, measurable progress towards least 81% of the living wage, 18% of them
living wage for all workers across our
paying living wages to workers in their paying above the living wage.” However,
supplier network”. Even though it is an
supply chains. it is not just Patagonia. This is true for
ambitious task, an open-ended goal
Living wages gives no indication on the timescale in
many brands, where relevant disclosure
Only 5 brands (2%) publish data on is buried within 100+ page reports and in
which workers might expect to be paid
Less than a quarter (23%) of brands the percentage above the minimum footnotes and appendices.
higher wages.
disclose the company's approach to wage rate workers are paid in their
achieving the payment of living wages to According to Labour behind the supply chains. For example, in its 2018 This is an urgent issue for so many
workers in the supply chain, an increase Label (2019) there is a gap of 2 to 5 sustainability report (page 74) H&M (H&M workers in the textile supply chain who
from 19% of brands in 2019. Brands that times, between minimum or industry Group) reports that, "When analysing struggle to afford life’s basic necessities.
disclose this information will typically do standard wages and most living wage the data from supplier factories in our While it is a complex issue to solve,
so by explaining their participation in living benchmarks based on a cost of living key market suppliers, we can see that without more collective action and greater
wage focused initiatives such as ACT, Fair methodology. In India, for example, the the factories which are implementing transparency from major brands and
Wear Foundation’s Wage Ladder, Fairtrade minimum wage is half of the value that improved Wage Management Systems retailers, it will be a very long time before
Textile Standard and the Fair Labor unions have been asked for and only a pay higher take-home wages than those workers are paid decent and fair wages.
Association’s Fair Compensation Strategy. third of the Asia Floor Wage. which don’t. In 2017, the difference ranged
from 8% higher take-home wages in
Only 5 brands (2%) publish a time-bound, Just 6 (2%) brands explain what living Bangladesh to 29% in Indonesia. In 2018,
measurable roadmap or strategy for wage estimates they use to track the difference ranged from 2% in Turkey
how they will achieve a living wage for and benchmark wages for workers in to 11% in Indonesia. In Myanmar first
all workers across their supply chains. their supply chains. For example, New factories started implementing improved
For example, Patagonia publishes a Zealand based retailer The Warehouse Wage Management Systems in late 2017
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 54
Transparency is the
This ensures that labour costs are non-
Better Buying initiative, through internal
negotiable and enables suppliers to pay
supplier surveys or during annual
their workers adequate and fair wages.
Unionisation and collective Gender equality Despite ample research that shows On the other hand, brands seem to be doing
bargaining how commonly women workers are more to be transparent about gender
The global fashion industry employs subjected to gender-based harassment equality (or lack thereof) when it comes to
Freedom of association, including the millions of women, from farm to factory to and violence in the garment and textile- jobs roles in their own companies. Over
right to form and join trade unions and retail. Each year we explore what gender- manufacturing sector, only 2 brands half of the brands (52%) publish data on
collectively bargain all are fundamental focused policies are disclosed by major (1%) publish data on the prevalence the annual sex disaggregated distribution
labour rights enshrined in a number of fashion brands. This year, we found that of gender-based violations in their of job roles (e.g. executives, managers,
international agreements and national less than half the brands (49%) publish suppliers’ facilities. These violations supervisors, employees).
laws. These are considered enabling rights employee policies on equal pay while could relate to issues such as sexual
because when workers can join together 61% of brands publish supplier policies harassment, gender-based violence, 34% of brands publish the annual
to speak out and negotiate with their on equal pay. Meanwhile 34% of brands discrimination against pregnant workers, gender pay gap within their companies.
employers for better working conditions, disclose information about how they put lack of maternity pay, lack of bathroom This is often as a result of government
it means they can address other issues their equal pay policies into practice. breaks, not allowed during periods regulation. For example, in the UK
that concern them most such as pay, and so on. Considering that data from companies have been required by law to
maternity rights, health and safety and Conversely, 43% of brands now publish CARE International (2019) suggests that publicly report this since April 2018.
other associated rights. employee policies on maternity rights 50% of women garment workers in
and parental leave, compared to 31% in southeast Asia have experienced sexual
This is why it’s shocking that only 9 brands 2019, while 29% of brands publish supplier harassment in the workplace, we hope
(4%) publish the percentage or number of policies on maternal rights and parental that in the near future brands begin to
factories in their supply chain that have leave, compared to 22% last year. publish more data on this important topic.
34%
independent, democratically elected
trade unions that workers can join, and Earlier we described what sort of Women who work in garment
22 brands (9%) publish the percentage or disclosure we have seen from brands manufacturing also tend to be employed
number of workers in their supply chain when it comes to human rights and in the lowest paid job roles, whereas men
that are covered by collective bargaining environmental due diligence. Considering are commonly supervisors and factory of brands publish
such a huge proportion - estimates say managers. Despite this inequality, only
agreements (CBAs).
70-80% - of the garment sector workforce 2% of brands publish data on the sex
the annual gender
are women, very few brands (only 3%) disaggregated distribution of job roles in pay gap within
explain how women workers, women’s their supply chain (e.g. lower paid roles their companies
organisations and/or gender experts are such as helpers and machinists verses
involved in the company’s due diligence higher paid roles such as supervisors
processes. and managers).
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 56
5. SPOTLIGHT ISSUES
ANALYSIS
and footwear to triple by 2050 (Ellen the annual reporting period, and 7 ** 8 million of which are reportedly garments made in a
MacArthur Foundation, 2017). brands (3%) disclose the percentage, more sustainable manner
volume or number of products destroyed
As the world faces accelerating climate (typically incinerated) during the
breakdown, we cannot continue making, annual reporting period.
buying and discarding clothing at the
current and expected rates. This is
why we focused on overproduction,
overconsumption and waste as part of
this year’s Spotlight Issues.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 57
5. SPOTLIGHT ISSUES
ANALYSIS
Using more sustainable materials Every time someone washes a garment Some of the toxic chemicals used in
made of synthetic materials, especially clothing, including lead (dyes), NPE
polyester, tiny particles of plastic – too (industrial washing), phthalates (printing),
Several major brands are taking steps
small to be caught by conventional water PFC compounds (water-repellent coating)
to use more sustainable materials such
treatment – enter our water systems, and formaldehyde (wrinkle-resistance
as ‘better' and organic cotton, recycled
ending up in rivers, lakes and oceans. treatment), can potentially cause serious
polyester and wool, traceable down and
Up to 700,000 microfibres can shed from health problems. Considering that the
chrome-free leather. The use of these
our clothes in a typical wash (Napper and textile industry is a significant contributor
materials are often what makes up
Thompson, 2016). As a result, textiles are to water pollution globally through the
brands’ seasonal collections marketed as
now the largest source of global primary lack of proper disposal of chemicals,
‘sustainable’ or ‘conscious.’ However, we
microplastic pollution and have even we were surprised to see that less than
found that less than half of brands (42%)
been detected in the deepest parts of a quarter of brands (24%) publish a
publish a time-bound and measurable
the ocean (Boucher and Friot, 2017). We time-bound commitment or roadmap
strategy or roadmap (including targets)
expected brands to be addressing this towards eliminating the use of hazardous
on the use of more sustainable materials.
alarming issue, but we found that only a chemicals in products, and 19% of brands
Meanwhile, 36% of brands report annually
fifth of brands (20%) publish information are reporting progress towards achieving
on progress toward achieving these
about what the brand is doing to minimise these goals. When brands are taking
sustainable material use targets, up from
the impact of microfibres. When it comes steps to mitigate the use of hazardous
29% in 2019.
to reducing the use of plastic more chemicals in their products, it’s usually
generally, we found that 27% of brands as part of regulatory obligations such
publish measurable, time-bound targets as REACH in the EU or through multi-
for the reduction of the use of virgin stakeholder initiatives like the ZDHC
plastics (including plastic-based textiles, Roadmap to Zero.
accessories, hangers, packaging).
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 59
5. SPOTLIGHT ISSUES
ANALYSIS
Science Based Targets, which means Just 7 brands (3%) are mapping Water use
CLIMATE their environmental goals are aligned environmental impacts directly to their
with the Paris Agreement’s aim to limit financial performance. For example, 52% of brands publish a company policy
Carbon emissions global heating to below 2°C above pre- Kering Group (Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, on water use, and 42% publish a supplier
industrial levels. Gucci, Saint Laurent) publish a highly policy on water use, up from 36% of
Considering that climate breakdown is detailed Environmental Profit and Loss brands in 2019. However, considering that
accelerating and the world’s foremost 58% of brands publish annual carbon report, which utilises a sophisticated a global water crisis has been ranked
scientists say we have about a decade to emissions in their owned and operated natural capital accounting methodology. in the top 5 global risks (WEF, 2020), it is
mitigate the most catastrophic impacts of facilities (e.g. head office, retail stores, On top of this, Kering Group freely shares surprising to see little progress when it
global heating, we would have expected distribution centres, warehouses, transport their methodology, welcoming and comes to brands disclosing water usage
fashion brands and retailers to be moving and mail orders, etc.), but only 16% of encouraging other companies to use it. data, especially at a raw material level.
much more swiftly towards net-zero brands publish annual carbon emissions However, other brands do not seem to be There has been no increase in water
carbon emissions. produced within their supply chains — taking advantage of this innovative open- footprint disclosure at any level. 31% of
where the highest proportion of carbon is source methodology, which has been brands publish the annual water footprint
Dozens of brands have recently joined the emitted across the lifecycle of a garment. freely available since 2015. in their owned and operated facilities
UN Fashion Industry Charter on Climate (e.g. head office, retail stores, distribution
Action and the G7 Fashion Pact to achieve We anticipate seeing more disclosure Limiting deforestation is also a crucial part centres, warehouses, etc.). 14% of brands
this goal by 2050. Meanwhile, a 2018 on brands' efforts to reduce carbon of mitigating global carbon emissions. publish the annual water footprint at
report from the World Health Organisation emissions next year as more brands join Considering recent public outcry about manufacturing and/or processing facility
predicted that an additional 250,000 deaths the G7 Fashion Pact and the UN Fashion the destruction of the Amazon and the level within the supply chain, and only
a year will occur between 2030 and 2050 Industry Charter. wildfires that ravaged Australia, it is 4% publish this information at fibre
due to global heating, and too many shocking that only 4 brands out of 250 production and/or raw material level.
fashion brands continue to say little about 36% of brands publish the percentage of (2%) publish a time-bound, measurable
the steps they are taking to drastically renewable energy used in the company’s commitment to zero deforestation —
reduce their environmental impacts. owned and operated facilities (e.g. head meaning that no forest areas are cleared or
office, retail stores, distribution centres, converted. Whereas, zero net deforestation
78% of brands publish a company policy warehouses, etc.), but only 6% of brands allows for the clearance or conversion of
on energy use and carbon emissions, publish this information within the forests in one area as long as an equal
while 52% publish a supplier policy on this supply chain. area is replanted elsewhere.
topic. However, only 16% of brands publish
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 60
VIEWPOINT:
HOW TO SURVIVE A PANDEMIC:
GARMENT WORKERS IN COVID-19
GARMENT WORKER CENTER
For too long, the fashion industry has In the time of COVID-19, garment workers Many brands are restructuring their Transparency is a crucial first step for
profited by making garment workers are finally recognized as essential labor local supply chains to win government industry accountability. For the fashion
invisible. Popular brands and retailers because we alone have the necessary contracts that require some transparency industry to survive this crisis, brands
earn PR points for selling “Made in skills to produce personal protection into working conditions and safety must #PayUp. They must ensure to pay
USA” goods, but lack of transparency equipment (PPE). At the same time, 45,000 practices. But more can be done. their contracts with manufacturers and
in production supply chains and garment workers in Los Angeles are ensure that manufacturers pay garment
purposefully opaque purchasing largely out of work with no safety net to Alongside the International Labor workers because our labor has always
practices enable them to deny rely on, while others cannot afford the Rights Forum and supported by 31 been essential.
accountability for horrendous working loss of income and have to work despite other organizations including Fashion
conditions and massive wage theft the risks, with little to no health protection Revolution USA, we are urging companies This is why we launched the GWC
commonly experienced by members of or assurance of fair wages. to implement and report back on their Emergency Relief Fund because many
the Garment Worker Center. workers’ rights and health protection. brands still fail to take accountability even
in an unprecedented pandemic.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 61
4
FINAL
THOUGHTS &
RECOMMENDATIONS
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 62
TAKE ACTION ON
TRANSPARENCY
Brands and Retailers In the next 12 months, we urge major Governments & In the next 12 months, we urge major
brands and retailers to: Policymakers brands and retailers to:
We call on major brands and
retailers to be more transparent Publicly disclose your suppliers Better policies and Invest in better implementing and
about your social and environmental starting with the first tier, but don’t regulations, with more enforcing existing laws and
policies, practices and impacts. stop there. Map and publicly effective implementation and policies that are meant to protect
disclose your full supply chain, enforcement, are needed fashion’s supply chain workers
We call on brands and retailers to right down to raw material level. to transform environmental and the environment.
publish this information in a way that sustainability and respect for
is easily accessible, understandable, In response to the coronavirus Ratify ILO Convention 190:
human rights in the global
honest and comprehensive. pandemic, honour your contracts Eliminating violence and
fashion industry.
and commit to supporting your harassment in the world of work.
You have the power, resources and suppliers and supply chain workers
A few fashion brands and Put mandatory human rights and
moral imperative to ensure that in this time of crisis. Publish more
retailers are leading on environmental due diligence on
every single person working in your information about your purchasing
transparency and making the legislative agenda and move
value chain is paid fairly, treated practices.
moves towards being more towards proposing, passing and
with dignity and working in safe sustainable and responsible,
conditions. To address the urgent Publish more information about adopting this legislation. Make
but the vast majority of brands sure it includes liability for a
climate crisis, you must move faster your environmental impacts,
are doing and disclosing very company’s contribution to harms
to reduce the consumption of earth’s including the amount of carbon
little. These laggards won’t move caused in the global supply chain.
finite resources and shift to business emissions, water consumption,
without being forced to do so
models that are regenerative instead pollution and waste created across
through legislation.
of destructive and linear. your value chain, and explain what
you’re doing to conserve and
By being more transparent about regenerate resources.
your policies, practices and impacts,
your customers and stakeholders Answer your customers’
can come along with you on that #WhoMadeMyClothes requests on
journey, support you in making social media or via email with
that change and ensure you are practical information and data, not
accountable for your impacts. just your policies and principles.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 63
TAKE ACTION ON
TRANSPARENCY
"Transparency is the first
step towards a different
culture, one where
brands become open
Citizens and accountable, and
We encourage you to demand that You have the right to know that your customers are ready to
major brands and retailers are more
become vigilant and ask,
hard-earned money is not supporting
transparent. Always ask the brands you exploitation, human rights abuses and
buy #WhoMadeMyClothes You can do environmental destruction. But there is
THANK YOU!
We extend the utmost gratitude A very heartfelt thanks to our brilliant As always, the biggest thanks to the We would like to thank you for reading this
to our pro bono consultation freelance research team without Fashion Revolution team – especially report and to take this opportunity to remind
committee, who have been whom this report would not have Carry Somers and Emily Sear, you that Fashion Revolution is a charitable
instrumental in guiding our team been possible – Nicky Allan, Clara Bronwyn Seier and Maria Maleh for organisation. This means that everything we do
through this project each year – Buckens, Altaire Cambata, Ysabl their beautiful and clever design is made possible by support from grants and
Dr. Mark Anner, Neil Brown, Ian Cook, Dobles, Rachel Hartley, Michelle Lai, and branding talent. Thanks to all donations from people like you.
Subindu Garkhel, Kristian Hardiman, Lisa Schneider, Lian Sing and of Fashion Revolution’s Country
Christina Hajagos-Clausen, Jenny Manon Thomas. Coordinators, who brilliantly and By making a small donation, you will be making
Holdcroft, Aruna Kashyap, Kate effectively power the movement. a big difference to Fashion Revolution's important
Larsen, Dr. Alessandra Mezzadri, We would also like to thank the work demanding a cleaner, safer, fairer, and more
Katie Shaw, Francois Souchet, Joe representatives from the brands Big thanks also to our PR company transparent fashion industry.
Sutcliffe and Ben Vanpeperstraete. and retailers who participated in Alfred and Maria Nishio at Central
An absolutely enormous thank you to the Fashion Transparency Index this Saint Martin’s. And finally, thank It’s easy to do. Please visit the donate page on
all the others who provided informal year. We know that brands receive you to Laudes Foundation and the our website where you can choose to donate
feedback on the methodology and frequent requests for information European Commission for your any amount, or even opt to make a regular
report — you know who you are! from civil society and NGOs, and it’s generous support. monthly donation:
difficult to respond to them all and
We would like to give a special still get work done. Your participation www.fashionrevolution.org/donate
thanks to our allies, advisors and is both vital and appreciated.
collaborators at Better Buying, With your help, we can continue to create resources
CARE International, Ellen MacArthur such as the Fashion Transparency Index, spark an
Foundation, Fairtrade Foundation, even wider global conversation about the impacts of
Fair Trade Advocacy Office, Good On our clothes and create positive change. Thank you!
You, Greenpeace, IndustriALL, Open
Apparel Registry, Traidcraft Exchange,
Transparency Pledge, Transparentem,
University of Plymouth, Wikirate,
among others.
Fashion Revolution Foundation: Registered Charity in England & Wales No. 1173421;
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financial support of the European Union. Registered Company in England & Wales No. 10494997.
Its contents are the sole responsibility
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necessarily reflect the views of Registered Address: 70 Derby Street, Leek, Staffordshire ST13 5AJ, UK
the European Union.
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 65
ANNEX 1:
REFERENCES
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bangladeshworkersafety.org/factory/reports-caps
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 66
ANNEX 2:
DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATIONS
Auditing is the process of reviewing a company's Freedom of Association is the right of individuals Microfibres are fibres that are shed from clothing Restricted Substance List sets out the specific
finances, working conditions, and environmental and workers to form and join groups of their own during production, consumer use, or end of life, chemicals substances that are not allowed to be
practices. It uncovers risks to workers' safety choosing in order to take collective action to and end up as pollution in the environment. used in products or manufacturing processes.
and opportunities to improve working conditions. pursue the interest of the members of the group. Microfibres from synthetic clothing (such as Typical hazardous substances that are restricted
(Source: Walk Free Foundation) (Source: ILO) polyester) are the largest source of primary include lead, AZO dyes, DMF, PAHs, Phthalates,
microplastics polluting our oceans. Microplastics PFOS, the nickel release and so on.
Circularity (or Circular Economy) is an alternative Forced labour is any work or service which people are any plastic particles smaller than 5mm. (Source: CIRS-REACH)
to a traditional linear economy (make, use, dispose) are forced to do against their will, through the (Source: IUCN)
in which we keep resources in use for as long as use of violence or intimidation, or by more subtle Sex-disaggregated data is information which
possible, extract the maximum value from them means such as accumulated debt, retention Pre-consumer waste is generated by textile and is measured and separated according to
whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products of identity papers or threats of denunciation to clothing manufacturers during any stage of the gender. It allows comparisons on outcomes
and materials at the end of each service life. immigration authorities. Forced labour is the most production clothing. Pre-consumer wastes include between women and men on specific topics
(Source: WRAP) common element of modern slavery. textile scraps after the cutting of garment pieces, and brands measuring and providing it will
(Source: ILO and Anti-Slavery International) leftover textile samples, selvedges, end-of-roll increase the visibility of women and the issues
Collective bargaining is a process where employers wastes, damaged materials, part-finished or they face across supply chains. (Source: BSR)
and unions negotiate to determine fair wages and Gender pay gap is defined as the difference in finished clothing samples from the design and
working conditions. (Source: ILO) production department. (Source: Dobilaite et al., 2017) Supply chain / value chain refers to all the steps
median pay between men and women.
it takes to produce and sell a product, from farm to
(Source: Office for National Statistics)
Due diligence is a process through which closet. (Source: OECD)
Purchasing practices refers to a company’s
companies assesses their impacts on human Grievance mechanism is a complaint process process of buying goods and services. Wet processing facilities are involved
rights and the environment and then take actions that can be used by workers, allowing them to This might include activities such as planning in the production of clothing whose activities
to reduce any negative impacts. (Source: United voice concerns about working conditions without and forecasting, design and development, cost typically involve rinsing, bleaching, dyeing,
Nations Global Compact)
fear of punishment
or retribution. (Source: Verité) negotiation, sourcing and placing orders, production printing, treating or coating fabric and
management and payment and terms. laundering. (Source: Garment Merchandising blog)
Downcycling is to recycle something in such a (Source: Better Buying)
Living wage is a wage a worker earns in a
way that the resulting product is of a lower value
standard working week that is enough to provide
than the original item. Examples include recycling Remediation is the action of fixing something,
for them and their family's basic needs - including
textiles into building insulation, rags, or carpet particularly reversing or stopping environmental
food, housing, clothing, education and healthcare.
underlay. (Source: Merriam Webster) damage or human rights abuses. A Corrective Action
(Source: Clean Clothes Campaign)
Plan is an agreement with a supplier on what needs
Equal pay means that men and women in the to be remedied, when it is to be done, and who is
Materiality Assessment is an exercise designed
same employment performing equal work responsible for which tasks. (Source: ETI Norway)
to gather insights on the relative importance of
must receive equal remuneration. This applies
specific environmental, social and governance
not only to salary, but to all contractual terms
(ESG) issues. The insight is most commonly used
and conditions of employment, such as holiday
to inform sustainability reporting and strategic
entitlement, bonuses, pay and reward schemes,
planning. (Source: Greenbiz)
pension payments and other benefits.
(Source: Equality and Human Rights Commission)
FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2020 67
ABOUT
FASHION
REVOLUTION "If we are to evolve from
this global pandemic to
Fashion Revolution is the world’s largest fashion
activism movement. We are a global campaign working become a more
towards systemic reform of the fashion industry with a
focus on transparency.
balanced and mindful
We believe in a global fashion industry that conserves
fashion industry, we
and restores the environment and values people over have to make darkness
growth and profit.
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