Sustainability Spotlight: Able’s Commitment to Eco-Friendly Fashion

Key Takeaways

• Able receives a Good rating for its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
• The brand prioritizes workers’ rights and provides fair wages, showcasing a dedication to social responsibility.
• Able demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, utilizing eco-friendly materials and minimizing waste.
• While there is room for improvement, particularly in terms of using leather, Able’s efforts to create positive social and environmental impact make it a brand worth supporting.

Brand Background

Able is a women-run clothing brand based in Nashville, Tennessee. It touts itself as an ethical fashion brand with a mission to improve social conditions and empower workers, especially women from disadvantaged communities.

Able’s focus goes beyond eco-friendly clothing—it’s about creating a positive impact in every stage of production. The brand aims to provide high-quality, versatile apparel while contributing to a sustainable lifestyle. 

Environmental Impact

Able’s commitment to environmental sustainability permeates through its entire production process, exemplifying its dedication to ethical practices. The brand’s use of 100% organic cotton is a cornerstone of its sustainable ethos, markedly reducing dependence on conventional cotton, notorious for its heavy pesticide usage. Additionally, Able’s utilization of pure leather, a byproduct of the meat industry, not only minimizes waste but also underscores the brand’s resourcefulness and commitment to responsible sourcing.

The brand also collects metal scraps from its jewelry production for recycling. These scraps are transformed into new pieces of wire or sheets of gold and silver, embodying a commitment to a circular economy. This proactive approach not only mitigates landfill waste but also conserves precious energy and resources typically expended in production processes.

Furthermore, Able upholds a stringent manufacturing standard by completely eliminating hazardous chemicals from its supply chain. This conscientious decision ensures the safety and well-being of its workers and highlights the brand’s unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship.

Moreover, Able’s dedication to handmade production is a testament to its commitment to sustainability. By forgoing heavy machinery, the brand reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, furthering its positive impact on the environment. This artisanal approach also fosters attention to detail and craftsmanship, yielding high-quality, enduring products that contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.

In a notable stride towards reducing plastic waste, Able transitioned entirely to 100% recyclable packaging in 2021. 

Workers’ Rights

One of Able’s core values is empowering women and ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for its employees. The brand is transparent about its supply chain and works to trace its products from production to purchase. 

According to information provided on the brand’s website, Able collaborates with manufacturers in India, Brazil, Mexico, and Ethiopia, many of which are owned or operated by women. The brand also conducts audits to ensure its manufacturers pay their workers fairly, especially the women under their care. However, it had to stop during COVID temporarily. Despite the pandemic’s challenges, Able implemented measures to maintain communication with its partner manufacturers, including regular Zoom calls and a double verification system, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions remained a top priority.

In addition to proactive auditing, Able takes transparency to the next level by openly publishing its lowest wage. This initiative started in 2018 as a response to a challenge and serves as a testament to the brand’s commitment to accountability and open communication with its customers. By openly sharing this information, Able fosters trust and demonstrates a willingness to address areas for improvement, furthering its mission of empowering women and promoting fair labor practices across its supply chain.

Animal Welfare

Able avoids using fur, wool, down, exotic animal skin, exotic animal hair, or angora in its products. However, it’s important to note that the brand does utilize leather in some of its products.

Such a decision may spark debates within the ethical fashion community, yet Able’s holistic approach to animal welfare extends beyond this material choice. By consciously opting out of other animal-derived materials, it showcases its genuine concern for the well-being of animals.

While using leather remains a point of contention, Able’s dedication to transparency allows consumers to make informed choices based on their values. By providing clear information about its material choices, Able empowers consumers to support a brand that resonates with their ethical beliefs while continually striving to improve its sustainability standards.

Overall Rating

Able earns a Good rating for its sustainability and ethical practices. The brand’s commitment to empowering women through employment opportunities is commendable, and its focus on fair wages and safe working conditions sets a positive example within the fashion industry. Additionally, Able’s dedication to environmental sustainability further solidifies its position as a leader in ethical fashion. 

While acknowledging that continual improvement is essential, particularly regarding the use of leather, Able’s steadfast commitment to fostering positive social and environmental change renders it a brand worthy of support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ABLE’s approach to sustainability and ethics?

ABLE is known for being an ethical fashion brand that is committed to sustainability. The brand empowers workers from disadvantaged communities by providing them with living wages and opportunities for growth.

Does ABLE produce denim clothing?

Yes, ABLE offers a range of denim products as part of its fashion line.

How does ABLE help in combating climate change?

ABLE is committed to sustainable practices that reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmental conservation.

What is ABLE’s sustainability rating?

ABLE has a good sustainability rating due to its efforts in promoting ethical practices and environmental responsibility in the fashion industry.

How does ABLE empower women through its fashion line?

ABLE sees women as a solution to end poverty and provides them opportunities to earn a living by working in the fashion industry.

Is shopping at ABLE an ethical choice?

Yes, shopping at ABLE supports its mission of empowering workers from disadvantaged communities and promoting sustainable and ethical practices in the fashion industry.

Does ABLE provide information on the manufacturing process of their products?

Yes, ABLE is transparent about how its products are made and the ethical standards it adheres to throughout the manufacturing process.

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