Athleta
Rating: It's a start
Price: $ $ $ $
Location: United States
Sustainability Efforts of Athleta
Athleta, owned by Gap, Inc., is a brand that is making strides towards sustainability. With an environment rating of ‘it’s a start’, Athleta is taking steps to use more eco-friendly materials, including recycled materials. However, there is currently no evidence that the brand is actively working to minimize textile waste during the manufacturing process.
To combat climate change, Athleta has set a science-based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated from its own operations and supply chain. However, it is unclear whether the brand is on track to meet its target.
Water Security and Management
Athleta has received an ‘A’ in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) water security questionnaire, demonstrating its leadership in managing water use in its supply chain. This is a positive indicator of the brand’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Labor Standards and Transparency
Unfortunately, Athleta’s labor rating is ‘not good enough’. None of its supply chain is certified by labor standards that ensure worker health and safety, living wages, or other labor rights. This is an area where the brand needs improvement to uphold ethical practices.
On the Fashion Transparency Index, Athleta received a score of 41-50%. This suggests that the brand likely publishes information about its supplier policies, audits, and remediation processes. It also discloses a detailed list of suppliers in the final stage of production and some information about the second stage of production. It may also be publishing some information about forced labor, gender equality, or freedom of association.
However, there is no evidence to suggest that Athleta ensures payment of a living wage in its supply chain. Furthermore, the brand’s policies to protect suppliers and workers from the impacts of COVID-19 are inadequate.
Animal Welfare
Athleta’s animal rating is ‘not good enough’. While the brand has a basic formal policy to protect animal welfare, it still uses leather, wool, and exotic animal hair in its products. However, it does not use fur, down, or exotic animal skin.
Unfortunately, there is no evidence to suggest that Athleta traces any animal products used in its products to the first stage of production. This is an area where the brand could improve its transparency and accountability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Athleta is making some positive strides towards sustainability, with a focus on eco-friendly materials and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the brand needs to improve its labor standards, ensure payment of a living wage, and protect workers and suppliers from the impacts of COVID-19. Additionally, Athleta should strive to improve its animal welfare practices and increase transparency in its supply chain. With continued effort and improvement, Athleta can work towards earning a higher sustainability rating and be a leader in the industry.
