Bellerose
Our Rating: 3 Stars - It's a start
Price: $ $ $ $
Country of origin: Belgium
Official brand website: Visit
Bellerose, a sustainable fashion brand, has a long way to go in terms of its environmental practices. Currently, it has an environment rating of ‘it’s a start’, indicating that it has taken some steps to be more eco-friendly, but there is room for improvement. The brand does use organic cotton, which is a positive step towards sustainability. Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful chemicals, making it better for the environment and for the farmers who grow it.
However, Bellerose does not have any evidence to show that it implements water reduction initiatives. Water is a precious resource, and the fashion industry is known for its high water consumption. By implementing water reduction initiatives, brands can help minimize their impact on water resources and contribute to a more sustainable future.
One positive aspect of Bellerose’s practices is its free repair service. This service helps to minimize textile waste by extending the lifespan of their products. In a world where fast fashion dominates, this is a commendable effort to reduce waste and promote a more sustainable approach to fashion.
Unfortunately, there is no evidence that Bellerose minimizes packaging. Excessive packaging is a common issue in the fashion industry, leading to unnecessary waste. By adopting more sustainable packaging practices, brands can reduce their ecological footprint and contribute to a more circular economy.
In terms of labor practices, Bellerose has made some progress, but there is room for improvement. The brand has a Code of Conduct that covers all of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Four Fundamental Freedoms principles. This is a positive step towards ensuring fair and ethical labor practices throughout the supply chain.
However, there is no evidence to show that Bellerose ensures payment of a living wage in its supply chain. A living wage is essential for workers to meet their basic needs and live a dignified life. By ensuring fair wages, brands can support workers’ rights and contribute to a more equitable society.
Bellerose does trace some of its supply chain, including all of the final stage of production. This transparency is crucial in the fashion industry, where supply chains can be complex and often involve multiple countries and subcontractors. By tracing the supply chain, brands can ensure that ethical practices are followed and that workers are treated fairly throughout the production process.
In addition to its labor rating, Bellerose also has an animal rating of ‘not good enough’. The brand uses leather, exotic animal hair, and angora in its products. This use of animal-derived materials raises ethical concerns, as animal farming and exploitation can have significant environmental and ethical implications.
However, Bellerose does state that it sources wool from non-mulesed sheep. Mulesing is a controversial practice in the wool industry, involving the removal of strips of skin from a sheep’s backside to prevent flystrike. By sourcing wool from non-mulesed sheep, Bellerose is taking a step towards supporting more humane practices in the industry.
Furthermore, Bellerose uses down that is accredited by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). The RDS ensures that down and feathers come from animals that have not been subjected to unnecessary harm. By using RDS-accredited down, Bellerose demonstrates its commitment to animal welfare.
It is worth mentioning that Bellerose does not use fur or exotic animal skin in its products. The fashion industry has long been criticized for the use of fur and exotic animal skin, which involves the cruel treatment and killing of animals for fashion. By steering clear of these materials, Bellerose is taking a stance against animal exploitation and contributing to a more ethical and sustainable industry.
Overall, Bellerose is rated as ‘it’s a start’ in terms of its sustainability practices. While the brand has made some progress, there is still a long way to go in terms of environmental impact, labor practices, and animal welfare. By continuing to improve and implement more sustainable practices, Bellerose can truly become a leader in the fashion industry and inspire others to follow suit.
