Elk
Our Rating: 4 Stars - Good
Price: $ $ $ $
Country of origin: Australia
Official brand website: Visit
Elk, a leading brand in the fashion industry, is making significant strides towards sustainability. With a strong focus on environmental responsibility and ethical practices, Elk has earned a ‘good’ rating in the environment category. By utilizing eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton, Elk is taking a step in the right direction. This organic cotton not only reduces the use of harmful pesticides but also promotes a healthier environment for both workers and consumers.
One of the key areas where Elk excels is in the reduction of process emissions during manufacturing. By implementing innovative techniques and investing in state-of-the-art machinery, Elk has been able to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. This commitment towards environmental sustainability is commendable and sets Elk apart from its competitors.
Furthermore, Elk is focused on minimizing textile waste by reusing offcuts. Instead of discarding excess fabric, Elk repurposes it, ensuring that it doesn’t end up in landfills. This proactive approach not only reduces waste but also promotes a circular economy.
In addition to its environmental efforts, Elk also achieves a ‘good’ rating in the labor category. The brand’s facilities undergo regular audits and are reported through the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) Best Practice Guidance. This ensures transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.
Elk has also implemented a robust Code of Conduct, which covers all of the International Labour Organization’s Four Fundamental Freedoms principles. This commitment to fair and ethical practices ensures that Elk’s workers are treated with dignity and respect.
It’s worth noting that Elk sources its final stage of production from countries that have been identified as having an extreme risk of labor abuse. By doing so, Elk takes steps to combat labor exploitation and supports fair wages for workers in these regions. The brand also strives to ensure payment of a living wage in certain segments of its supply chain, further emphasizing its dedication to ethical labor practices.
As part of its commitment to transparency, Elk traces most of its supply chain, including the entire final stage of production. This enables consumers to make informed choices and supports Elk’s overall mission to create a sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
While Elk excels in many areas, it falls short in the animal category. The brand utilizes leather, wool, and exotic animal hair in its products. However, Elk does not use fur, down, exotic animal skin, or angora. While it’s commendable that Elk has taken steps to eliminate certain animal products, there is room for improvement in this area.
Overall, Elk is rated ‘Good’ in terms of sustainability. With its commitment to environmental responsibility and ethical labor practices, Elk is making a positive impact in the fashion industry. However, there is always room for improvement, and it is encouraging to see Elk continually striving to be more sustainable and ethical.
