Encircled
Rating: Good
Price: $ $ $ $
Location: Canada
Encircled is a brand that focuses on sustainability and is making positive strides towards a more eco-friendly future. With an environment rating of “it’s a start,” Encircled is committed to using a medium proportion of eco-friendly materials, including organic cotton. By using these materials, Encircled is reducing its impact on the environment and working towards a more sustainable fashion industry.
One of the notable aspects of Encircled’s sustainability efforts is its commitment to local manufacturing. By producing its products locally, in Canada, Encircled is able to reduce its carbon footprint. This is an important step towards mitigating the negative effects of transportation and the associated greenhouse gas emissions.
While Encircled is taking positive steps towards becoming more sustainable, there is currently no evidence to suggest that it has implemented water reduction initiatives in its supply chain. Water usage is a significant concern in the fashion industry, as it is a resource that is often taken for granted. Encircled has the opportunity to further improve its sustainability efforts by implementing strategies to reduce water consumption in its production processes.
Another area where Encircled has room for improvement is in the reduction or elimination of hazardous chemicals. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that the brand has taken meaningful action in this regard. Hazardous chemicals can have detrimental effects on both the environment and the health of workers involved in the production process. Encircled can enhance its sustainability practices by implementing measures to identify and eliminate potentially harmful chemicals from its supply chain.
When it comes to labor practices, Encircled has a positive rating of “good.” The brand’s final stage of production is undertaken in Canada, a low-risk country for labor abuse. This demonstrates Encircled’s commitment to ethical practices and ensuring the fair treatment and well-being of workers involved in the manufacturing process. However, it is unclear whether Encircled ensures payment of a living wage in its supply chain. Paying a fair wage is essential in supporting the livelihoods and well-being of workers, and Encircled has the opportunity to further improve in this area.
Encircled is also committed to supply chain transparency and regularly visits its suppliers. By tracing most of its supply chain, Encircled is able to maintain visibility and accountability throughout its production processes. This is an important aspect of sustainability, as it allows the brand to ensure that its products are being produced in an ethical and environmentally responsible manner.
In terms of animal welfare, Encircled has a rating of “it’s a start.” While the brand has a general statement about minimizing animal suffering, it does not have a formal animal welfare policy in place. However, Encircled does not use fur, leather, down, exotic animal skin, exotic animal hair, or angora in its products. The brand does use wool, which is a natural and renewable material. Encircled has the potential to further improve its animal welfare practices by developing a comprehensive animal welfare policy and ensuring that all materials used meet high ethical standards.
Overall, Encircled is making positive strides towards sustainability and is rated as “Good.” By using eco-friendly materials, manufacturing locally, and prioritizing labor and animal welfare, the brand is taking important steps towards a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry. However, there are areas where Encircled can further improve, such as water reduction initiatives, hazardous chemical elimination, living wage assurance, and formalized animal welfare policies. With continued dedication and improvement in these areas, Encircled can become a leader in sustainable fashion.
