Free Label
Rating: Good
Price: $ $ $ $
Location: Canada
The Sustainability of Free Label: A Step in the Right Direction
When it comes to sustainability in the fashion industry, many brands fall short. However, Free Label is one brand that is working towards making a positive impact on the environment. Through their use of lower-impact materials, limited production runs, and manufacturing closer to home, Free Label is taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize waste.
Environmental Impact: It’s a Start
In our “Planet” rating, we evaluate brands based on their environmental policies, including carbon emissions, wastewater management, and product circularity. For Free Label, we have rated them as “It’s a Start” due to several factors influencing their score.
- They use some lower-impact materials, including recycled materials, which helps to reduce the demand for new resources and lessen the overall environmental impact.
- To minimize waste, Free Label limits their production runs. By producing smaller quantities, they can better manage inventory and avoid excess stock that may end up in landfills.
- Free Label also manufactures their products closer to home. This choice reduces the climate impact of long-distance shipping, including carbon emissions from transportation.
- However, there is no evidence that Free Label is taking meaningful action to reduce water use. This is an area where they could improve to further lessen their environmental impact.
Workers’ Rights: It’s a Start
In our “People” rating, we assess brands’ policies and practices regarding workers’ rights, including labor abuse, living wages, and gender equality. For Free Label, we have rated them as “It’s a Start” based on several factors influencing their score.
- The final production stage of Free Label’s products happens in Canada, which is considered a low-risk country for labor abuse. This mitigates the risk of exploitation and ensures better working conditions.
- Free Label partly traces its supply chain, including all of the final production stage. This transparency is crucial in ensuring accountability throughout the production process.
- However, there is no evidence that Free Label has a formal Code of Conduct in place. Implementing and enforcing a Code of Conduct can provide clear guidelines for ethical practices within the supply chain.
- Another area for improvement is ensuring that workers are paid living wages throughout the supply chain. This is essential for supporting fair and sustainable livelihoods.
- On a positive note, Free Label visits its suppliers regularly, showing their commitment to maintaining strong relationships and monitoring working conditions.
Animal Welfare: Great
In our “Animals” rating, we focus on brands’ animal welfare policies and their ability to trace animal-derived products. For Free Label, we have rated them as “Great.”
- Free Label states that their entire product range is vegan, meaning they do not use any animal-derived materials. This commitment to animal welfare is commendable and aligns with sustainable and ethical practices.
Overall Rating: Good
Based on all publicly available information we have reviewed, we rate Free Label as “Good” overall. While there are areas for improvement, such as water use and ensuring living wages in the supply chain, Free Label is making progress towards sustainability and ethical practices.
With their use of lower-impact materials, limited production runs, and commitment to vegan products, Free Label is taking steps in the right direction. As consumers, we can show our support for brands like Free Label, encouraging them to continue their sustainability journey and inspiring others in the fashion industry to follow suit.
