Horizon Athletic
Our Rating: 3 Stars - It's a start
Price: $ $ $ $
Country of origin: Australia
Official brand website: Visit
Horizon Athletic: Striving towards Sustainability
Horizon Athletic is a brand that has embarked on a journey towards sustainability. As a leading player in the industry, the brand recognizes its responsibility towards the environment and the welfare of its workers. In this article, we will delve deeper into the environmental and labor practices of Horizon Athletic and evaluate its commitment to a sustainable future.
When it comes to the environment, Horizon Athletic has taken some commendable steps. The brand makes use of a medium proportion of lower-impact materials, including recycled materials. By incorporating such materials into their products, Horizon Athletic diminishes the demand for new resources and reduces the environmental footprint of their supply chain. This conscious choice helps limit the chemicals, water, and wastewater associated with the manufacturing process.
Furthermore, Horizon Athletic goes the extra mile by providing Guppyfriend bags or similar options to help consumers tackle the issue of microplastic pollution. These bags are designed to capture the microplastics shed during the washing of synthetic garments, preventing them from entering our waterways. By raising awareness and offering practical solutions, Horizon Athletic demonstrates its commitment to minimizing the negative impact of its products even after they have left the shelves.
However, one area of concern is the brand’s packaging. There is no evidence to suggest that Horizon Athletic takes active measures to minimize its packaging, which can contribute to plastic waste. As we know, excessive packaging is a significant issue that adds to the global plastic pollution crisis. Encouragingly, this is an area where Horizon Athletic can make improvements in order to align with its sustainability goals.
Shifting our focus to labor practices, it is essential to assess how brands treat their workers and safeguard their rights. Unfortunately, Horizon Athletic falls short in this aspect. The brand does not provide evidence of having a Code of Conduct in place. A Code of Conduct outlines the standards and expectations that the brand holds itself and its suppliers accountable to. It serves as a reference point to ensure that workers are not subjected to exploitative conditions, such as child labor or unfair wages.
On a more positive note, most of Horizon Athletic’s final stage of production occurs in Australia, which is considered a low-risk country for labor abuse. The brand also traces its supply chain, including the final and some of the second production stages. While this is a step in the right direction, there is no evidence to suggest that Horizon Athletic ensures workers are paid living wages. This raises concerns about the brand’s commitment to providing fair and equitable compensation to all individuals involved in its supply chain.
Additionally, there is no evidence of regular supplier audits being conducted by Horizon Athletic. Supplier audits are an essential tool in ensuring that labor standards are upheld and that workers are not subjected to any form of exploitation. By regularly assessing suppliers, brands can identify any potential issues and take corrective actions to protect workers’ rights.
When it comes to animal welfare, Horizon Athletic’s impact is not explicitly rated due to the fact that its products are generally free of animal-derived materials. However, the brand has the opportunity to further enhance its sustainability commitments by considering animal welfare practices and ensuring the traceability of any animal-derived materials that might be present in its supply chain.
Taking into account the environmental and labor practices of Horizon Athletic, the brand receives an overall rating of “It’s a Start.” While there are areas for improvement, such as reducing packaging waste and enhancing labor policies, the brand’s efforts towards incorporating lower-impact materials and addressing microplastic pollution are commendable. By continuing to make strides in these areas and actively addressing the gaps highlighted in its labor practices, Horizon Athletic can further establish its position as a leader in sustainable apparel.
In conclusion, Horizon Athletic is on a journey towards sustainability. The brand acknowledges the importance of minimizing its environmental footprint and is making progress in incorporating sustainable materials into its products. However, there is room for improvement in areas such as packaging waste reduction and labor policies. By taking proactive steps to address these concerns and consistently working towards a more sustainable future, Horizon Athletic can solidify its position as a responsible and environmentally conscious brand.
