Neem
Our Rating: 4 Stars - Good
Price: $ $ $ $
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Official brand website: Visit
Neem, a brand dedicated to sustainability, has earned a ‘great’ environment rating. This rating is a testament to the brand’s commitment to using eco-friendly materials, including recycled materials, in a high proportion. By incorporating these materials into their production, Neem not only minimizes textile waste but also reduces the amount of chemicals, water, and wastewater used. Neem’s dedication to eco-friendly practices sets it apart in the fashion industry.
However, Neem’s labour rating is not as strong as its environment rating. While the brand does have a formal statement covering workers’ rights, there is no evidence of a Code of Conduct being in place. Additionally, Neem does not have a system in place to investigate and report safety incidents. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the welfare of the workers involved in the production process.
Another issue highlighted by Neem’s labour rating is the sourcing of its final stage of production. Neem obtains its products from countries with a high risk of labour abuse. This raises questions about the working conditions and fair treatment of the workers involved in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, there is no evidence to suggest that Neem ensures payment of a living wage in its supply chain, further exacerbating concerns about the brand’s labour practices.
On the bright side, Neem is recognized for its ‘good’ animal rating. The brand does not use fur, leather, down, exotic animal skin, exotic animal hair, or angora in its products. Additionally, Neem uses wool that is certified by the ZQ Merino label, ensuring that the wool used in their products is sourced responsibly and ethically. This commitment to animal welfare is commendable and aligns with the brand’s overall focus on sustainability.
Despite the shortcomings in its labour practices, Neem still manages to achieve an overall ‘Good’ rating. This is predominantly due to its strong commitment to the environment and animal welfare. By using eco-friendly materials, limiting textile waste, and avoiding the use of harmful substances, Neem demonstrates its dedication to sustainable fashion.
Neem’s efforts in minimizing its environmental impact are highly commendable. By prioritizing the use of eco-friendly materials, the brand is taking a significant step towards reducing the fashion industry’s carbon footprint. Additionally, by limiting production runs, Neem ensures that textile waste is minimized, leading to a more sustainable approach to manufacturing.
However, Neem needs to address the concerns raised by its labour rating. Implementing a Code of Conduct and establishing processes for investigating and reporting safety incidents would demonstrate a genuine commitment to the well-being of its workers. Additionally, Neem should take steps to ensure the payment of a living wage in its supply chain, providing fair and just compensation to the individuals involved in the production process.
Overall, Neem is making progress towards sustainability. Its dedication to using eco-friendly materials and its efforts to protect animal welfare are admirable. However, there is room for improvement in its labour practices. By addressing the concerns highlighted in its labour rating, Neem can further solidify its position as a leader in sustainable fashion.
