Nena & Co.
Our Rating: 3 Stars - It's a start
Price: $ $ $ $
Country of origin: United States
Official brand website: Visit
When it comes to sustainability, Nena & Co. is a brand that is making strides to improve its environmental impact, though there is still room for improvement. According to our “Planet” rating, which evaluates brands based on their environmental policies and practices, Nena & Co. is currently rated as “It’s a Start.” This means that the brand is taking some steps towards sustainability, but there are still areas where they can make improvements.
One of the positive factors influencing Nena & Co.’s score is their use of lower-impact materials, including upcycled materials. By employing materials that have already been used, Nena & Co. reduces the demand for new resources and minimizes waste. In addition, the brand manufactures its products by hand, which helps to reduce their climate impact. Handmade products generally require less energy and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to mass-produced items.
However, there are still some areas where Nena & Co. can do better. According to our evaluation, there’s no evidence that the brand is taking meaningful action to reduce water use. Water scarcity is a pressing issue globally, and brands can play a significant role in conserving water resources through responsible manufacturing practices. Additionally, Nena & Co. has not taken any noticeable action to minimize its packaging, which contributes to plastic waste. By adopting sustainable packaging solutions, the brand could significantly reduce its environmental footprint.
In terms of workers’ rights, Nena & Co. is rated as “It’s a Start” according to our “People” rating. While the brand partners with artisans from Guatemala and partly traces its supply chain, it’s unclear whether it ensures that workers are paid living wages in its supply chain. Ensuring fair and livable wages for workers is essential for promoting decent work and reducing poverty. However, Nena & Co. does visit most of its suppliers regularly, indicating a level of engagement and commitment to monitoring their supply chain.
Our “Animals” rating evaluates brands based on their animal welfare policies and the traceability of animal-derived products. Unfortunately, Nena & Co. is rated as “Not Good Enough” in this category. There is no evidence that the brand has an animal welfare policy in place. Additionally, it appears that Nena & Co. uses leather and wool, both of which have ethical implications. On a positive note, the brand does not appear to use down, fur, angora, exotic animal skin, or exotic animal hair, which helps to prevent animal cruelty and exploitation.
Based on our comprehensive review of publicly available information, Nena & Co. receives an overall rating of “It’s a Start.” While the brand is taking steps towards sustainability, there is still work to be done, particularly in the areas of water use, packaging, workers’ rights, and animal welfare. By addressing these areas, Nena & Co. can continue to improve its sustainability practices and make a positive impact on both the environment and society.
