Olderbrother
Rating: It's a start
Price: $ $ $ $
Location: United States
Sustainability and Olderbrother: A Good Start towards a Better Future
When it comes to sustainability, it is crucial to consider the impact that brands have on the environment, workers’ rights, and animal welfare. In this regard, Olderbrother, a renowned clothing brand, has shown promising efforts in some areas while still having room for improvement in others. Let’s take a closer look at Olderbrother’s sustainability practices and how they contribute to a more eco-conscious future.
Planet: Good
Olderbrother receives a rating of “Good” in the Planet category, which evaluates brands based on their environmental policies in their supply chains. The brand stands out for its use of lower-impact materials, such as organic cotton. By opting for such materials, Olderbrother reduces the amount of chemicals, water consumption, and wastewater generated in its supply chain. Additionally, the brand takes a step further by utilizing biodegradable packaging, minimizing its environmental footprint. However, one aspect where Olderbrother can improve is in minimizing textile waste. At present, there is no evidence of concrete measures taken by the brand to address this issue.
People: Not Good Enough
The People rating reflects a brand’s policies and practices concerning workers’ rights. In this regard, Olderbrother has been rated “Not Good Enough.” The final production stage of Olderbrother’s clothing takes place in the USA, a country with a medium risk of labor abuse. There is currently no evidence that the brand has a Code of Conduct or that it conducts regular supplier audits to ensure ethical practices. Furthermore, Olderbrother does not provide sufficient evidence to show that it ensures workers in its supply chain are paid living wages. These shortcomings highlight areas where Olderbrother needs to enhance its commitment to workers’ rights and well-being.
Animals: It’s a Start
Olderbrother’s Animal rating is designated as “It’s a Start,” indicating that the brand has made some progress in animal welfare. While there is no explicit evidence of an animal welfare policy, Olderbrother appears to use wool and recycled exotic animal hair in its products. Importantly, the brand does not use materials such as leather, down, fur, angora, or exotic animal skin. However, to further strengthen their commitment to animal welfare, Olderbrother could consider implementing a comprehensive animal welfare policy and further trace the origins of animal-derived materials.
Overall Rating: It’s a Start
Based on a thorough evaluation of publicly available information, Olderbrother receives an overall rating of “It’s a Start.” This signifies that the brand has made commendable efforts in certain sustainability areas while acknowledging the need for further improvements. By using organic cotton, employing biodegradable packaging, and avoiding materials derived from animals, Olderbrother demonstrates its commitment to a more sustainable future. However, the brand must take concrete steps to address issues related to workers’ rights and reduce textile waste in its supply chain. By doing so, Olderbrother can continue its journey towards becoming a leader in sustainability and inspire other companies to follow suit.
In conclusion, Olderbrother’s sustainability practices show great promise, yet there is room for growth in various areas. As consumers, it is essential to support and encourage brands like Olderbrother to continue making sustainable choices and improving their impact on the planet, workers, and animals. By collectively striving for a more sustainable future, we can create a world that benefits both present and future generations.