How transparent is fashion? Adidas, Reebok and Patagonia lead the way

Adidas, Reebok, Patagonia, Esprit and H&M top the list. These five giants lead the ranking among 200 global fashion companies, according to a report prepared by Fashion Revolution, Fashion revolution Transparency Index 2019. In any case, the sector is still far from being one hundred percent transparent: no company exceeds a score of 70 points out of a total of one hundred.

The Fashion Revolution Transparency Index 2019 analyzed 200 international companies to assess their degree of transparency. The report has considered five key areas, where the traceability of the garments represents the highest percentage of the note, 34%, respectively.

28% of the score derives from how brands implement sustainable policies in the value chain, how they solve the problems in the chain and whether they make these reports public. The company’s commitment to sustainability policies and environmental impact objectives cover 19.5% of the final score.

The report indicates the 200 brands analyzed that are still far from being one hundred percent transparent

The company’s relationship with gender equality or the actions that are carried out on recycling and climate change are also represented in the total, 14% represent this segment. Ultimately, the report depicts 4.5% which represents the final grade that these policies have on its board of directors and business culture.

Compared to the previous year, Dior has increased its transparency by 22%, positioning itself at 30%, according to the report. Other companies that have made tremendous progress in 2019 are Nike and New Balance, with 21% and 18%, respectively. Marc Jacobs has increased its transparency by 17%, but still lags with only 20% of total transparency.

There are five most sustainable companies. Adidas, Reebok, and Patagonia, the latter scored 64 points and top the list. Esprit gets 62 points and the Swedish H&M 61, thus closing the bar with the highest score.

The following segment also experiences progress in its transparency. Companies with transparency between 51% and 60% publish almost all information related to environmental policies and human rights. C&A, with 60 points, leads the block consisting of fifteen names, among which Asos, Puma, Converse, Nike, Wrangler, Gap, and Levi Strauss.

Adidas, Reebok and Patagonia score 64 points leading the ranking

Companies that have shared more information about their suppliers, as well as information about processes and manufacturers have achieved 50% transparency. The Spanish group Inditex remains in this block.

New Balance, Benetton, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein or Lululemon have obtained 46 points. Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, and Zara have achieved similar scoring. 

The range of 31% to 40% transparency is made up of fewer companies, only 15 of the 200 companies appear in the block. Powerful companies like the Kering group: Bottega Veneta and Gucci are represented in this segment. Hermès, Burberry, Primark or Uniqlo have featured with similar scoring.

Topshop, Ralph Lauren, Dior, Louis Vuitton or Superdry are part of the next range, in which companies maintain between 31% and 40% transparency. Only Asics, New Look, and Debenhams have achieved all 30 points, bordering the limit with the next leg.

 New Balance, Benetton, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein or Lululemon obtained 46 points

In the section from 11% to 20% transparency, names such as Celine, Guess, Tod’s, Abercrombie & Fitch, Mango, Lacoste or Diesel appear. These companies do not have their list of suppliers public, nor do they share information on gender equality, freedom of association, purchasing practices, disposal of materials or the environmental footprint.

The first group is made up of 72 of the 200 companies, reflecting that the bulk of the sector is in the least transparent range. Among them are large groups such as Carolina Herrera, Tom Ford, Versace, Valentino, Chanel or Armani.