Levi's named most transparent global fashion company

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Apr 19, 2016

Ethical movement Fashion Revolution published on Monday its inaugural Fashion Transparency Index as part of the launch of the Fashion Revolution Week, running from Monday 18 until 24 April.

The research, developed in conjunction with Ethical Consumer, includes 40 of the biggest fashion brands and ranks them according to the level of transparency in their supply chain.

Levi Strauss & Co, with the brands Levi’s, Dockers, Signature and Denizen was ranked the most transparent fashion company with a 77% score. It was followed by Inditex (76%), H&M (76%), Adidas (69%) and Primark (67%), while the worse rated brands included Chanel (10%), Hermes (17%), Claire’s Accessories (17%) Forever21 (19%), Fendi (19%) and LVMH (19%).

The research also revealed that 40% of companies do not have a system in place to monitor compliance with labour standards and that only 11 companies show evidence of working with trade unions, civil society or NGOs on the ground in supplier countries to improve working conditions.

“Lack of transparency costs lives. It is impossible for companies to make sure human rights are respected and that environmental practices are sound without knowing where their products are made, who is making them and under what conditions,” said Carry Somers, Co-Founder of Fashion Revolution.”

Bryony Moore, lead researcher and Ethical Consumer Research Associate said: “The results show that while some companies are making reasonable efforts to make their supply chains more transparent, there are a large number of companies who fall far short and are still seemingly operating with little knowledge and control of their supply chain. Some companies have nothing more than a Code of Conduct.”

More transparency means greater consumer and regulatory accountability in the supply chain, says Fashion Revolution. The organisation’s goal is to raise awareness of sustainability and exploitation issues in the fashion supply chain on the anniversary of Rana Plaza, the tragedy that claimed 1,134 lives.

Fashion Revolution is also asking its supporters to share a selfie on social media with the question #whomademyclothes. Additionally, different activities and initiatives will be held throughout the week in several countries.