Allbirds

Our “Planet” rating evaluates brands based on the environmental policies in their supply chains, from carbon emissions and wastewater to business models and product circularity. Here we rate Allbirds “It's a Start”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It uses some lower-impact materials, however it does not publish an aggregate breakdown of materials used.
• There’s no evidence it’s set a target to manage water use in its supply chain.
• It’s set a science based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both its direct operations and supply chain but there’s no evidence it is on track.
• It uses recycled packaging.
• It’s set a target to better manage water use in its first production stage.

Workers’ rights are central to our “People” rating, which assess brands’ policies and practices on everything from child labour to living wages and gender equality. Here we rate Allbirds “Not Good Enough”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• Some of its final stage is located in low risk countries or certified facilities, however it does not publish an aggregate breakdown of suppliers.
• There’s no evidence it supports diversity and inclusion in its supply chain.
• It has an external grievance mechanism for workers in its supply chain to anonymously report concerns like harassment and unpaid wages.
• Its Code of Conduct covers ILO principles.
• It agrees to long-term contracts with its suppliers to help provide financial security for them.
• During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, it did not disclose adequate policies or safeguards to protect workers in its supply chain from the virus.

Brands’ animal welfare policies and, where applicable, how well they trace their animal-derived products are the focus of our “Animals” rating. Here we rate Allbirds “Good”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It has a formal policy aligned with the Five Domains of Animal Welfare.
• All of its animal-derived products consist of alternatives including wool certified by ZQ.
• It doesn’t appear to use leather, shearling, cashmere, alpaca, mohair, or down.

Based on all publicly available information we’ve reviewed, we rate Allbirds “It's a Start” overall.