Carter's

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 Carter's “It's a Start”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It uses some lower-impact materials.
• It’s eliminated some hazardous chemicals but has not made a commitment to eliminate all hazardous chemicals in manufacturing.
• 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 offers clothing recycling to consumers to help address end-of-life textile waste.

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 Carter's “Not Good Enough”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• Much of its primary 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 provides financial security to its suppliers, which can result in poor working conditions and wages.
• It has a basic policy to support diversity and inclusion in its direct operations and supply chain.
• Its Code of Conduct covers ILO principles.
• It audits some of its supply chain including all of the final production stage.
• There’s no evidence it ensures workers are paid living wages in its supply chain.
• 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 Carter's “Good”. It doesn’t appear to use animal-derived materials but doesn’t claim to be a vegan brand.

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