Clarks

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 Clarks “Not Good Enough”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It uses some lower-impact materials including recycled materials, however it does not publish an aggregate breakdown of materials used.
• There’s no evidence it’s taken any action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its supply chain.
• There’s no evidence it takes action to minimise its packaging, which is a driver of plastic waste.
• While it donates used clothes to charity, there’s no evidence it minimises textile waste in its supply chain.
• There’s no evidence it minimises solvent-based chemicals, which can be harmful to workers and the environment in production.

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 Clarks “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 provides a confidential complaints mechanism for workers in its supply chain to report suspected modern slavery.
• Its Code of Conduct covers ILO principles.
• 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 Clarks “It's a Start”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It appears to use leather, shearling, and wool.
• Some of its animal-derived materials consist of recycled or certified alternatives to conventional wool.
• It doesn’t appear to use angora, exotic animal skin, fur, cashmere, alpaca, mohair, or down.
• It states that it sources wool from non-mulesed sheep.

Based on all publicly available information we’ve reviewed, we rate Clarks “Not Good Enough” overall.