Ernsting's family

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

• It follows an unsustainable fast fashion model due to its consistently low price points and very large number of products
• It uses some lower-impact materials, however it does not publish an aggregate breakdown of materials used.
• It uses renewable energy in its direct operations (such as stores or offices) but not in its supply chain.
• There’s no evidence it’s taking meaningful action to reduce water use.
• There’s no evidence it’s taking actions to protect biodiversity in its supply chain.

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

• Much 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 provides financial security to its suppliers, which can result in poor working conditions and wages.
• There’s no evidence it supports diversity and inclusion in its supply chain.
• It has an internal grievance mechanism for workers in its supply chain to anonymously report concerns like harassment and unpaid wages.
• 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 Ernsting's family “Not Good Enough”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It appears to use leather, wool, cashmere, and down.
• Some of its animal-derived materials consist of recycled or certified alternatives to conventional wool and down.
• It doesn’t appear to use shearling, alpaca, or mohair.
• It’s published a general statement about minimising animal suffering but not a formal animal welfare policy.

Based on all publicly available information we’ve reviewed, we rate Ernsting's family “Not Good Enough” overall.