HEMA

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

• It uses some lower-impact materials including organic cotton, however it does not publish an aggregate breakdown of materials used.
• 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.
• 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 HEMA “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.
• It provides a confidential complaints mechanism for workers in its supply chain to report suspected modern slavery.
• Its Code of Conduct covers ILO Four Fundamental Freedoms principles.
• The brand claims to audit some of its supply chain but doesn’t specify what percentage.
• It claims to have a program to improve wages but there’s no evidence it ensures its workers are paid living wages in most of 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 HEMA “Not Good Enough”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It appears to use leather, wool, mohair, 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 fur, angora, shearling, cashmere, or alpaca.
• It has a formal policy aligned with the Five Domains of Animal Welfare.

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