Hermès

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 Hermès “Good”. 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.
• Every step of the life cycle for all of its products has circular principles fully embedded including for design, materials, production techniques, and end of life.
• It’s set a science based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both its direct operations and supply chain, and it claims it’s on track.
• It’s set a target to increase the quantity of water recycled in its supply chain.
• It engages with production suppliers to manage water use.

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 Hermès “It's a Start”. 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 supports diversity and inclusion in its supply chain.
• Its Code of Conduct covers ILO principles.
• It agrees to long-term contracts with its suppliers to help provide financial security for them.
• The brand claims to audit some of its supply chain but doesn’t specify what percentage.
• During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, it disclosed some policies 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 Hermès “Not Good Enough”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It appears to use leather, shearling, wool, cashmere, alpaca, mohair, down, crocodile skin, fur, other animal products, and materials derived from wild animals.
• Some of its animal-derived materials consist of recycled or certified alternatives to conventional leather, cashmere, wool, mohair, alpaca, and down.
• It has a formal policy but it is not aligned with the Five Domains of Animal Welfare.

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