John Lewis

John Lewis is owned by John Lewis Partnership.

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 John Lewis “It's a Start”. 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.
• 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.
• There’s no evidence it’s taking meaningful action to reduce or eliminate hazardous chemicals in manufacturing.
• It trains its designers to improve the circularity of its products.
• It’s set a target to improve its suppliers' water stewardship.

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 John Lewis “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 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.
• Its Code of Conduct covers ILO principles.
• It has initiatives to empower vulnerable women and girls in its supply chain.
• There’s no evidence it ensures workers are paid living wages in its supply chain.
• 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 John Lewis “Not Good Enough”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It appears to use leather, shearling, wool, cashmere, alpaca, mohair, down, and decorative exotic feather.
• It doesn't appear to use angora, fur, or exotic animal skin.
• Some of its animal-derived materials consist of recycled or certified alternatives to conventional cashmere and down.
• It’s published a general statement about minimising animal suffering but not a formal animal welfare policy.
• It’s committed to eliminating some animal-derived materials but has not set a target date.

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