Kathmandu

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 Kathmandu “It’s a Start”. These are a few issues influencing its score:

• It uses some lower-impact materials including recycled materials.
• It produces long-lasting products.
• There’s no evidence it’s taking actions to protect biodiversity in its supply chain.
• It uses some bluesign certified fabrics.

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 Kathmandu “It’s a Start”. These are a few issues influencing its score:

• Its social auditing program is accredited by Fair Labor Association (FLA), covering its entire final production stage.
• It received a score of 21-30% in the 2023 Fashion Transparency Index.
• There’s no evidence it supports diversity and inclusion 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 adequate 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 Kathmandu “Good”. These are a few issues influencing its score:

• It has a formal policy aligned with the Five Freedoms of animal welfare and clear implementation mechanisms in place.
• It appears to use leather, and silk.
• Responsible Wool Standard certifies some of the wool it sources.
• Responsible Down Standard certifies the down it uses.
• It doesn’t appear to use fur, angora, exotic animal skin, or exotic animal hair.
• It traces most animal-derived materials to the first production stage.

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