Lacoste

Lacoste is owned by Maus Frères.

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 Lacoste “It’s a Start”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It uses some lower-impact materials including organic cotton.
• To minimise waste, it recycles most of its textile offcuts.
• There’s no evidence it’s taking actions to protect biodiversity in its supply chain.
• 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.
• While it offers clothing recycling to consumers, it doesn’t report on its results.

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

• It sources its final stage of production from countries with high risk of labour abuse.
• 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 Four Fundamental Freedoms principles.
• It has an external 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 Lacoste “Not Good Enough”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It’s published a general statement about minimising animal suffering but not a formal animal welfare policy.
• It appears to use leather and exotic animal hair.
• Responsible Down Standard certifies some of the down it uses.
• Responsible Wool Standard certifies some of the wool it uses.
• It traces some animal-derived materials to the first production stage.

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