REI

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 REI “It's a Start”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It uses some lower-impact materials including recycled materials, however it does not publish an aggregate breakdown of materials used.
• It’s eliminated some hazardous chemicals but has not made a commitment to eliminate all hazardous chemicals in manufacturing.
• 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 avoids plastic packaging.
• It's conducted research on the impacts of microplastics.

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 REI “Not Good Enough”. Unfortunately, REI does not publish sufficient information on the most critical labour issues. You have a right to know how the products you buy affect the issues you care about.

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 REI “It's a Start”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It appears to use leather, wool, and down.
• A high proportion of its animal-derived materials consist of recycled or certified alternatives to conventional wool and down.
• It doesn’t appear to use fur, angora, exotic animal skin, shearling, cashmere, alpaca, or mohair.
• It’s published a general statement about minimising animal suffering but not a formal animal welfare policy.

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