Russell Athletic

Russell Athletic is owned by Fruit of the Loom.

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

• It uses few lower-impact materials.

• It uses some recycled packaging.

• 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’s eliminated some hazardous chemicals but has not made a commitment to eliminate all hazardous chemicals in manufacturing

• There’s no evidence it’s taking actions to protect biodiversity in its supply chain.

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

• Part of its final production stage is certified by Business Social Compliance Initiative Code of Conduct - BSCI, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production - WRAP, Workplace Condition Assessment (WCA) and Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit - SMETA Best Practice Guidance.

• It partly traces its supply chain including all of the final production stage.

• Its Code of Conduct covers ILO Four Fundamental Freedoms principles.

• 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 Russell Athletic “Good”. It doesn’t appear to use animal-derived materials but doesn’t claim to be a vegan brand.

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