Ethical Fashion Brands
What is an ethical brand?
As more of us try to reduce our impact on the planet, a growing number of ethical and sustainable fashion brands are arising to both meet the demand and help change the fashion industry for the better. But what does it actually mean to be an ethical or sustainable fashion brand?
An ethical brand ensures it does not negatively impact on people, the planet or on animals.
This includes ensuring that workers are treated fairly across the supply chain, including having fair policies and practices when it comes to issues like child labour, forced labour, worker safety, the right to join a union, and payment of a living wage.
An ethical brand also cares about its use of resources and energy, its carbon emissions, impact on waterways and natural environment and the safe disposal of chemicals.
Ethical brands use no or very few animal products (e.g. fur, wool, leather, angora, down feather, exotic animal skin) and may even be 100% vegan. Many ethical brands are using recycled materials too.
Many smaller, independent brands find it easier to implement ethical practices – a smaller supply chain means greater visibility and control over production and owners are often much closer to every aspect of their business. Shopping locally also helps to reduce your carbon footprint and supports your local communities too.
Here are our pick of some UK based ethical fashion brands: