Summary
ASOS has made some progress in sustainability, particularly in material sourcing and animal welfare. However, significant challenges remain in areas like supply chain transparency, labor practices, and environmental impact. The brand's fast-fashion model inherently conflicts with sustainability goals, and more substantial efforts are needed to address these issues.
Categories
10 total
ASOS has banned materials like fur, angora, and exotic skins from its own-brand products and has a formal animal welfare policy based on the Five Freedoms. However, the brand is not certified cruelty-free by third-party organizations.
ASOS publishes a list of its supplier factories and has a code of conduct for manufacturers. However, audits are conducted internally without third-party verification, and detailed information on supply chain practices is limited.
ASOS is a member of the Better Cotton Initiative and has some products certified by GOTS and GRS. However, the majority of its supply chain lacks certification by crucial labor standards, and the brand is not a B Corp.
Approximately 30% of ASOS's own-brand products use more sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester. The brand aims for 100% sustainable materials by 2030, but currently, a significant portion of products still rely on conventional materials.
ASOS has made efforts to reduce packaging waste, such as using recycled materials for mailing bags. However, plastic mailers are still widely used, and the brand lacks a formal take-back or repair program to extend product life.
ASOS has launched a circular fashion collection and partnered with the Centre for Sustainable Fashion to train designers in circular design principles. Despite these initiatives, the majority of its products are not designed for longevity or recyclability.
ASOS does not publish detailed data on its water usage, chemical management, or wastewater treatment in its supply chain, indicating a lack of transparency in this area.
ASOS has set targets for carbon neutrality in its own operations by 2025 and net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2030. However, detailed reporting on energy efficiency measures and renewable energy usage is limited.
In 2022, ASOS reported a carbon footprint of approximately 1.2 million metric tons of CO₂, with most emissions from its global production and logistics network. Progress on emission reduction targets has been challenging to track due to limited reporting.
ASOS has a code of conduct prohibiting forced and child labor, but there is no evidence of living wage payments in its supply chain. Almost none of its supply chain is certified by crucial labor standards.