Greener Closet

lululemon athletica

Last analyzed: 4/13/2026

View products from lululemon athletica
Overall score
60/100

Summary

Lululemon has made commendable strides in sustainability, particularly in transparency, ethical labor practices, and animal welfare. However, challenges remain in areas such as sustainable material sourcing, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. To enhance its sustainability performance, Lululemon should focus on reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based materials, improving supply chain energy practices, and expanding circularity initiatives.

Categories

10 total

Animal Welfare and Cruelty-Free
8/10

Lululemon has strong animal welfare standards, including a ban on fur, angora, and exotic animal skins. The company uses wool and down that are certified to responsible standards, ensuring ethical treatment of animals. These practices demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare and cruelty-free products.

Transparency and Traceability
7/10

Lululemon demonstrates a commitment to transparency through its annual Impact Reports, detailing progress on social and environmental goals. The company has been recognized for its responsible supply chain practices, ranking #1 on the 2023 KnowTheChain Benchmark. However, some critics note gaps in environmental data, such as water usage and chemical discharge, which could be improved.

Ethical Labor Practices and Fair Wages
7/10

Lululemon has been recognized for its commitment to human rights, ranking #1 on the 2023 KnowTheChain Benchmark for addressing forced labor risks in its supply chain. The company is also a member of the Fair Labor Association. However, there have been reports of labor violations in some factories, indicating a need for continuous monitoring and improvement.

Certifications and Standards
6/10

Lululemon holds several certifications, including ISO 14001 for environmental management and ISO 9001 for quality management. The company is also Climate Neutral Certified, indicating it measures and offsets its carbon emissions. However, there is room for improvement in obtaining additional third-party certifications related to labor practices and sustainable materials.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
6/10

Lululemon has committed to becoming carbon neutral in its own operations by 2030 and has achieved Climate Neutral Certification. However, the company's reliance on fossil fuels in its supply chain, particularly coal-powered factories, undermines these sustainability claims. Transitioning to renewable energy sources in manufacturing is essential for meaningful progress.

Waste Reduction and Sustainable Packaging
6/10

Lululemon has introduced initiatives like the 'Like New' resale program to promote circularity and reduce waste. While this is a positive step, the program's scale is currently limited, and the company's reliance on synthetic materials poses challenges for recycling and waste reduction. Expanding circularity programs and adopting sustainable packaging solutions would enhance performance in this area.

Circularity and Product Longevity
6/10

Lululemon's 'Like New' program allows customers to trade in used gear for store credit, promoting product longevity and circularity. However, the program's reach is currently limited, and the high proportion of synthetic materials in products complicates recycling efforts. Scaling up circular initiatives and incorporating more durable, sustainable materials would improve performance.

Sustainable Material Sourcing
5/10

Approximately 55% of Lululemon's materials are considered sustainable, including recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and organic cotton. However, the remaining 45% are conventional synthetics derived from fossil fuels, which are resource-intensive and shed microplastics. The company has set a goal to source 100% sustainable materials by 2030, but significant progress is needed to achieve this target.

Overall Carbon Footprint and Emissions
5/10

Lululemon has set a goal to reduce its carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050. However, the company's Scope 3 supply chain emissions are significant, and its continued use of fossil fuel-based materials and coal-powered factories contribute to a substantial carbon footprint. More aggressive actions are needed to meet these targets.

Water Conservation and Pollution Control
4/10

Lululemon has set goals to reduce freshwater use and implement strategies to minimize environmental harm. However, the company provides limited public data on water usage, chemical discharge, or wastewater management practices, making it challenging to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives.