Summary
MATE the Label exhibits a strong commitment to sustainability across various categories, particularly in sustainable material sourcing, certifications, and animal welfare. The brand's use of organic, non-toxic materials, along with reputable certifications like B Corp and Climate Neutral, underscores its dedication to environmental and social responsibility. While efforts in waste reduction and circularity are commendable, there is room for improvement in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation reporting, and ensuring living wages throughout the supply chain. Overall, MATE the Label stands out as a leader in sustainable fashion, with ongoing initiatives to enhance its practices further.
Categories
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MATE the Label is entirely vegan and cruelty-free, using only plant-based materials and avoiding animal-derived products. This commitment ensures that no animals are harmed in the production of their garments, aligning with high standards of animal welfare.
MATE the Label holds several reputable certifications, including B Corp, Climate Neutral, and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). These certifications reflect the brand's commitment to high environmental and social standards. The B Corp certification, achieved in April 2023 with an overall score of 84.4, underscores the brand's dedication to social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
The brand prioritizes the use of organic, non-toxic, and natural materials, such as organic cotton, linen, and Tencel. These materials are biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals, aligning with sustainable practices. Additionally, MATE the Label has introduced a Climate Beneficial™ collection, sourcing cotton from farms employing regenerative practices to enhance soil health and sequester carbon.
MATE the Label demonstrates a high level of transparency by providing detailed information about its supply chain, including partnerships with local Los Angeles factories and a Fair Trade-certified factory in Peru. The brand's commitment to traceability is evident through its certifications, such as B Corp and Climate Neutral, which require comprehensive disclosures. However, while the brand traces most of its supply chain and visits suppliers regularly, it is not explicitly clear if it ensures workers are paid living wages throughout its supply chain.
As a Climate Neutral Certified company, MATE the Label measures its greenhouse gas emissions and has set reduction targets. In 2024, the brand reported total GHG emissions of 1,156.3 tCO₂e and has committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% and Scope 3 emissions per unit of product by 30% by 2030. These initiatives demonstrate a proactive approach to managing and reducing its carbon footprint.
MATE the Label implements waste reduction strategies by recycling textile offcuts and offering a recycling program for customers' old garments. The brand uses recycled and compostable materials for packaging, eliminating plastic from labels and packaging. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to minimizing waste and promoting circularity.
MATE the Label's use of organic cotton, which requires less water than conventional cotton, contributes to water conservation. The brand also employs water-efficient dyeing techniques to minimize water usage and pollution. However, specific data on water savings and pollution reduction are not readily available, indicating room for more transparent reporting in this area.
The brand's recycling program allows customers to return old MATE garments for upcycling into new products, promoting circularity. Additionally, MATE the Label focuses on creating seasonless, high-quality pieces designed for longevity. However, the recycling program currently accepts only MATE products, indicating potential for expansion to include other garments.
MATE the Label partners with local Los Angeles factories and a Fair Trade-certified factory in Peru, indicating a commitment to ethical labor practices. The brand's Code of Conduct covers some ILO Four Fundamental Freedoms principles, and it traces most of its supply chain. However, it is not explicitly clear if the brand ensures workers are paid living wages throughout its supply chain, suggesting an area for improvement.
While MATE the Label's localized production within a 17-mile radius of its Los Angeles headquarters reduces transportation-related emissions, there is limited information on the brand's use of renewable energy or specific energy efficiency measures within its operations. This suggests an opportunity for the brand to enhance its energy management practices and disclose related initiatives.