The Very Good Bra

The Very Good Bra excels in sustainable material sourcing by using 100% botanically sourced, natural fiber materials that are plastic-free and compostable. They utilize organic cotton and Tencel, ensuring that all components, including sewing thread and elastic, are free from synthetic materials. This comprehensive approach minimizes environmental impact and sets a high industry standard.

The brand's products are entirely vegan, using no animal-derived materials, and are certified cruelty-free. This commitment ensures that their products do not contribute to animal exploitation.

The brand holds several notable certifications and awards, including B Corporation certification with an impressive B Impact Score of 111.1, significantly above the median score for ordinary businesses. They have also received the Good Design Award Best in Class and are members of the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network. These recognitions reflect their strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

The Very Good Bra implements several waste reduction strategies, including pre-sales to prevent overproduction, offering replacement straps to extend product life, and creating a Buy Swap and Sell group for customers. Their products and packaging are designed to be compostable, effectively minimizing waste sent to landfill.

The brand's products are designed for full circularity, being 100% compostable at end-of-life. They also offer replacement parts like bra straps to extend product longevity and have established platforms for reselling used items, promoting a circular economy model.

The Very Good Bra demonstrates a high level of transparency by providing detailed information about their materials, manufacturing processes, and sustainability initiatives on their website. They disclose the origins and certifications of their materials, such as organic cotton and Tencel, and outline their commitment to plastic-free, compostable products. However, while they share substantial information, there is limited third-party verification of their claims, which slightly impacts the score.

The Very Good Bra collaborates with a family-owned lingerie factory in Portugal and works with a social enterprise for warehousing and fulfillment, providing employment opportunities to people of all abilities. While these practices indicate a commitment to ethical labor, detailed information on labor conditions and wage standards is limited.

The brand's use of Tencel, produced by Lenzing, involves a closed-loop process that recycles 98% of the water and chemicals used, significantly reducing water consumption and pollution. Additionally, their commitment to plastic-free materials prevents microplastic pollution during laundering. However, specific data on their overall water usage and wastewater treatment practices in manufacturing are not extensively detailed.

The brand's focus on natural, compostable materials likely contributes to a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional bras made from synthetic fibers. However, without specific data on their carbon emissions across the supply chain, it's challenging to fully assess their overall impact. Their B Corporation certification suggests a commitment to measuring and improving their environmental performance.

While The Very Good Bra emphasizes sustainable materials and processes, there is limited publicly available information regarding their energy efficiency measures or use of renewable energy in their supply chain and manufacturing processes. This lack of specific data results in a conservative score in this category.