The Fashion Revolution’s 2024 Transparency Index has been released, revealing concerning insights into the transparency of UK fashion brands.
- German sportswear brand Puma achieved the highest score in the index with 75%, highlighting its superior transparency practices.
- UK brands failed to secure a spot in the top 10, with Superdry being the highest-ranked UK brand, scoring only 38%.
- A group of 32 global brands scored 0% in transparency, raising critical concerns regarding their disclosure practices.
- Fashion Revolution calls for urgent action, urging brands to allocate resources towards a transparent and fair energy transition.
The recently released 2024 Transparency Index by Fashion Revolution paints a concerning picture for UK fashion brands. The top position was secured by German sportswear brand Puma, achieving an impressive 75% score, underscoring its commitment to transparency.
In a notable observation, UK brands failed to make it to the top 10 in the transparency index. Cheltenham-based Superdry emerged as the highest-ranked UK brand but only managed a score of 38%. Other well-known UK brands, including JD Sports, Sainsbury’s, Next, Marks & Spencer, and Burberry, recorded scores of 31%, 27%, 26%, and 25% respectively.
Fashion Revolution’s research methodology involved evaluating the public disclosures of 250 of the world’s largest fashion brands and retailers. Brands were invited to participate by reviewing a pre-filled questionnaire and responding to specific queries. According to the report, those who participated generally received higher scores, as they could highlight or provide additional information previously missed by the researchers.
Significantly, the report revealed that 32 brands scored 0% in the transparency index. These include notable names such as Aeropostale, DKNY, Fashion Nova, Forever 21, Reebok, and Tom Ford. These findings prompt critical questions about the practices and commitments of these brands toward transparency.
A representative from Fashion Revolution commented on the lack of UK brands in higher transparency rankings, suggesting that brand-specific circumstances, rather than geographic location, are likely contributing factors. There seems to be an insufficient prioritization of decarbonisation and transparency issues by these brands, potentially due to a lack of media scrutiny, investor pressure, and public demand.
Fashion Revolution expresses optimism that the release of this report, alongside the ‘What Fuels Fashion?’ campaign, will encourage brands to enhance their efforts. The organisation specifically calls on brands to invest at least 2% of their annual revenue in a transparent and equitable energy transition.
The 2024 Transparency Index underscores the pressing need for UK brands to improve their transparency and sustainability practices.
