Methodology

This addresses whether the brand goes above and beyond simply sourcing and utilizing readily available sustainable fabrics and trims, and rather actively partakes in textile/trim experimentation internally or through partnerships with textile mills and labs.

Researchers will need to comb through all information about a brand that is publicly available, either self-reported OR third-party reported information for the Project JUST category: Environment

In researching this question, we suggest familiarizing yourself with the brand’s reporting by visiting the brand’s website, looking to see if they have released a Corporate Responsibility Report, or any information on their CSR or sustainability policies. Keyword search “material” and “renewable” in key reports.

If you are unable to find the number reported, click “Unknown” for the correct year you are researching, and submit.

About

Project JUST was created to transform the fashion industry into a transparent, accountable and sustainable system that celebrates the stories, the people and the resources behind the clothing.

To do so, they developed a robust methodology for researching brands and their sustainability practices for their searchable brand directory. The directory provides comparable research on brands to empower shoppers to make more informed and ethical purchasing decisions and to put pressure on brands to improve their practices.

While Project JUST dissolved in 2018, the research methodology can be continued through data contributions on WikiRate. 

This metric falls within the Environment category, which covers key measurable aspects of environmental sustainability for a fashion retail brand, from material impact to energy and waste conservation. Many of the answers to these questions can be found in a brand’s annual CSR report or in other publicly accessible publications. However, please note that a few of the others may require more indepth research or even a company-insider’s input.