G-Star RAW

Our “Planet” rating evaluates brands based on the environmental policies in their supply chains, from carbon emissions and wastewater to business models and product circularity. Here we rate G-Star RAW “Good”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It uses a medium proportion of lower-impact materials including organic cotton, and it publishes an aggregate breakdown of materials used.
• It uses lower-impact materials that help limit the chemicals, water, and wastewater in its supply chain.
• It’s set a science based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both its direct operations and supply chain but there’s no evidence it is on track.
• It offers clothing recycling to consumers to help address end-of-life textile waste.
• It uses recycled packaging.
• It engages with production suppliers to manage water use.

Workers’ rights are central to our “People” rating, which assess brands’ policies and practices on everything from child labour to living wages and gender equality. Here we rate G-Star RAW “It's a Start”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It traces most of its supply chain.
• Much of its second stage is located in low risk countries or certified facilities, however it does not publish an aggregate breakdown of suppliers.
• It has a basic policy to support diversity and inclusion in its direct operations and supply chain.
• Its Code of Conduct covers ILO principles.
• To help tackle the gender pay gap, it ensures equal pay for equal work in its supply chain.
• It agrees to long-term contracts with its suppliers to help provide financial security for them.
• There’s no evidence it ensures workers are paid living wages in its supply chain.
• During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, it disclosed adequate policies to protect workers in its supply chain from the virus.

Brands’ animal welfare policies and, where applicable, how well they trace their animal-derived products are the focus of our “Animals” rating. Here we rate G-Star RAW “Good”. These are a few factors influencing its score:

• It appears to use leather, shearling, wool, cashmere, and alpaca.
• A high proportion of its animal-derived materials consist of recycled or certified alternatives to conventional wool.
• It doesn’t appear to use fur, angora, exotic animal skin, mohair or down.
• It has a formal policy aligned with the Five Domains of Animal Welfare.
• It uses few animal-derived materials.

Based on all publicly available information we’ve reviewed, we rate G-Star RAW “Good” overall.