People may wonder is Urban Outfitters ethical. Today we will analyze it from environmental impact, labour conditions, and animal welfare.
American fashion chain Urban Outfitters has made a name for itself with its on-trend and affordable clothing aimed at young adults
While Urban Outfitters is not ethical. On the environment, animals, and even their employees, they have been harsh. Keep reading and you will learn more about this popular fast fashion brand.
You can read our Urban Outfitters Reviews for more information.
What is Urban Outfitters?
Let’s explore the Urban Outfitters brand before learning whether it is ethical or not. In the USA clothing brands, Urban Outfitters was established in 1970. There are more than 200 stores operating under the brand name outside of the United States, in Canada and Europe.
Customers have access to a wide selection of fashionable clothing for both men and women. Denim, boho dresses, graphics, and many other types of clothing are included. For a casual day out opting for Urban Outfitters is good.
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- Why is Urban Outfitters So Expensive?
Is Urban Outfitters Ethical?
The short answer is no, and this brings us to the main question: Is Urban Outfitters ethical?
Urban Outfitters’ clothing manufacturing practices are harsh and inconsiderate toward both the environment and workers, as well as toward animals.
Read More:
Is Urban Outfitters Sustainable?
Urban Outfitters says it has a “reuse and recycle” strategy that’s observed in its stores as well as its products’ packaging. It also claims that its distribution centre has one of the largest rooftop solar arrays for on-site power generation in the US.
The company also claims to work in partnership with other companies that sell green products, like Patagonia and Hydroflask.
In addition to those, the company also has the Urban Renewal collection, which provides “one-of-a-kind” vintage items and “reimagined vintage” items.
2019 saw the launch of the company’s Nuuly rental service. Initially, the clothing rental subscription only offered women’s clothing from a variety of stores, including those owned by URBN (Urban Outfitters and its sister brands Free People and Anthropologie).
The service expanded to catering to men’s and kids’ clothing and accessories through Nuuly Thrift, a resale marketplace. Anybody who wants to sign up and sell is welcome to use the service, not just URBN brands. Sellers will allegedly receive “Nuuly Cash.”
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Environmental Impact of Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters is “Not Good Enough” for the environment. Even though it incorporates recycled materials into some of its products, there is no proof that it minimizes textile waste.
It uses some renewable energy in its daily operations to lessen its climate impact, but no significant steps have been taken to cut back on dangerous chemicals or carbon and other GHG emissions.
Furthermore, there is no proof that it carries out programs to reduce water use. Urban Outfitters, you can do more to protect the environment.
Labor Conditions of Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters describes itself as “dedicated to inspiring customers through a unique combination of product, creativity and cultural understanding”. However, how concerned is the company with the workers in its supply chain?
In its response to the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, Urban Outfitters briefly outlines some of its labour policies, including its third-party auditing processes and commitment to not use child or slave labour.
But very little evidence exists to back up any of these claims. We’d like to know, for example, how often its factories are audited, which parts of its supply chain are audited, who its suppliers are, and where they’re located.
Plus, we found no evidence Urban Outfitters ensures payment of a living wage in its supply chain, or that the brand has any policies or safeguards to protect suppliers and workers in its supply chain from the impacts of COVID-19. The 2021 Fashion Transparency Index gave it a score of just 11–20%.
Despite having a policy stating that Urban Outfitter does “…not knowingly carry products that use cotton originating from Uzbekistan”, in 2014 it received the lowest score possible on a survey conducted by the Responsible Sourcing Network that measured action taken by brands to ensure cotton originating from Uzbekistan was not used in its products.
Animal Welfare
Also scoring “Not Good Enough” for animals, there is no evidence Urban Outfitters has an animal welfare policy. It does, however, use leather and wool from unidentified sources but not fur, down, angora, or exotic animal skin.
There is no proof that it contains any animal products, not even at the very beginning of production. This is problematic because the welfare of both the animals and the workers cannot be guaranteed.
Final Words: is Urban Outfitters Ethical
Little is being done by Urban Outfitters to protect the environment, its employees, or our furry friends. There is no evidence that its “policies” regarding labour and transparency in the supply chain are actually undertaken.
Urban Outfitters has a long way to go before it can be considered a more sustainable and ethical brand, despite the fact that many of its collections are made to appeal to young people who are progressive and open-minded.
It could do so much more to better distinguish itself as a major retailer with billions of dollars in sales.
So, overall Urban outfitters’ brands are not good enough when it comes to the environmental effect. Urban Outfitters is unethical.
Read More: Urban Outfitters Alternative
FAQs
What About Urban Outfitters’ Labor Policy?
Only child or slave labor is permitted under their labor policy. There is sufficient support for this claim even today.
Is Urban Outfitters Bad for the Environment?
Urban Outfitters is “Not Good Enough” for the environment.
Is Urban Outfitters Good Quality?
One of the main reasons that Urban Outfitters uses to justify its high prices is that they use high-quality materials in their products.
Where Are Urban Outfitters Clothes Manufactured?
Urban Outfitters manufactures its clothes in China and many other East Asian countries.
