There are an overwhelming and ever-expanding number of sustainability assessments, and brands are increasingly publishing their own information about sustainability. However, the quality and extent of disclosure remains highly variable. 

Good On You’s methodology is designed to provide a clear framework based on consistency and transparency—bringing together the most credible standards, certifications, third party assessments, brands’ public reporting, and other trusted sources of public information into one comprehensive rating. 

Good On You’s team of expert analysts frequently engage with brands and relevant stakeholders to stay at the forefront of industry initiatives. This process of continual review is reflected in updates across the methodology to incorporate emerging issues, initiatives, and leading indicators of industry best practice. In prior ratings reviews, Good On You has engaged key organisations such as Fairtrade, Fashion Revolution, Fashion for Good, and Four Paws.

 

The following principles guide our approach to brand ratings:

  • Transparency comes first. Brands should publish information about their supply chain and direct operations to increase accountability and drive improved outcomes for the environment, labour and animals. Consumers have a right to know how a brand impacts on the issues they care about.
  • Consider impact across the product lifecycle. Companies should be held responsible for their impact on the environment, labour and animals at each stage of the value chain, from how products are produced and distributed to how they are used, and then reused or disposed of.
  • Be comprehensive. The rating system should consider a broad range of sustainability issues to give a comprehensive view of a brand’s overall impact on the environment, labour and animals. It should be capable of applying to all brands in the market.
  • Consider issues in proportion to materiality. The rating system should consider each material issue that impacts on the environment, labour and animals according to an assessment of relative importance.
  • Ensure an evidence based approach. The rating system and its application should be transparent, based on robust research and underpinned by good governance processes.
  • Be user driven. The rating system should provide users with data that is accessible, comparable and easy to use. It should inform consumer shopping decisions, provide useful feedback to brands and enable retailers to assess, source and market sustainable brands.
  • Engage and collaborate widely. Good On You is part of a global movement for change and should work collaboratively to understand, reflect and drive industry best practice and leadership.