Stand.earth has released its 2025 Fossil Free Fashion Scorecard, assessing the environmental performance of 42 fashion brands against the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The report reveals a troubling trend: for every brand that adheres to the Paris targets, nearly six are increasing their pollution levels.
The scorecard evaluates five critical areas that impact the planet: transparency regarding climate and energy practices, renewable and energy-efficient manufacturing, climate advocacy efforts, the use of low-carbon and deforestation-free materials, and sustainable shipping methods.
The results indicate that 14 brands, or 33%, have successfully reduced their emissions by over 10% from their baseline levels. However, only three brands—approximately 7%—have made this reduction in line with the 1.5°C pathway established by the Paris Agreement.
Alarmingly, 40% of the brands assessed have actually increased their carbon emissions compared to their baseline data. This troubling statistic highlights a nearly six-to-one ratio of brands moving away from the 1.5°C benchmark.
The report particularly calls out ultra-fast fashion retailer Shein, which received an ‘F’ grade, as its emissions soared by over 170% in two years, now matching the annual pollution output of Lebanon. The report cites Shein’s reliance on air freight for rapid delivery of individual packages as a major concern.
Other brands that received an ‘F’ include Boohoo, Aritzia, Columbia, and Under Armour. These companies were criticized for lacking substantial climate or energy commitments and failing to significantly support decarbonization efforts within their supply chains.
Todd Paglia, executive director of Stand.earth, commented, “While some brands are making strides, the majority are neglecting their responsibilities, which is alarming. Furthermore, many brands are not aiding their suppliers in transitioning to clean energy, placing the financial burden of this transition on manufacturers. The industry has the capacity to change, yet we continue to see empty promises while business remains as usual.”
Conversely, H&M and Eileen Fisher received commendable grades of ‘B+’ and ‘B-’, respectively. H&M was recognized for its transparency, support for decarbonization among suppliers, particularly in Bangladesh, and its proactive climate advocacy. Eileen Fisher was praised for its efforts to eliminate fossil-fuel-based fibers and increase the use of recycled materials—a significant achievement for a smaller brand.
The report also highlights that 95% of brands now provide resale or repair services, reflecting a growing awareness of the economic advantages of circular business models. However, researchers caution that these developments do not adequately address the majority of environmental impacts that occur upstream in the supply chain.
“We urge fashion brands to disclose comprehensive climate transition plans with interim milestones and engage suppliers meaningfully. Brands should prioritize phasing out coal and oil-based synthetics in favor of renewable energy and sustainable materials while financially supporting suppliers in their decarbonization journeys. Larger brands, in particular, can leverage their influence to advocate for stronger climate policies, ensuring a fair landscape for the entire industry,” Paglia added.
The textile industry is a significant contributor to global pollution, accounting for at least 4% of all climate-related emissions, with projections indicating that these emissions will continue to rise. Most emissions in this sector occur during the supply chain phase, particularly in countries vulnerable to climate change such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Manufacturers in these regions have expressed the need for support from fashion brands to facilitate their decarbonization efforts, given their heavy reliance on fossil fuels and tight profit margins.
