Shein

Yes.
It's in the "could do better" category, but I suppose that can very according to which data these eco friendly charts use.

One of the worst things about companies like Shein is that they steal designs from other people - they are always being sued in the USA and, if I remember correctly, at least once by a small Italian designer. They take the pictures from the designer sites and make their own designs up from there.

There's quite a funny YouTube video by Bernadette Banner about how she saw a photo of herself wearing a medieval costume she had designed, with the head lopped off, being used to advertise a dress made by one of those ubiquitous Chinese fashion sites. So she bought the dress and did a comparison with the dress in the photo.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=J80J4oaGVnY&t=834s

I have bought some fantastic things from Shein and they are identical to Wallis, Roman Originals and Dorothy Perkins. If you look at their labels they are either made in China or Thailand the same as Marks and Spencers. Nothing is made in good old Great Britain anymore.

In what areas does Joules perform poorly?

Joules’ low ethical rating is primarily a result of its ownership by Next Plc, which is implicated in numerous unethical practices. For instance, Joules receives a bottom rating for Human Rights, as Next has been involved in several workers’ rights issues across its supply chain. Due to a high volume of human rights criticisms, Joules also receives a bottom rating for Human Rights+.

Additionally, Joules receives a bottom rating in the Organic category, as it does not have any organic-certified clothing products.

In what areas does Joules perform well?

As Next has a comprehensive CSR Report with targets to improve its record in areas such as raw materials, cotton and carbon emissions, Joules receives a top rating in the Environmental Report criterion. Having a report with clear targets shows the company is committed to improving its environmental record.

Joules also receives a top rating in the Better Cotton Initiative and Ethical Trading Schemes categories, as Next is a member of both the Better Cotton Initiative and the Ethical Trading Initiative.

Being unable to afford something is not a good enough reason to buy an item produced cheaply on the back of someone else's misery and fear. Buy less, buy better, buy second hand.

Well said HousePlantQueen!

I am on so low an income that I don't pay income tax, so I couldn't afford more ethical brands of which there are several. As keepingquiet has said, it isn't always possible to avoid everything that's unethical. But we CAN buy second hand, buy less, buy Fairtrade, buy local etc. which, while not perfect, goes a long way.

Agreed.
I shall be watching for it to happen.
Not much sign yet.

Dingleberry

I have bought some fantastic things from Shein and they are identical to Wallis, Roman Originals and Dorothy Perkins. If you look at their labels they are either made in China or Thailand the same as Marks and Spencers. Nothing is made in good old Great Britain anymore.

It is, and if not in the UK, it’s made in the EU - you just have to search for it and be prepared to pay more.

True. I never cease to be amazed by the quantity of clothes some on GN buy - I doubt they glance at the label to see where things are made. Always thrilled to have found a ‘bargain’. I buy very little indeed, but I buy carefully.

The day when we no longer buy anything from China can’t come soon enough. They are a disgrace. Their human rights record is appalling. These awful companies are using forced labour and undercutting Western manufacturing industries to ensure they go out of business. I try my best to not buy Chinese made products.