Fashion Revolution’s 2024 Transparency Index reveals a lack of UK brands in top 10.
- German brand Puma leads with 75%, showcasing high transparency in fashion.
- Superdry ranks highest among UK brands, but falls short with a 38% score.
- The average transparency score sits at 18%, indicating a global challenge.
- 32 brands, including notable names, scored 0% in transparency.
The latest Transparency Index published by Fashion Revolution highlights a notable absence of UK brands in the top tiers of the ranking. The index aims to measure transparency in the fashion sector, focusing on public disclosure of relevant information by major global brands. Leading the 2024 list is German sportswear giant Puma, boasting a remarkable 75% score.
Superdry, based in Cheltenham, stands as the highest-ranked UK brand within the index but only achieves a score of 38%. Other prominent UK brands like JD Sports, Sainsbury’s, Next, Marks & Spencer, and Burberry exhibit even lower transparency scores, all falling below the 32% mark. This suggests a significant gap between UK brands and their global counterparts in terms of transparency.
Fashion Revolution evaluates each brand using a predefined questionnaire, allowing brands to highlight relevant disclosures that researchers might overlook. According to the report, participation typically results in improved scores, yet UK brands still lag behind, raising questions about their commitment to transparency.
An insightful comment from a spokesperson for Fashion Revolution suggests that the barriers to increased transparency among UK brands are more brand-specific than location-based. They point out that despite societal demand and calls for accountability, these issues have not been prioritised effectively by the organisations involved.
The report reveals that 32 brands, including well-known names such as Reebok, Forever 21, and Tory Burch, failed to demonstrate any transparency, receiving a score of 0%. Fashion Revolution urges the industry to invest at least 2% of annual revenue into energy transition, emphasising the necessity for brands to align financial investments with their environmental commitments.
The 2024 Transparency Index underscores the pressing need for UK brands to enhance their transparency practices to compete globally.
