Hermes is a luxury fashion brand that is well-known for its high-quality products, including leather goods, clothing, and accessories. However, as consumers become increasingly conscious of ethical and sustainable practices, many are questioning whether Hermes can be considered an ethical brand.
The issue with leather
One of the main concerns regarding Hermes’ ethics is the use of animal products in their designs. The brand is particularly known for its leather goods, with many of its iconic products being made from exotic skins such as crocodile and ostrich. However, the use of these materials raises questions about animal welfare and sustainability.
While Hermes has stated that it sources its materials from reputable suppliers who comply with local laws and regulations, there have been reports of animal cruelty in the exotic skin industry. In addition, the production of leather is known to have a significant environmental impact due to the chemicals used in the tanning process.
What Hermes is doing about it
To address these concerns, Hermes has taken steps to improve its practices in recent years. In 2015, the brand established an internal “living-standards program” that aims to ensure the welfare of animals used in its supply chain. The program includes regular inspections of suppliers’ facilities and requirements for humane treatment of animals.
In addition to animal welfare initiatives, Hermes has also made efforts to reduce its environmental impact. The brand has implemented measures such as using recycled materials in packaging and reducing water consumption in production processes. They have also pledged to reduce their carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.
Labor practices
Another important aspect of ethical fashion is labor practices. While Hermes has not been implicated in any major scandals regarding worker exploitation or unsafe conditions, there have been criticisms regarding their pay policies.
Hermes’ factory workers are reported to earn above minimum wage but below a living wage in some countries where they operate. This means that their wages may not be enough to cover basic living expenses, leading to issues such as poverty and debt.
The bottom line
So, is Hermes an ethical brand? The answer is not a simple one. While the brand has taken steps to improve its practices in recent years, there are still concerns regarding animal welfare and labor practices.
However, it’s important to note that Hermes is not alone in facing these challenges. The fashion industry as a whole has a long way to go when it comes to ethical and sustainable practices. As consumers, we can make a difference by being more conscious of the brands we support and demanding accountability from those who do not meet our standards.
In conclusion, while Hermes may not be a perfect example of an ethical brand, they are making efforts to improve their practices and have shown a willingness to address concerns raised by consumers.