The company also does not have a public target to phase out on-site coal or transition its supply chain to renewable energy, which are essential to effectively decarbonize. MEC appears to have a very limited program of supplier engagement to support emissions reduction, with no evidence of financial support or supportive procurement policies. MEC does not have significant low-carbon materials policies beyond using recycled polyester and nylon from conventional sources, and as a technical/outdoor brand should focus on increasing circularity in its products, although it does report positive progress towards its target of 100% organic cotton. The brand’s membership of ZEMBA to reduce the impact of its maritime shipping is a positive step.
Total Score
F
Manufacturing Emissions Change
2023 Score
F
About the Scorecards
As the rampant production of fossil-fueled clothing continues to rise, contributing at least 4% of global emissions, the fashion industry must urgently correct course by ending its dependency on fossil fuels for manufacturing, transportation, and raw materials.
Read Report Download Report (PDF)
* Emissions breakdown not reported
Emissions change of Scope 3 Category 1 emissions when compared with the brand’s baseline year. Emissions change of -27% is used as the benchmark for alignment with 1.5C, based on 50% total reduction by 2030 compared with 2018 levels.
Score Breakdown
Climate and Net Zero Targets
Scope 1 and 2: Yes but later base year. To reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions 55% by 2030 from a 2021 base year, and 90% by 2050.
Scope 3: No – per product, not absolute, 2021 base year
To reduce scope 3 emissions 55% per sold product by 2030 from a 2021 base year, and 97% by 2050.
Mid-term (2035/2040) milestones: No, only discusses 2030 and 2050.
Net Zero Roadmap: No
Renewable Energy Targets
Own operations RE target: No – Brand said as of Next year, we are planning to source renewable electricity for some of our stores to help cut down on the scope 2 emissions and get us closer to our Science-Based Targets pathway
Supply chain RE target: No
Thermal Coal Phase Out
2030 Coal Phase-out Target: No
Thermal energy transition/ electrification: No
Transparency
Emissions data: Yes – Scope 1 -3 and tracked against SBT. Discloses category breakdown in appendix. No breakdown by country or supply chain tier.
Supply chain energy data: No
Supplier lists published: No. Tier 1 and Tier 2. No presence in Bangladesh according to the list.
Training, feasibility studies, and non-financial support for climate action
Brand communicated that it Partnered with UBC Sauder Center for Climate & business to help some of MEC SME suppliers obtain tools to identify carbon emissions reductions.
Additional, targeted support for transition planning: No
Financial Support for Decarbonization
Loans and financing: No
Collective financing initiatives: No
Direct/debt-free financing: No
Responsible/equitable buying to enable climate action
Purchasing decisions incentivize climate action: According to public information, MEC Code of Conduct sets out our minimum standards for workers’ rights and environmental responsibility. We require our suppliers to uphold the Code of Conduct as a condition to doing business with MEC.
Equitable/long-term sourcing to enable climate action: No
Prices enable climate action: No
Climate Adaptation
Adaptation/worker just transition training funded or provided: No
Emergency support developed with local groups: No
Decarbonization Progress
Reducing manufacturing emissions: According to MEC, scope 3 emissions per sold product decreased by 16%, but sufficient absolute data is not available.
Increasing supply chain renewable electricity: No
Coal phase out transition progress: No
Commitment to phase out fossil fuel-derived fibers
Said, does not have plans to phase out synthetics. goal to make 100% polyester/nylon in MEC products from recycled content by 2030.
Deforestation-free materials
Leather: No
Man-made Cellulosic Fibers: Not explicitly. But does say All lyocell in MEC Label products is 100% preferred lyocell (Tencel™) which uses Canopy Hot Button Ranking.
Low-carbon materials
Not many strong examples. work with ALLIED Feather + Down for our RENU:700 Performance Recycled Down. Each season, they collect about 500,000 pillows and comforters that are otherwise destined for the landfill.
Increasing Circularity
MEC is yet to advance ambitious circularity initiatives. It has no set targets to increase recycled cotton and has limited examples of how its investing to move away from high-carbon materials. It worked with ALLIED Feather + Down for RENU:700 Performance Recycled Down.
The company offers resale through its Yard Sale Program and offers Gear Swapping events.
Target & increase recycled cotton
No targets to increase recycled cotton
100% recycled/organic/regen cotton + wool, report on progress
Has a goal of 100% organic cotton for MEC label products. Reports it is 100% of the way towards this target.
Support farmers, transition to regen/organic farming
No
Resale/repair – % total sales/disclosure on #
Y for resale Yard Sale Program. 2024 launched trade in program but just for children’s snow suits. Also offering Gear Swap events
Direct link resale/repair to reduce production
No
Materials transparency
Shares material mix: No
Provides data on units sold: No
MEC does include shipping emissions in its Scope 3 target for 2025, and reported a decrease in emissions against its base year, although the figures were not available at time of publication. No data available on transportation modes, including aviation.
Action to reduce the impact of marine shipping: No evidence of short term actions, but it’s positive to see that MEC joined the Zero Emissions Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA) to collectively drive demand for low-carbon shipping solutions
No strong direct examples.