New fashion scorecard finds over 40% of brands backsliding as they increase pollution, only 7% aligned with Paris Agreement benchmarks; Shein’s pollution balloons 170% over 2-year timeframe

SAN FRANCISCO (Chochenyo and Karkin Ohlone Lands) – For every fashion brand aligned with Paris Agreement benchmarks, nearly six are increasing their pollution. 

That’s according to new analysis by environmental advocacy group Stand.earth, whose 2025 Fossil Free Fashion Scorecard assesses the top apparel and footwear brands on several climate indicators.

• Click here to access the 2025 Fossil Free Fashion Scorecard

It notes that of the 42 brands analyzed, 14 – or 33% of brands – reported sustained pollution reduction of more than 10% against their baseline, with only three (7%) fashion companies having done so in line with a 1.5°C pathway, the foundational benchmark of the Paris Agreement. At the same time, 17 (40%) of the 42 brands increased their carbon footprint compared to their baseline, outpacing those on a 1.5°C path by a nearly 6-to-1 margin.

The report analyzes 42 global brands based on their growth and global prominence, using publicly available data to determine the scores. The companies were assessed across five impact areas: climate and energy transparency; renewable and energy-efficient manufacturing; climate advocacy; low-carbon and deforestation-free materials; and green shipping.

Among the most concerning findings is that e-retailer Shein, which earned an ‘F’ grade in the report, increased its absolute emissions by over 170% in just two years – now emitting nearly as much pollution every year as the entire country of Lebanon. In particular, the report’s researchers note that Shein’s fast-to-market strategy is “alarming,” primarily because it involves sending individual packages directly to consumers by air freight instead of surface or marine transportation.

Other brands earning an ‘F’ grade include Boohoo, Aritzia, Columbia, and Under Armour, which were called out for failing to disclose meaningful climate or energy targets, and for failing to report any significant support for decarbonization initiatives in their supply chains.

“The 2025 Fossil Free Fashion Scorecard makes it clear that the fashion industry is still failing to take the decisive action needed to align with global climate goals,” said Todd Paglia, Executive Director of Stand.earth. “While we see some brands making progress, most others are missing the moment or shirking their responsibility entirely, which is alarming. Moreover, many brands are failing to support their suppliers in transitioning to clean energy, meaning the financial burden of transitioning disproportionately impacts manufacturers. The industry has the resources to act but instead, we see companies making empty promises while continuing business as usual. Brands leading the way, like H&M, are proving that meaningful action is possible, but they must accelerate their efforts and push their competitors to follow suit. We urge fashion brands to publish detailed climate transition plans with interim milestones and supplier engagement plans, prioritize the phasing out of coal and oil-based synthetics, and instead prioritize renewable energy and sustainable materials, while supporting suppliers with financing and long-term contracts to enable decarbonization. Bigger brands in particular can use their muscle to advocate for stronger climate policies to ensure a level-playing field and longevity for the entire industry.” 

Fashion remains one of the world’s most polluting industries, responsible for at least 4% of all climate pollution, and emissions for the sector are forecasted to increase. The bulk of the industry’s emissions happen in the supply chain, and the industry sources in some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Cambodia. With these countries predominantly relying on fossil fuels – and the industry notorious for thin margins – manufacturers have voiced the need for support from brands to support their decarbonization efforts. A 2021 Harvard University study found that one in five deaths globally can be linked to air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels, reinforcing the industry’s responsibility for rapid climate action.

While limited, there are signs of progress: Leading the pack were H&M and Eileen Fisher, which scored a ‘B+’ and ‘B-’, respectively. The report highlights H&M for its climate commitments and transparency, its efforts to support and finance supplier decarbonization, particularly in Bangladesh, as well as its effective climate advocacy initiatives. Eileen Fisher on the other hand was praised for its circularity efforts, particularly its work phasing out fossil-fuel fibers and scaling up recycled materials, which the researchers note is “impressive for a small brand.” The report also commends sportswear company Lululemon, which set a 50% renewable electricity target for its supply chain by 2030, noting that the brand has significantly improved since the last report was published in 2023.

Another encouraging note is that 95% of brands now offer resale or repair programs, signaling that brands are seeing the economic opportunity in circular business models. However, the researchers note that while these efforts are positive, the bulk of impacts happen upstream in the supply chain, which remains unaddressed.

“The fashion industry is at a crossroads, and brands must decide whether they will lead the transition to a fossil-free future, or continue to fuel the climate crisis,” said Rachel Kitchin, Senior Corporate Climate Campaigner at Stand.earth. “The results of this scorecard show that while some brands are taking steps forward, the majority are still failing to act with the  urgency required. Policymakers, industry groups, and citizens have a role to play in holding brands accountable and pushing for change. We need to see more brands making ambitious commitments and following through with real action – because the stakes are too high for anything less.”

Additional report details

Climate and renewable energy: These three areas assessed brands on their decarbonization targets, specifically, whether they are in line with the 1.5°C target,  whether brands are supporting manufacturers with the transition to renewable energy and whether they are involved in positive climate advocacy efforts. The findings show that financing mechanisms are gradually increasing, with H&M pulling ahead of the pack with a wide range of approaches to finance decarbonization. However, two in three brands studied are still failing to reach into their pockets to directly or indirectly finance climate action, while climate adaptation, such as measures to protect from heat and flooding, is still an afterthought. Shein, Boohoo, Columbia and Aritzia all received ‘F’ scores in these three categories, with the researchers noting their failure to disclose meaningful climate targets or transparency around emissions and limited progress on supplier decarbonization. 

Materials and circularity: This area assessed brands on efforts to adopt low carbon and deforestation-free materials, finding that efforts have improved across the board since 2023, with the average grade increasing from an ‘F’ to a ‘D’. Kering (i.e., Gucci, Yves St Laurent, Balenciaga) and Eileen Fisher led this category, with the researchers applauding their efforts to switch to more recycled and regenerative raw materials. Laggards in this category included Boohoo and Chanel due to opacity surrounding materials used and limited efforts in circularity. 

Green shipping: This area assessed brand efforts and targets to reduce emissions from upstream shipping and advocacy efforts for low-carbon vessels and infrastructure, finding that green shipping is still out of focus for brands, with the most common grade in this category being ‘F’. Mammut received an A+ for its efforts, the only company to achieve this due to its sustained reduction in emissions from upstream transportation, strong disclosure of shipping modes and concrete policies on zero-emission transportation. The ‘F’ list includes Shein and Inditex (i.e., Zara, Pull & Bear, Bershka), with the researchers noting substantial increases in their shipping emissions due to a heavy reliance on aviation.

Note to journalists: Stand.earth is a nonpartisan organization that is independent from politics and business interests. In order to maintain our independence, we do not accept government or corporate funding. Our work to protect our planet and people is supported by charitable foundations and tens of thousands of individual donors who share Stand’s vision and believe in our mission.

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Media contact:

Shane Reese, Corporate Campaigns Media Director
shane.reese@stand.earth
+1 919 339 3785 (Eastern Time)