The following principles guide our approach to brand ratings.
Transparency comes first: Brands should publish information about their supply chain to increase accountability and drive improved outcomes for people, planet and animals. They should report the extent to which they adopt known good practices designed to address critical sustainability issues. Consumers have a right to know how a brand impacts the issues they care about.
Consider lifecycle impacts and circularity: Companies should be held responsible for their impact on the environment, workers, and animals at each stage of the value chain—from how products are produced and distributed to how they are used, and then reused, repaired, reinvested in regenerative and circular systems (in some cases), and ultimately, disposed of.
Be comprehensive: The rating system should consider a broad range of sustainability issues to give a comprehensive view of a brand’s overall impact on the environment, workers, and animals. It should be capable of applying to all brands in the market.
Be consumer-centric: The rating system should provide consumers data that is accessible, comparable, and easy to use. It should inform consumer shopping decisions, provide useful feedback to brands, and enable retailers to assess, source, and market more sustainable brands.
Consider issues in proportion to their materiality: Ratings should place appropriate weight on each issue according to how much impact it has on the environment, workers, and animals.
Ensure an evidence-based approach: The rating system and its application should be transparent, based on robust research, and underpinned by good governance processes.
Engage and collaborate widely: Good On You is part of a global movement for change and should work collaboratively with civil society, consumer organisations, and sustainability-focused industry leaders to understand, reflect, and drive industry best practices and leadership.