Madewell announced long-term commitments to further its sustainable practices across key areas of the business and in connection with Earth Day in April.
The brand’s sustainability initiatives include production, supply chain, retail and corporate culture, as the company deepens its commitments to better materials, its existing Fair Trade USA partnership, packaging and carbon usage.
Several goals and commitments were announced for 2025 and 2030. For starters, 100 percent of key fibers used in all of Madewell’s materials will be sustainably sourced and free of virgin plastics, including more sustainable cotton, synthetics, cellulosics, wool and leather. To date, 60 percent of Madewell’s spring collection incorporates such sustainable materials.
Madewell will continue to expand its partnership with Fair Trade USA and will have at least 90 percent of its denim confirmed as Fair Trade Certified. Madewell added four Fair Trade Certified denim factories in the past few months and has now nominated 10 additional factories to be certified in the near future. Among the existing ones is the Saitex factory in Vietnam, which prioritizes renewable energy, washes efficiently, air dries and turns its manufacturing waste into bricks for affordable housing.
Madewell’s partnership with Fair Trade USA ensures secure working conditions and equal economic opportunities for all people involved in the Madewell supply chain, from factory to store. Fair Trade USA enables sustainable development and community empowerment by cultivating a more equitable global trade model that benefits farmers, workers, fishermen, consumers, industry and the Earth. It achieves its mission by certifying and promoting fair trade products.
In addition, 100 percent of packaging materials will be sustainably sourced and free of virgin plastics by substituting recycled and alternative sources. Madewell will also ensure that all operations in company-owned and operated facilities are carbon neutral by 2030.
To kick off these commitments, Madewell has added new Spring styles to the brand’s Do Well Shop featuring sustainably made pieces to Fair Trade certified denim. They include a tie-dyed jean jacket, denim short overall, a midi dress and cardigan.
