Shein beats many Aussie retailers on ethical standards

Online fast-fashion giant Shein has beaten some major Australian retailers on ethical standards, according to a worldwide report. 

The 11th Baptist World Aid ethical fashion report was released on Tuesday, sharing data on the ethical practices of 138 Australian and international companies, representing 543 fashion brands. 

The organisation surveys companies on five supply chain matters to give them a score out of 100. 

The fashion website Shein was given a score of 28. 

Surprisingly, while that score was below the average of 31.5, Shein still beat other popular brands such as Myer, Windsor Smith, Ghanda and Quiksilver owner Boardriders. 

Further, Shein has often been slammed online its environmental impact by promoting over-consumption. 

Seafolly, Ghanda and Windsor Smith rated zero.  Activewear maker 2XU scored two points. Boardriders, which also owns surf brands Roxy and Billabong, and Bec and Bridge, scored three. 

Myer scored better, with 20, but still lower than Shein's 28.

How the report gathers data

Baptist World Aid said in the report that Shein provided certain information that Myer, Seafolly, Ghanda, Windsor Smith, Boardriders, 2XU, Bec and Bridge did not, which may be a factor in the scores. 

In general, the companies that did not participate in the research project were assessed only on their publicly available information. 

Baptist World Aid said its researchers undertook a “rigorous engagement process to ensure, to the best of our ability, that all assessed companies are aware of their inclusion in the research, have the opportunity to participate, and are informed of the key project timelines”. 

It added, “This process includes a series of bulk communications sent to all assessed companies, regardless of their level of participation or responsiveness."

Other findings in the Baptist World Aid report

The report found that only 13% of the fashion companies surveyed could show evidence of paying a living wage to any of the workers in their supply chain. 

It also noted that Australia ranks as the world’s highest consumer of textiles per person, with more than 200,000 tonnes of clothing ending up in landfill every year. 

“Overproduction particularly remains a growing challenge to sustainability,” the report said.