Impact Report

How Sustainable Is Stella McCartney?

Founded in 2001 in London, UK by Stella McCartney, the brand is a luxury fashion house known for its pioneering commitment to cruelty-free and sustainable design.

Stella McCartney leads in sustainable luxury, pioneering animal‑free design and next‑gen materials while advancing ethical sourcing and circular innovation.

1. Environmental
Sustainability

Stella McCartney continues to position itself as a sustainability pioneer in luxury fashion, with substantial progress on material innovations, certifications, and partnerships focused on reducing its environmental impact. The brand shows leadership in next-gen, animal-free alternatives and resource-conscious design. While advancements are ongoing, some aspects, such as comprehensive emissions disclosure and deeper supply chain traceability, are still evolving.
IMPACT AREA 01

Materials
& Sourcing

  1. Committed to using over 85% preferred materials in collections by 2025, defined as organic, regenerative, and recycled fibers or verified deforestation-free.
  2. All forest-derived products (including packaging) are FSC-certified or made from post-consumer waste.
  3. Partnered with LVMH to support forest protection and Next-Gen Solutions in viscose sourcing.
  4. Joined the CanopyStyle initiative to ensure cellulosic fibers like viscose do not originate from ancient or endangered forests.
  5. Replaced virgin nylon with Econyl® regenerated nylon, reducing CO₂e by up to 90% compared to virgin nylon.
  6. Introduced Mirum® (plastic and petroleum-free leather alternative), launched in summer 2023.
  7. Partnered with Radiant Matter to explore plastic-free sequins from plant-derived cellulose.
  8. Participates in the Textile Exchange’s Material Change Index (MCI) and publishes its Preferred Materials Policies.
  9. Since 2016, Stella McCartney uses only Re.Verso™ recycled cashmere, reducing its cashmere-related environmental impact by over 90%.
  10. Cashmere is sourced from post-factory waste in Italy and certified under the Global Recycling Standard (GRS).
  11. Silk sourcing includes Peace Silk (harvested without harming silkworms) and innovative bioengineered spider silk in partnership with Bolt Threads.
  12. Extensive use of recycled polyester and recycled nylon (including fishing nets and carpet waste) in bags, shoes, and apparel; over 10 tonnes of nylon waste diverted from landfill to date.
  13. Handbag linings have been made from recycled water bottles since 2012.
  14. Metals used (primarily brass in bag chains) are being evaluated for environmental impact, with efforts to increase low-impact or recycled content.
  15. Ongoing investments in next-gen leather alternatives such as Mylo™ (grown from mushroom root systems) and Alter-Nappa (solvent-free and waterborne PU).
  16. Wool portfolio includes regenerative NATIVA™ wool, Responsible Wool Standard-certified wool, and recycled wool. Traceability down to the farm level is emphasized.
  17. One of Stella McCartney’s key wool yarns earned Gold-Level Cradle to Cradle Certification®, verifying progress in material health, social fairness, and climate impact.
IMPACT AREA 02

Climate
& Emissions

  1. Committed to reducing absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 46.2% by 2030, using a 2019 baseline. In 2023, the brand reported a 36% reduction in Scope 3 emissions compared to the restated 2019 baseline. 
  2. Does not publish full Scope 1, 2, or 3 emissions data for the reporting year, which limits progress transparency.
  3. Ongoing transition to renewable energy at offices and retail spaces, with 81% of owned/leased sites powered by renewable electricity in 2022.
  4. Implemented carbon assessments for flagship stores and operations through 3rd parties.
IMPACT AREA 03

Water
& Chemicals

  1. No quantifiable data disclosed on water usage in production or supply chain.
  2. No public target for water reduction or wastewater treatment was found.
  3. The brand avoids PVC, fur, feathers, and exotic skins, all of which may involve toxic treatments.
  4. Adopts the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) across key suppliers.
  5. Several material suppliers are OEKO-TEX and bluesign® certified, which restrict hazardous chemicals.
  6. Certification transparency remains limited the report highlights supplier-level certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX, etc., but does not disclose product-level verification.

IMPACT AREA 04

Circularity
& Waste

  1. Packaging is designed to be recyclable and is made from FSC-certified or at least 50% recycled paper content, printed with soy-based inks. Stella McCartney is a signatory to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, pledging to ensure all plastics used are recycled, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.
  2. Stella McCartney has launched resale pilots (e.g., with The RealReal) and supports circular business models.It has piloted consumer-facing take-back and recycling schemes (e.g., Close-the-Loop parka), though a system-wide take-back or repair program has not yet been disclosed for its full product range.
  3. The brand joined Fashion For Good’s Polybag Collection pilot, trialing garment bag recycling in its London store. It aims to create a circular loop where collected plastic is recycled into new packaging. 
  4. Product circularity is explored through the use of ECONYL® (regenerated nylon) in bags and swimwear, as well as investment in biological materials that can safely decompose under the right conditions, alongside regenerative farming practices that promote soil health and biodiversity.

2. Social
Sustainability

Stella McCartney demonstrates a longstanding commitment to social sustainability, particularly in areas like animal welfare and responsible material sourcing. The brand relies on established audit protocols, certifications, and supplier policies to promote fair labor practices across its value chain. While continued progress is being made, greater public transparency around workforce policies and deeper traceability into the supply chain would further strengthen its leadership in this space.
IMPACT AREA 05

Animal
Welfare

  1. Stella McCartney’s brand identity is rooted in animal-free design and cruelty-free innovation. The brand does not use leather, fur, or exotic animal skins in its collections. 
  2. It advocates for replacing animal-derived materials with lower-impact alternatives and has promoted itself as a leader in cruelty-free fashion for over two decades.
  3. The brand states that it adopts the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare across its sourcing supply chains, covering freedom from hunger and thirst, discomfort, fear, freedom from pain, and the ability to express natural behavior. 
  4. While Stella McCartney avoids animal-derived leather and fur, it continues to use wool, which is sourced under strict animal welfare and environmental standards. The brand has a no-mulesing policy and sources wool from farms that uphold animal welfare and environmental stewardship practices. Its wool portfolio includes:
    1. NATIVA™ regenerative wool, which provides blockchain traceability down to the farm level and follows a strict NATIVA™ Protocol covering social and environmental welfare.
    2. Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified wool, ensuring third-party verified animal welfare protection, land health, and social responsibility standards throughout the supply chain.
    3. Recycled wool, used to minimize the environmental and ethical impacts associated with virgin fiber production.
  5. Stella McCartney invests in sustainable wool innovation: Achieved Gold-Level Cradle to Cradle Certification® for one of its most-used wool yarns, focusing on pesticide-free farming, safer dye chemistry, and improved material health and safety in the supply chain. 
IMPACT AREA 06

Workplace
Practices

  1. As of 31 December 2023, Stella McCartney reported 633 employees across seven countries, with 79% identifying as women. 
  2. DEI policies are referenced in the context of fostering an inclusive workplace, though specific internal frameworks or targets are not disclosed.
  3. 58 internal employees have received training on modern slavery risks and indicators, including sessions led by the UK Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).
  4. Educational development is supported through internal learning programs, including sustainability-related training, which is offered via various training formats to accommodate the different needs. 
  5. As emphasized in their sustainability report, Stella McCartney focuses its social impact strategy on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Learning & Development. 
IMPACT AREA 07

Supply Chain
Workers’ Rights

  1. Suppliers must sign Stella McCartney’s Supplier Code of Conduct, which is based on the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and aligned with the UN Global Compact principles. The Code is distributed alongside the Responsible Sourcing Guide, Modern Slavery Policy, and Subcontracting Policy.
  2. Since 2019, 149 suppliers have been assessed through audits, which may include unannounced visits. 
  3. All Tier 1 suppliers and their subcontractors must undergo audits before production begins, with Stella McCartney requiring full visibility into their suppliers. Prior to each audit, the company conducts a detailed risk assessment, engaging with local experts and brand peers to better understand region-specific risks.
  4. Where audits or assessments reveal non-compliance (e.g., excessive overtime, late wages), no quantitative outcomes are disclosed, but remediation is required. 
  5. Stella McCartney aims to achieve full traceability across all tiers of its supply chain and acknowledges that the greatest human rights risks often lie in lower tiers. However, the brand also notes that mapping upstream suppliers, especially raw material sources, remains a significant challenge, and complete traceability has not yet been achieved.
  6. The Modern Slavery Statement is published annually and outlines how Stella McCartney screens suppliers, assesses risks, provides training, and takes action when modern slavery risks are identified.
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Sources

  1. Impact Report, 2023 https://www.stellamccartney.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-StellaMcCartneySharedLibrary/default/dw9ddf5208/report/SMC_Impact_Report_2023_v5.pdf 
  2. Written evidence submitted by Stella McCartney (FL0027) to Parliament, UK https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/13769/pdf/  
  3. Cruelty Free Materials
    https://www.stellamccartney.com/gb/en/sustainability/fur-free-fur.html?srsltid=AfmBOor_FOiQxpJUpcOW_Gw-yyBQN-A0DukLMt_x99UguLD8abkTq5ZY 
  4. Social sustainability https://www.stellamccartney.com/gb/en/sustainability/social-sustainability.html 
  5. Supplier Ethical Code of Conduct  https://www.stellamccartney.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-StellaMcCartneySharedLibrary/default/dw75f86b51/report/SMC_Code_of_Conduct_English.pdf
  6. Responsible Sourcing Guide  https://www.stellamccartney.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-StellaMcCartneySharedLibrary/default/dw01ca0b03/report/STELLA_RESPONSIBLE_SOURCING_GUIDE_SPREADS_v18_Final_Updated.pdf
  7. Supplier Subcontracting Policy  https://www.stellamccartney.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-StellaMcCartneySharedLibrary/default/dw9130ce7f/report/SMC_Subcontracting_Policy.pdf
  8. Modern Slavery Policy for Partners https://www.stellamccartney.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-StellaMcCartneySharedLibrary/default/dw46acf14a/report/SMC_Modern_Slavery_Policy_for_Partners.pdf