Athleta

Commons couldn't find up to date information about Athleta's overall materials breakdown. For a large brand, we assume it still relies on high-emissions virgin and synthetic materials. In 2019 it was reported that more than 60% of Athleta's materials were 'sustainable fibers' but it's unclear if this is still the case. Athleta appears to use a mix of lower emissions materials, such as GOTS cotton, GRS polyester, and RWS wool, as well as high emissions materials like virgin polyester and nylon. Its parent company, Gap Inc. has published plans to reduce its reliance on high impact materials, including by reaching 100% Better Cotton and 60% recycled polyester, and has shared updates within the last year. However, it appears to have changed these goals significantly since publishing them, by altering targets or deadlines.

Athleta's parent company, Gap Inc., reports that a portion of its energy for its stores and offices comes from renewable sources, but it doesn't disclose information on the energy used in its vast supply chain. Gap Inc. has a goal to source 100% renewable energy for company-operated facilites by 2030 and has shared progress in the last year.

Athleta's parent company, Gap Inc., reports efforts across its brands to eliminate unnecessary or problematic plastic in its packaging by 2025, but this isn't clearly defined. It has initiatives to move to recycled plastics and paper or reusable bags. Gap incentivizes rush shipping for members, which greatly increases the emissions impact of purchases.

Athleta doesn't offer repair services or a warranty.

It gives care instructions that may help extend garment lifespan.

Athleta has a take back program, Athleta Preloved, that accepts its own brand's clothing for resale. Its parent company, Gap Inc., reports on the success of takeback programs across all owned brands, but it's unclear what applies to Athleta.

Athleta offers a few core products, but has frequent new releases and limited editions.

Commons is still evaluating this brand's marketing emails.

Athleta has a sustainability page with information about materials, energy use, labor practices, circularity, but makes it hard to find on its website. Larger brands have a greater responsibility to make this information clearly available due to its outsized impact. This page was last updated in 2023 Its parent company, Gap Inc., has a detailed annual report, with a clear, impact driven strategy and progress reporting. Its latest annual report is from 2023.

Athleta's parent company, Gap Inc, measures its emissions on an overall organization-level and verifies them with a third party. Its last shared update was for 2022, and its estimated total emissions were 5,315,119 MT CO2e

Gap Inc., Athleta's parent company, has SBTi-approved emissions reduction targets for the short and long term. It has shared progress on these targets in the last year and is mostly on track. Gap Inc. offsets a portion of its emissions specific to corporate jet usage.

Gap Inc., Athleta's parent company, publishes the names and locations of its final assembly supply chain partners, but doesn't provide any information on the traceability of its supply chain. It has a supplier code of conduct that restricts subcontracting, allows freedom of association, and prohibits forced labor. Its code of conduct doesn't address unauthorized subcontracting, regular partner audits, or paying living wages.