REI

REI Co-Op Brand uses a mix of low impact fibers, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester, and high impact fibers, like conventional cotton and virgin polyester, in its garments. Commons could not find evidence of plans to further reduce its use of high impact fibers.

REI Co-Op Brand publishes specific information about its renewable energy use at its stores and offices, and partially at its production facilities. The brand has plans to expand its renewable energy use over the next decade. REI sources and manufactures its materials globally, which is standard practice in the fashion industry.

REI has made efforts to reduce the amount of virgin plastic in its packaging. Its eco-friendly packaging materials include FSC-certified material and certified post-consumer waste materials. It has made specific efforts to minimize packaging overall for its own brand.

REI has a repair program and a gear rental program. The brand does not offer a warranty, but offers a 1 year return window for members. It gives detailed and environmentally conscious care instructions for its garments.

REI has a take back program that accepts any brand's clothes or shoes for resale.

REI offers a core evergreen collection but also releases new items throughout the year.

Commons is currently evaluating REI's marketing emails.

REI has a sustainability page last updated in 2024 with information about materials, packaging, labor practices, production waste, energy use, emissions reduction, emissions measurement, current initiatives and progress, and circularity. REI also has a detailed annual report, with a clear, impact driven strategy and progress reporting. Its latest annual report is from 2023.

REI is Climate Neutral certified by the Change Climate Project. It measures and publicly reports its company-level greenhouse gas emissions.

REI has medium to long-term reduction goals and has shared progress on these in the last year. It appears to be on track for some goals, but not for others. REI offsets emissions for all of its operational emissions (Scope 1-3, excluding customer use and external brands).

REI publishes the names and locations of its supply chain partners (Tiers 1 and 2). It has a supplier code of conduct, which includes no forced labor, allowance for collective bargaining, and partner audits. It does not mention a living wage or restricting subcontracting.