Darn Tough
Organic cotton and merino wool socks for sports and hiking
Darn Tough's Sustainability Rating
Acceptable
Raw Materials
Commons couldn't find clear information on the overall proportion of materials this brand uses. It uses both lower emissions materials, like RWS wool and REPREVE recycled nylon, as well as high emissions materials, like virgin nylon, wool, spandex, elastane, and virgin polyester. It has nonspecific plans to reduce its reliance on high emissions materials by working to shift to 100% RWS wool and to recycled nylon as much as possible. Commons wasn't able to find recent reported progress on these goals within the last year.
Energy Use & Production
Darn Tough reports using renewable energy in its offices and production sites, but doesn't specify the source or proportion. It sources its materials globally, but has localized its production to the state of Vermont.
Packaging & Distribution
Darn Tough has made efforts to reduce the amount of virgin plastic in its packaging. Its eco-friendly packaging materials include 100% recycled cardboard and FSC-certified paper, and it's working to move its polybags to recycled plastic.
Repair & Care
Darn Tough doesn't offer repair services or support, but it does offer a lifetime unconditional warranty. It gives detailed and environmentally conscious care instructions for its products.
Take Back Programs
Commons couldn't find information on any take back programs.
Slow Fashion
Darn Tough offers a core collection but also releases new items throughout the year. It limits these new additions and releases, and limits overproduction and waste by developing partnerships for pre and post-consumer yarn recycling.
Marketing
Commons is still analyzing this brand's marketing materials.
Transparency & Reporting
Darn Tough has a prominent sustainability page which contains detailed information about materials and packaging. It is unclear how often this page or information is kept up to date. Darn Tough doesn't publish its own annual sustainability report, but participates in the Outdoor Industry Association's annual disclosures.
Emissions Tracking
Commons couldn't find information on Darn Tough's emissions tracking. As of 2023, it listed its emissions measurement status as 'in progress' via the Outdoor Industry Association.
Emissions Targets
Darn Tough has science-aligned emissions reduction targets for the medium-term, but it hasn't shared progress on these targets in the last year. Commons couldn't find verification that it offsets any emissions.
Supply Chain & Labor
Darn Tough doesn't publish information about its supply chain partners. It doesn't have or doesn't make public any supplier code of conduct.
Darn Tough receives a Fair rating because it has initiaitives around its materials and circularity, but still has room to improve in its emissions footprint and overall reporting.
Darn Tough takes responsibility for the full lifecycle of its products by offering a comprehensive lifetime warranty and developing textile recycling partnerships for pre and post-consumer waste. However, it's still reliant on high emissions materials like conventional wool. Darn Tough hasn't yet publicly shared its emissions, and it doesn't disclose its supplier code of conduct.
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