REI
Performance-focused outdoor apparel, gear, and accessories
REI's Sustainability Rating:
Materials
Slow Consumption
Accountability
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (avoid) to 5 (best). How we rate →
Good
Where REI is doing well: REI helps keeps garments out of landfill by offering a resale program, repair services. It offsets 100% of its operational emissions and has done so for more than a decade. Where REI has room to grow: REI is still reliant on high emissions, fossil-fuel based synthetic materials.
Detailed Summary
Materials
How is this brand using sustainable materials, sourcing, and shipping to reduce its impact?
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Raw Materials
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
Energy Use & Production
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.
Packaging & Distribution
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.
Slow Consumption
Does this brand lower demand for new items by encouraging conscious consumption and facilitating the long-term use of its products?
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Repair & Care
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.
Take Back Programs
REI has a take back program that accepts any brand's clothes or shoes for resale.
Slow Fashion
REI offers a core evergreen collection but also releases new items throughout the year.
Marketing
Commons is currently evaluating REI's marketing emails.
Accountability
Is this brand transparent about its sustainability goals and how it’s working toward them?
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Transparency & Reporting
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.
Emissions Tracking
REI is Climate Neutral certified by the Change Climate Project. It measures and publicly reports its company-level greenhouse gas emissions.
Emissions Targets
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).
Supply Chain & Labor
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.
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