Our thinking

Fashion scorecard

24 October, 2025

The fashion industry, responsible for at least 4% of global emissions, remains deeply tied to fossil fuels for manufacturing, transport, and materials. This week, Stand.earth’s 2025 Fossil Free Fashion Scorecard shows how far the sector still is from real decarbonisation and alignment with a 1.5°C pathway. The assessment ranks global brands across fast fashion, retail, sportswear, and luxury, evaluating how each is working to decarbonise its full value chain.  

Each brand was graded from A to F across emissions reduction, renewable energy, advocacy, materials, and shipping, drawing on public data, sustainability reports, CDP submissions, and company surveys. The methodology rewards evidence and measurable progress, placing substance over statements and accountability at the core. 

Sadly – but perhaps unsurprisingly – no brand scored an A, but notably H&M Group led the ranking with a B+. The brand stood out for financing supplier transitions and supporting renewable energy uptake, leading to the highest score ever awarded. On the flip side, Patagonia, long seen as the sustainability gold standard, landed a C due to limited public evidence of recent progress. Here, disclosure matters as much as ambition. 

For many brands, ambition still outweighs evidence. Only three of the 42 companies are reducing emissions in line with a 1.5°C pathway, while nearly half have increased their carbon footprint since their baseline year. The gap between promise and progress remains fashion’s biggest credibility test.  

More brands are now setting renewable energy targets and engaging suppliers, offering glimmers of change, but this alone won’t decarbonise our wardrobes. Few fund the supplier transitions or just transition measures needed to protect those most exposed to climate risks. Circularity and low-carbon fibres are part of the solution, yet shared responsibility will determine how fast the shift happens, and who it benefits. 

The Scorecard is a reminder that ambition must be matched with delivery. Fashion’s 1.5°C goals will only mean something if brands invest in real change. The industry has momentum on its side, but the next phase will test who’s willing to do the hard work behind the promises.

By Mariana Garcia