The company adheres to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and pursues a zero-tolerance approach. The company’s Code of Conduct sets out ethical standards that all employees and partners must follow. These include safe working conditions, no child labour, fair wages and the prohibition of slavery and discrimination. Fred Perry also cooperates with The Reassurance Network, which aims to optimise working conditions and support factories in the implementation of improvement plans. Internal audits are carried out by a CSR team and independent audits are carried out annually by third parties.
Fred Perry maintains close relationships with suppliers in 7 countries (El Salvador, China, Vietnam, United Kingdom, Portugal, Italy, Germany) and 43 active factories, which shows the dimensions of the international company. Some partnerships have lasted for more than two decades.
Fred Perry incorporates recycled polyester and other synthetic fibres, leather, and wool in addition to cotton in its collections. Many products are made from monofibres, while some use blended fibres that pose challenges for recycling. The company is a member of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and aims to source 100% of its cotton through BCI by 2024, demonstrating its commitment to ecological sustainability in cotton production.
Fred Perry encourages customers to extend the lifespan of their textiles through conscious washing and repairing practices.
But apart from this, they do not have any circular business model in place, nor do they mention any circular design principles that could be implemented in the collections.
Fred Perry’s headquarter is located in London, United Kingdom. The company’s suppliers are situated in the United Kingdom, China, Vietnam, Portugal, Italy, Germany, and El Salvador, with 43 active factories. This causes the supply chain to be very complicated, both in long distances and in complexity of many links in the value chain.
Due to its international presence, Fred Perry transports textiles via air freight, road, and rail networks.
Fred Perry guarantees humane treatment of animals throughout its supply chain. The company adheres to the “Five Freedoms” of animal welfare and prohibits the use of materials from endangered species and real fur in its products.
Leather and hides must be responsibly sourced as by-products of the food industry, while wool must come from sheep, lambs, merino, and cashmere raised under fair conditions and without mulesing. Feathers and down must originate from farms certified under the Responsible Down Standard (RDS).
Fred Perry focuses on classic and timeless looks. The popular M12 polo shirt, designed in the 1950s, remains an authentic original that has undergone minimal changes over the years. On their website, customers can find a guide on how to care for these shirts to promote their longevity.
The company publishes its CSR and sustainability policies, which include commitments to ethical trade, supply chain transparency, human rights, responsible sourcing, and chemical management. However, customers do not have insight into the true cost of the textiles.
Conclusion
Fred Perry stands out in the fashion industry with its British heritage, timeless designs and its combination of sportswear and streetwear. The British company has been impressing customers for years with its popular M12 polo. COSH! Would like to see more sustainable measures taken in order for the brand to perform better socially and environmentally despite its international presence.
