Glimpact maps environmental footprint of apparel from Patagonia, Reformation, H&M, Ralph Lauren, Alo Yoga

Glimpact has released a new study assessing the true ecological cost of apparel from leading brands, including Patagonia, Reformation, H&M, Ralph Lauren, and Alo Yoga.

The findings challenge conventional assumptions about sustainability in fashion, showing that carbon emissions account for just 23% of a typical product’s environmental footprint.

Using the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method, a science-based approach adopted by the European Union to standardise environmental assessments, Glimpact evaluated more than 100 apparel items across 16 environmental impact categories. These include particulate pollution, fossil resource depletion, and water use, which together make up over 75% of an apparel product’s total footprint.

Among the study’s findings: 

• Reformation’s Tessa Hoodie, made from 100% organic cotton, had the highest impact of the women’s sweatshirts tested. It surpassed Alo Yoga’s Accolade Hoodie (which makes no sustainability claims) and Patagonia’s Fitz Roy Icon Uprisal Hoody, made entirely from recycled materials.

• Packaging and distribution, frequent focal points in ESG strategies, account for less than 7% of total product impact on average.

• Raw materials and manufacturing contribute more than 90% of a product’s impact, making them the most effective targets for sustainability interventions.

The study highlights the nuance behind material choices. For example, simply changing the source of cotton used in Reformation’s hoodie could reduce its footprint by up to 40%. Similarly, changing dyeing processes, a major impact hotspot, could shrink Patagonia’s hoodie footprint by over 10%.

Glimpact also analysed men’s pants across brands. Ralph Lauren’s Straight Fit Linen-Cotton Pant showed a smaller environmental footprint than Patagonia’s jeans and H&M’s Slim Fit Chinos, due to the lower impact properties of linen and the brand’s use of low-impact dyeing.

“Carbon is just the tip of the iceberg,” says Christophe Girardier, CEO at Glimpact. “Brands are pouring millions into recycled packaging and carbon offsets while ignoring the fact that 90% of their impact is baked in before a single product is even sewn. If we don’t start measuring what really matters, raw material origin, dyeing, and fiber choices, we’re not solving the climate crisis, we’re greenwashing it.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.