Our Sustainability Rating System

Every business in our directory receives a sustainability rating from 0 to 7 points. Unlike certification-based systems that only benefit large corporations, our approach is fair to businesses of all sizes - from local ateliers to established brands.

Rating Scale

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Excellent

5.5 - 7.0 points

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Good

4.0 - 5.4 points

⭐⭐⭐

Fair

2.5 - 3.9 points

⭐⭐

Emerging

1.0 - 2.4 points

⭐

Unknown

0 - 0.9 points

Materials

3.0

points maximum

Business Practice

2.5

points maximum

Circularity

1.5

points maximum

Materials (3.0 points max)

We evaluate what products are actually made from, focusing on observable materials rather than expensive certifications.

+1.0

Natural & Low-Impact Materials

Primarily uses linen, organic cotton, TENCEL™, hemp, wool, or silk. We check product descriptions and tags to verify material choices.

+1.0

Avoids Problematic Materials

Products don't rely on virgin polyester, acrylic, conventional leather, or PVC. Avoiding harmful materials is just as important as using good ones.

+0.5

Transparent Material Sourcing

States where materials come from (e.g., "Italian linen," "Portuguese cotton," "deadstock fabrics"). Transparency shows they care about their supply chain.

+0.5

Durability & Quality Signals

Heavy-weight fabrics, reinforced construction, repair services offered, or detailed care instructions. Built to last, not disposable.

-1.0

Fast Fashion Penalty

Weekly new arrivals, average prices under €15, or trend-chasing business model. Fast fashion is fundamentally unsustainable.

Business Practice (2.5 points max)

How businesses operate matters. We look at production location, transparency, pricing that suggests fair wages, and business model longevity.

+1.0

Local or Small-Batch Production

Made locally, in-country, or within the EU. Small-batch or made-to-order production. Local production typically means better working conditions and oversight.

+0.5

Transparent About Makers

Shows workshop photos, names artisans, or explains the production process. Transparency indicates pride in working conditions.

+0.5

Fair Pricing Model

Mid-to-high prices (€50-200 for dresses/tops) that suggest fair wages are possible. Race-to-bottom pricing makes ethical production impossible.

+0.5

Longevity-Focused Business Model

Offers repair services, provides care instructions, creates timeless designs, or operates resale/rental programs. Built for the long term.

-1.0

Business Red Flags

Dropshipping model, completely anonymous production, or pricing so low that fair wages are impossible.

Circularity & Impact (1.5 points max)

Beyond making the product - what about waste, packaging, and end-of-life thinking?

+0.5

Minimal Packaging

Plastic-free packaging, uses recycled or reused materials, minimal wrapping. We check product photos and customer reviews.

+0.5

End-of-Life Solutions

Take-back programs, repair services, resale platforms, or clothing swap events. Thinking beyond the first sale.

+0.5

Waste Reduction Practices

Uses deadstock fabrics, upcycles materials, employs zero-waste pattern cutting, or operates on a pre-order model to minimize waste.

Why Our System is Different

  • No certification bias: Small businesses without expensive certifications can score just as high as major brands with certification budgets.
  • Observable criteria: We rate based on what anyone can verify - product materials, pricing, website information, and stated practices.
  • Fair to all sizes: A local designer using natural materials and producing locally can achieve a perfect 7/7 score.
  • Transparent methodology: Every business knows exactly what they're being evaluated on and how to improve their score.
  • Regularly updated: Ratings are reviewed quarterly. Businesses can request re-evaluation anytime they make improvements.

Real-World Examples

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Excellent (7.0/7)

Local Linen Atelier

  • 100% natural European linen
  • Made in own city workshop
  • Lifetime repair guarantee
  • Plastic-free packaging
  • Made-to-order model

⭐⭐⭐

Fair (3.0/7)

Standard Boutique

  • Mix of cotton and synthetics
  • Made in EU
  • Mid-range pricing
  • Seasonal collections
  • Limited sustainability info

Want to Improve Your Score?

Every business receives a clear breakdown of their rating with specific, actionable recommendations for improvement. Whether you're starting at 2.0 or 5.5, we show you exactly what steps will increase your score.

Ratings are updated quarterly, and businesses can request re-evaluation anytime they make changes.

Add Your Business →

Questions about our rating system? Contact us