Ethical Trading & Values

In the 1970s, we started out producing clothes made in Indian villages using hand-loomed cotton, local crafts and vegetable dyes. These green fingered origins have remained integral to us today and we encourage recycling and energy saving across the business.

Energy

With over 1,000 stores, energy use is an area where we can have huge impact. We have already achieved significant savings through a 'Green Action Programme' and by integrating more energy efficient fittings into our stores. For 2012-2013, we have set ourselves the challenging target of a further 10% reduction in the UK. We also have stretching targets to reduce our use of air freight.

Packaging & Waste

We are constantly looking for ways to reduce waste and increase recycling across the business. Our recent initiatives include the use of rainwater harvesting and expanded recycling facilities in our Head Office, removing any unnecessary packaging from our product and using only FSC paper and biodegradable plastic wherever possible. We have also launched a scheme to upcycle our fabric waste by creating unique new products for the Monsoon Trust Boutique.

Sustainable Fashion

We are passionate about promoting sustainable fashion and have sponsored new, upcoming ethical designers at Estethica (London Fashion Week) for over 5 years. Other projects include a three year initiative to help Indian cotton farmers convert to organic farming methods, a scheme to help Indian fashion students develop and use sustainable fabrics and an on-going campaign to encourage customers to upcycle used Monsoon garments through our Clothes for Life campaign.

Carrier Bags in Wales

From 1 October 2011, customers wanting to obtain a carrier bag from Monsoon or Accessorize have been required to pay 5p a bag.The carrier bag charge has been introduced by the Welsh Government to dramatically reduce the number of carrier bags used in Wales and affects all retailers in Wales.

You can avoid paying this charge buy re-using carrier bags or why not buy a cotton ‘shopper’ from Accessorize? Any profit generated from the sale of our carrier bags will be donated to charities in Wales. In 2011-2012, £6,219 was raised and donated to the Ty Hafan children’s hospice.

Further information about this legislation can be found at
http://www.carrierbagchargewales.gov.uk/splash?orig=/

Key Facts

 

£537,000
raised by trust