A brand I find myself using/wearing constantly is Carhartt. I personally really enjoy wearing Carhartt products both at work and for leisure. Upon researching Carhartt’s business and ethical practices I first came across their corporate responsibility page on the official Carhartt website. This page generally sums up Carhartt’s general practices as a large corporation, specifically certifications, internal accountability, training, community and international affairs, safety regulations and information regarding counterfeit product. Carhartt takes a large accountability when it comes to product safety, since they offer products that are labeled as flame-resistant and high visibility. In this section they specify the material and code requirements these products meet for certain job sites and work environments. They also give a general statement regarding certain chemicals and fabrics used to produce their product that reads “Carhartt works hard to ensure that our garments are designed and manufactured responsibly, and that any chemicals in our finished goods comply with all applicable laws and regulations.”

In a different section of this page Carhartt also addresses their social responsibility in the global market. They describe an established “Code of Conduct” that is set into place as minimum standards for all Carhartt suppliers internationally. This code of conduct was created around general international labor and human rights standards. They also address their global market with this statement “Building on our roots as an American company, Carhartt products are today manufactured and sold globally. Production is centered in company-owned factories in the U.S. and Mexico, and in a network of supplier and licensee factories around the world.” In another section Carhartt describes a “Quality assurance personnel visit” where certain individuals who are well trained in workplace safety, conditions and regulations are to “visit and work in supplier facilities on an ongoing basis.”

While these direct principles make for a solid ethical structure for the company I do believe that further action can be taken to prove their highly claimed ethical standards. Carhartt does not mention any responsibility involved with environmental protection besides their use of eco-friendly cotton. Carhartt also offers products that contain leather and wool but fails to address a policy that ensures the animals used to harvest these materials are treated with care and respect. While I am sure Carhartt does practice environmental protection and avoids poorly treating animals I would recommend a presented policy or addressing these issues on the companies corporate responsibility page.