In modern society, a company must make it a priority to honor its social responsibilities and maintain sustainable business practices. As I am constantly working out, I look for the comfiest pieces to wear, and the brand Skims has become my top choice. The rising shapewear and lounger wear brand has taken over the internet. Collections selling out within minutes prove that founder Kim Kardashian has significant influence. In 2019 when the brand first launched, Kim received loads of criticism for its original name, “kimono.” Many viewed this name as cultural appropriation; to keep the public happy, they relaunched as Skims.
The brand has failed to provide relevant information on its ethics and sustainability. Skims vaguely states that it is “committed to the highest ethical standards and legal compliance in all aspects of its business and product supply chain. the brand also states that it only works with suppliers and vendors who it believes in and shares its commitment to sustainability, accountability, and transparency”. However, this statement doesn’t cover the details of the company’s environmental impact and labor conditions.
The company claims to provide its warehouse and factory workers with fair wages, safe environments, and healthy working conditions. However, seven former staff members have accused Kim of withholding wages, refusing to pay overtime, and not giving them meal breaks. Although The former employees were her gardening and maintenance staff, it gives consumers an insight into the business moguls’ business practices and what it may be like for workers abroad.
Skims has made efforts to remove the plastic and non-recyclable materials from its packaging and replace them with recycled paper boxes and compostable, eco-friendly bags. However, critics worry that the company is greenwashing; the term greenwashing means that a company deceives its customers into thinking its products and organization policies are environmentally friendly. The film package states in bold, “I AM NOT PLASTIC,” on the front and a number 4 logo. Changing Markets Foundation, which is a non-profit organization with a “mission to expose irresponsible corporate practices and drive change towards a more sustainable economy,” explained that the triangular logo — a recycling symbol — inside which the number ‘4’ appears indicates that the packaging is made from type-4 plastic, or low-density polyethylene (LDPE). This contradicts the packaging statement of I am not plastic, which consumers are typically unaware of this information.
I recommend that that company becomes more transparent with its values. The truth will come out either way, so it’d be wise for them to explain themselves firsthand instead of people finding out on their own. If they want people to continue supporting them, they must honor their social responsibilities. The all-inclusive brand should consider including more information about how, where, and by who its items are produced, also the materials used, so consumers are not in the dark.
Sources
https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/kim-kardashian-kimono-brand-rename-backlash-1203208936/
