Havaianas

How ethical and sustainable is Havaianas? 

This flip flop brand is famous all around the world for its colourful rubber sandals, often seen on beaches and in warm countries. But is this flip flop brand ethical and sustainable? The Good Shopping Guide has thoroughly researched this flip flop brand and its parent company, Alpargatas S.A., to cut through the greenwash and show consumers the truth about this brand. Unfortunately, Havaianas has not met our Ethical Benchmark on our Ethical Shoes and Trainers Ratings Table, and we hope to see its Ethical Rating and Havaianas’ sustainability policies improve.

To find out more information about the ethical issues in the Shoes and Trainers industry, read our comprehensive editorial on this sector.

For an even deeper analysis into its business ethics and sustainability, Havaianas could apply for Ethical Accreditation from The Good Shopping Guide.

About Havaianas

A Brazilian company called Havaianas (stylized as havaianas) invented and received a patent for its flip-flop sandals in 1962. Alpargatas S.A., a Brazilian manufacturing firm, is the current owner. Robert Fraser invented the rubber flip-flop and was the first to mass-produce them after being inspired by Japanese zori sandals. The Portuguese word for “Hawaiians” is where the name Havaianas comes from. The sandals’ ease of use and low cost led to their quick rise in popularity among Brazil’s lowest social groups. As a result, the brand now commands 80% of the Brazilian rubber slipper market, and two out of every three Brazilians buy a pair of Havaianas (on average) each year. That’s a lot of flip flops!

The most well-known flip-flops in the world are… Havaianas; the brand sell 200 million pairs annually.

With so many Havaianas being bought and sold around the world, ethical consumers and shoppers will hope that this brand is sustainable and ethical…

Havaianas’s Sustainability and Environmental Report

Alpargatas has a Sustainability Report which contains specific environmental targets and detail on various areas, including reducing its waste and GHG. For this, Havaianas gets a top rating for its Environmental Report.

Are Havaianas made with Sustainable Materials?

40% recycled rubber is used in the production of 97% of Havaianas sandals. This is a notable achievement from Havaianas which has led to a top rating in the Sustainable Materials category.

Is Havaianas Cruelty-Free?

There is no Animal Welfare Report or Policy for Havaianas, however, because this brand uses non-animal material in its flip flops, and has not criticisms levelled against it, this brand receives a middle-rating. We encourage all brands to produce and publish an Animal Welfare Policy and report on the way that animals are treated in its supply chain. This informs both consumers and investors.

Does Havainas have a good and thorough Code of Conduct?

No, unfortunately, there is no supplier Code of Conduct for Havaianas. Although this Code of Conduct does make reference to certain labour governance rules, it is not apparent whether this extends to those who work in the supply chain, hence a low grade has been assigned in this research category. Havainas is also not a member of any Ethical Trading Initiative or standard.

In the context of forest risk commodities, rankings are based on public policies, pledges, and prospective effects on tropical forests (palm oil, soy, beef, leather, timber and paper). Alpargatas SA scored only 13 %.

How can Havainas improve its Ethical Rating?

Havainas should improve its Code of Conduct to ensure that all workers right across its supply chain are protected and given the right to fair pay, to form unions and to work in safe conditions.

If your shoes and trainers brand values ethics and sustainability, why not check out The Good Shopping Guide‘s Ethical Accreditation? Increase customer and investor confidence and stand out from the greenwash.