Joules

How ethical is Joules? 

Joules, a fashion retailer owned by Next Plc, is one of The Good Shopping Guide’s low-rated ethical brands. The brand receives a low Good Shopping Guide ethical score in our Ethical Fashion Retailers Ratings Table and therefore does not meet our ethical benchmark.

We encourage Joules to adopt more ethical policies and practices to improve its overall record.

In what areas does Joules perform poorly?

Joules’ low ethical rating is primarily a result of its ownership by Next Plc, which is implicated in numerous unethical practices. For instance, Joules receives a bottom rating for Human Rights, as Next has been involved in several workers’ rights issues across its supply chain. Due to a high volume of human rights criticisms, Joules also receives a bottom rating for Human Rights+.

Additionally, Joules receives a bottom rating in the Organic category, as it does not have any organic-certified clothing products.

In what areas does Joules perform well?

As Next has a comprehensive CSR Report with targets to improve its record in areas such as raw materials, cotton and carbon emissions, Joules receives a top rating in the Environmental Report criterion. Having a report with clear targets shows the company is committed to improving its environmental record.

Joules also receives a top rating in the Better Cotton Initiative and Ethical Trading Schemes categories, as Next is a member of both the Better Cotton Initiative and the Ethical Trading Initiative.