Andrex

How ethical is Andrex?

Andrex is a brand of toilet paper which has been given a below-benchmark score on The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Toilet Paper Ratings Table. Although it has not yet met our ethical benchmark, we hope to see Andrex make progress in future.

Read more about the issues facing the Ethical Toilet Paper sector and find out which companies have achieved accreditation for their commitment to being ethical and sustainable.

What does Andrex do?

Andrex takes its name from the St Andrew’s Mill, Walthamstow, where it was first produced in 1942. It was originally developed from a design for a gentleman’s disposable handkerchief, sold exclusively in Harrods department store, London and now makes a range of toilet paper, tissues and wipes.

In which areas does Andrex perform poorly?

Andrex gets a bottom rating for Animal Welfare as parent company, Kimberley-Clark, confirms that animal testing is used when required by law.

Andrex scores poorly for Political Donations as Kimberley-Clark donated more than our threshold amount in recent election cycles.

Past Criticisms of Andrex’s record

In 2022 Kimberley-Clark agreed to pay a $20m settlement relating to claims that its ‘flushable’ wipes cause damage to and clog pipes, and are not suitable to be flushed as advertised.

In which areas does Andrex perform well for its ethics?

Andrex gets a top rating for its Environmental Report, as Kimberley-Clark’s 2030 Goals publication  includes several targets on carbon emissions and use of water and plastics.

We found no criticisms of Andrex relating to; Nuclear Power, Fossil Fuels, Armaments, or Irresponsible Marketing, so the brand scores well across these criteria.

How can Andrex improve its ethical rating?

The below-benchmark score that Andrex is awarded is the result of an evaluation of multiple ethical criteria. To reach our minimum benchmark score and qualify for Ethical Accreditation, Andrex has some issues to resolve including its high Political Donations. Find out more about how we rate.

Were you aware that your brand could benefit from Ethical Accreditation? Brands accredited by The Good Shopping Guide can display our Ethical Mark, showcasing to consumers that it is an ethical and sustainable brand. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us or complete a Free Initial Assessment form.