Methodology: Our Research and Ethical Audits

The Good Shopping Guide audits brands for their ethical impact on the environment, people and animals. We publish our results on our Ethical Ratings tables. We have created tables for every product section, and score companies so they can be compared across a range of criteria. Our tables are designed to give readers a quick, at-a-glance view of the overall ethical scores awarded to different companies and brands. We conduct one of the most rigorous appraisals of any ethical consumer accreditation bodies.

But how do we audit brands? What’s our methodology?

Here’s how we rate.

The Good Shopping Guide presents brands in two groups on our tables:

Brands listed in the green section: these brands score well in every ethical criterion that is relevant to that particular product sector. These companies may apply to use The Good Shopping Guide Ethical Accreditation logo on packaging and marketing materials.
Brands listed in the red section: these brands score poorly against other companies in their product sector.

Our Research

We research the records of the companies and the parent companies that own popular brands. In some cases, supposedly ethical brands score much lower than you might expect. This is because the parent company of the brand is involved in unethical practices, often on behalf of other brands in their wider portfolios. For example:

A skincare brand certified by Cruelty-Free International’s Leaping Bunny might receive a low rating under our Animal Welfare criteria. We may have investigated this brand’s parent company and found that it is involved in animal testing.
A Fairtrade-certified chocolate brand might be given a middle rating under Fairtrade. We may have investigated this brand’s parent company and discovered that other brands in their portfolio are not Fairtrade certified.

Our investigation into parent companies is what makes our auditing process so unique amongst other ethical accreditation bodies.

The Category Definitions: Environment, Animals, People and Other

Our criteria are split into four categories:

Environment
Animals
People
Other

Let’s break down the specific requirements for each of these categories.

Environment

Environmental Report

The quality of a company’s environmental reporting says a lot about its ethical standards. Sustainability and CSR reports (Corporate Social Responsibility) are becoming more commonplace. So for consumers, it’s getting easier to rate companies on their environmental efforts and impact. A good report will contain several fixed targets rather than vague statements of intent.

To earn The Good Shopping Guide top rating, the report must be dated within the last two years. The report must set multiple concrete and company-wide performance targets relating to the environment, and display some evidence of progress on previous targets. It must also demonstrate an understanding of the company’s main environmental impacts.

These requirements may be less strict for small and medium sized companies. For instance, small companies’ environmental reports may be less comprehensive but may still earn a top rating. Companies which fail to publish any report get a bottom rating; companies with inadequate reports get a middle rating.

Nuclear Power

Social and environmental campaigners target nuclear power for two main reasons: its link to the production of nuclear weapons and the pollutant properties of radioactive waste.

Nuclear waste remains dangerous for 250,000 years, which greatly increases the security problem attached to its potential for use in nuclear weapons. The nuclear industry argues that, as an electricity generator that does not produce greenhouse gases, nuclear power should have a role in combating climate change. However, environmental campaigners prefer to support a sustainable future through energy conservation and the development of ‘cleaner’ power sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power. These renewables do not come with the same risks as nuclear power.

A bottom rating indicates the company is involved in the design, construction or operation of nuclear power stations, radioactive waste handling and/or the mining, processing, or reprocessing of uranium. It also may indicate the production of other nuclear-related equipment, such as monitoring facilities. Companies receive a bottom rating if they are found to be involved in the Nuclear Power industry. This includes companies listed in the Buyers’ Guide of Nuclear Engineering International or those that are members of the World Nuclear Association, Nuclear Industry Association, or World Nuclear Transport Institute.

Genetic Modification (GM)

No one really knows the possible effects of GM food (Genetically Modified food) on our health and the environment. GM crops have not been around long enough for scientists to know if these foods are truly safe for consumption. The public and certain NGOs are therefore anxious about their use. Releasing genetically altered organisms into the environment could disrupt ecosystems, as genetically modified crops are typically considered more harmful to many groups of wildlife than their conventional equivalent. Sometimes, the genetic code for these GM crops can be patented and owned by large seed companies, which gives these companies power over farmers.

In the Food and Drink sectors, a bottom rating indicates that the company uses GM ingredients in any of its products. A middle rating is given to companies that do not have a policy on their website regarding the use of GMOs but where no negative records were found. A top rating is awarded to companies that clearly state that they do not use GM ingredients in their products. There are other categories where this methodology is also applied, such as the Period Products section, where GM cotton is a prevalent issue.

In other sectors, a bottom rating is awarded to companies involved in the non-medical genetic modification of plants or animals or to companies that use GM in their products. A top rating is awarded to companies that have a statement opposing the use of GM crops and/or where no criticisms have been found.

Organic

Non-organic farming reduces biodiversity, encourages irreversible soil erosion and generates run-off that is awash with harmful chemicals. Organic produce is grown or made without the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides.

In the Fashion sector, a company only receives a top ethical rating if it sells one or more own-brand product lines made of certified organic material, such as from the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS).

In all other sectors where this category appears, a top rating indicates that one or more of the brand’s products is approved by an organic certification body, including, but not limited to, Soil Association, European Union, ECOCERT, and USDA.

Fossil Fuels

The burning of fossil fuels is one of the primary causes of climate change and global warming, contributing to rising greenhouse gas emissions. Phasing out fossil fuels is therefore essential to climate progress. Whilst many companies are now turning towards renewable energy as a more sustainable alternative, there are some companies that are still profiting from the fossil fuels industry.

A bottom rating indicates that a company is involved in the fossil fuels industry. This includes (but is not limited to) companies that are involved in the sale or extraction of fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas or companies involved in the manufacture of fossil fuel power plants.

Sustainable Materials

Footwear made with unsustainable, polluting materials has become a big sustainability issue in recent decades. We have all seen images of plastic flip-flops washing up on beaches and piles of unethically made trainers in landfill. It is now more important than ever to ensure that shoes and trainers are made with eco-friendly materials that will not result in tonnes of environmental waste.

In the Shoes & Trainers sector, a brand receives a top ethical rating if it sells a range of products made with sustainable or recycled materials. This includes, but is not limited to, organic cotton, sugarcane, hemp, and recycled plastics.

Palm Oil Free

Palm oil is well known for its harmful impact on the Environment, Animals and People. This includes its role in contributing to deforestation and biodiversity loss, as well as the accusations of human rights abuses against numerous palm oil producers. As there is currently no reliable certification for sustainable palm oil, the most ethical choice for businesses is to avoid palm oil altogether.

Companies that confirm no palm oil or palm oil derivatives are used in any of their products receive a top rating under this criterion.

Peat Free

In the Garden Suppliers sector, a top rating is awarded to companies that are 100% peat free. If a company has set a target to become peat-free before the UK government ban in 2030, they receive a middle rating.

Toxic Chemicals Policy

Household cleaning products may contain chemicals that are linked to numerous health and environmental concerns. These chemicals have been linked to asthma, in utero and infant developmental problems, harm to the reproductive system, and even cancer. In addition, chemicals can pollute streams and rivers and persist in the environment indefinitely, possibly entering the food chain.

Within the Cleaning Products, Washing-up Liquid and Laundry Detergents sectors, we assess companies on their usage of the following chemicals: formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, and triclosan. These chemicals are particularly toxic.

For a top rating, a company must have a policy that outlines that it does not use any of these chemicals. If a company can prove that they do not use three of those chemicals, they are given a middle rating. The lowest rating is given to companies who continue to use more than one toxic chemical or where no policy can be found.

In the Paint sector, Toxic Chemicals Policy relates to the use of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which have been linked to air pollution and health risks. For a top rating, a company must clearly state that its paints contain low levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) or none at all.

Eco Schemes

The Energy Saving Recommended logo was established by the Energy Saving Trust and guarantees a high standard of energy efficiency. The logo appears on a wide range of household appliances, including fridges, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers, light bulbs, light fittings, gas boilers and heating controls. A top rating indicates that one or more of the company’s products is recommended by the Energy Saving Trust.

Eco Labels

An Ecolabel certification shows that a product or service is produced with less impact on the environment and can help people make informed choices. Some labels look at the overall environmental impact of a product or service from its inception to final disposal (life cycle assessment) whilst other labels only focus on certain environmental aspects.

A top rating under this criterion indicates that one or more of the company’s products within the sector being researched bear a Type I Ecolabel, as defined by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO). This includes Blue Angel, Nordic Swan, the EU Ecolabel (Eco Flower), Japan’s Eco Mark, EPEAT, Energy Star, etc.

Timber Sourcing Policy

This category applies to our Ethical Furniture sector. Unsustainable forest management, where too many trees are removed too quickly or entire forests are logged, is increasing due to the huge demand for timber and paper products. This contributes to global deforestation and climate change, threatening wildlife and communities that are dependent on forest resources.

A top rating is awarded to companies* with 100% FSC certified (or other credible schemes like PEFC) garden/tropical hardwood and where the majority (50%+) of all other timber products are certified/recycled. A middle rating is given to companies where the majority (50%+) of wood products are FSC certified/recycled and a bottom rating is given where less than 50% of wood is certified/recycled or there is no published policy or information available.

*These ratings are awarded by brand/retailer rather than company group

Energy Mix

Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental benefits of using renewable energy within the home. It is therefore important for energy suppliers to use as much renewable energy in their fuel mix as possible.

For a top rating, companies within the Energy sector must source 100% of their electricity from renewable sources. For a middle rating, they must source the same or more than the minimum percentage required by law, which differs between the UK and Northern Ireland. Companies that do not reach the minimum requirement receive a bottom rating.

Reusable Cup Scheme

Plastic pollution and packaging waste are well-known environmental issues, which is why reusable containers are becoming a popular solution. Within the Coffee Shops sector, a top rating is awarded to brands that offer customers the option to bring in a reusable cup. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and hygiene safety, many coffee shops have removed the reusable cup option. We hope that in the future we will be able to reintroduce this criterion.

Pollution

This category applies to companies in the Energy sector. Pollution is a critical environmental concern, contributing to the destruction of our planet and exacerbating global warming. To achieve a top rating, a company must not have received any criticism in the public domain relating to pollution in the last 5 years.

Environmental Destruction

This category applies to companies in the Finance sector, which are known for their involvement in harmful environmental projects, such as coal plants and fossil fuel extraction. A low rating is awarded to companies that have been found to be involved in a project that has drawn widespread criticism from environmental NGOs and campaigners in the last 5 years.

Carbon Disclosure & Reduction Targets

There is now bigger pressure than ever on businesses to do more when it comes to halting climate change. Due to a large amount of money deposited, held and invested by the finance sector, it is important that companies show transparency and commitment to reducing their carbon emissions. For a top rating, a company must publicly disclose its Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions and pledge to reduce these emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals*. If companies only do one of the above, they receive a middle rating.

* This applies to large companies only; micro, small and medium-sized companies are exempt from this criteria.

Better Cotton Initiative

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) exists to make global cotton production more sustainable for the people who produce it, the environment it grows in, and for the sector’s future. The four main aims of the BCI are to:

Reduce the environmental impact of cotton production
Improve the livelihoods and economic development in cotton-producing areas
Improve commitment to and flow of Better Cotton throughout the supply chain
Ensure the credibility and sustainability of the Better Cotton Initiative.

In the Fashion Retailers sector, a top rating is awarded to companies that are members of the Better Cotton Initiative. It is important to note that this category is not applicable to small to medium-sized companies with limited/less complex supply chains and clear policies on sourcing, which will be analysed by The Good Shopping Guide.

Animals

Animal Welfare

Approximately 115 million animals are used in animal tests every year across the world. Most tests are carried out on mice, rats, guinea pigs, birds, fish and rabbits, but other animals including dogs, cats and primates are also experimented on.

Companies are penalised under our Animal Welfare criteria if they conduct or commission animal testing for non-medical purposes. They are also penalised if they have been the subject of continuing criticism from animal rights organisations such as Cruelty Free International and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

For a top rating, a company must not conduct or commission tests on animals and must not be the subject of criticism from animal rights campaigners.

In the sectors outlined below*, a company must have:

CFI Leaping Bunny certification OR
A robust Animal Testing Policy which confirms they operate a fixed-cut off date for ingredients and products within the supply chain (manufacturers, ingredients suppliers etc) OR
Only produce and sell within the EU

If a company does not comply with one of the above criteria, it receives a middle rating (where no animal welfare/testing criticisms have been found) or a bottom rating (where animal welfare/testing criticisms have been found).

*Cleaning Products, Laundry Detergents, Make-up, Shampoo & Conditioner, Skincare, Soap, Sun Protection, Toothpaste, Washing-up Liquid, and Paint.

Within the Fashion sector, to obtain a top rating, a company must have a robust Animal Welfare Policy. For example, ruling out the use of animal materials within products from endangered species, fur and angora; only use leather/skin when it is a by-product, no wool obtained through mulesing, no live plucking etc. In addition to this, if a company sells own-brand cosmetics, it must adhere to the criteria outlined above for Health & Beauty products.

Vegetarian/Vegan Verified

This criterion rewards companies’ support for a plant-based lifestyle. Apart from the moral questions that surround killing or using animals for food, a plant-based diet is better from an ecological standpoint too, since animal products are extremely inefficient to produce and come with a high environmental cost.

A top rating in this category indicates that a brand has one or more products certified as vegetarian or vegan, such as from The Vegetarian Society or The Vegan Society.

It is important to note that if a brand receives a cross in this criterion, this does not always mean that the brand does not offer vegan products. Only brands with independent certification, or those with ingredient lists that have been independently verified by The Good Shopping Guide, receive a top rating under this criterion – even if they have products labelled as ‘vegan’ or ‘vegan friendly’. This is due to the fact that the brand has not provided evidence for these claims and they therefore cannot be guaranteed.

Sustainable Fishing Methods

Unsustainable fishing methods lead to high amounts of bycatch, where unwanted fish species are caught, killed, and discarded. Many important marine species are killed through unsustainable fishing, including dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles. Using sustainable fishing methods can reduce bycatch and help protect our ocean life.

In the Tinned Tuna sector, a top rating is awarded to companies with a policy that rules out all unsustainable fishing methods and confirms that all tuna in their supply chain is either caught through pole and line or hand line methods. A middle rating is given to companies that confirm that 50% or more of the tuna in their supply chain is either caught through pole and line or hand line methods. A bottom rating is awarded to companies using pole and line or hand line methods for less than 50% of their tuna, or where no policy could be found.

People

Human Rights

Many companies rely on cheap labour to produce their products for the maximum profit margins, leaving many supply chain workers with insufficient income. Moreover, poorly managed supply chains are full of unethical practices towards wage workers, such as forced and child labour, poor working conditions, and abuse.

Companies and businesses are penalised under this category if, in the last 5 years, they have been implicated in human rights abuses (either through their supply chain or through their involvement in a project that has proven links with human rights abuses). A bottom ethical rating indicates more than one serious criticism, whilst a middle rating indicates one criticism.

This category is used in the Home, Technology, and Fashion sectors. In other sections of our site, it is subsumed in the more widely defined Public Record Criticisms category.

Human Rights+

Widespread criticism may be more commonplace for companies or brands that have a particularly poor human rights record. A bottom rating is awarded when more than 5 criticisms relating to human rights abuses have been found.

Code of Conduct

This category applies to the Fashion, Home, and Technology sectors. The top ethical rating is awarded to companies which have drawn up a comprehensive Supplier Code of Conduct. The code must be publicly available and formally acknowledge the right to form a union, regulate against excessive working hours and forced or child labour, as well as other standards set by the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Armaments

A middle rating represents involvement in the manufacture or supply of nuclear or conventional weapons, including ships, tanks, armoured vehicles and aircraft; components of weapons systems; fuel, computing and communications services; systems aiding the launch, guidance, delivery or deployment of missiles. Non-strategic parts of the military, such as catering services or medication, are not included in this list.

The bottom ethical rating indicates that the business (directly or through a sister company) was listed as one of the world’s 100 biggest arms-producing companies in the latest list published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Political Donations

We include this criterion because we do not believe that corporations should fund political parties. There is considerable evidence that the huge wealth of corporations can distort the political process. Elections in the USA in particular can appear to be ‘bought’ by the candidate with the biggest budget, and parties that are critical of business are quickly marginalised. In some countries, such as Germany, corporate funding is quite sensibly prohibited by law. Until this also occurs in the UK, ethical consumers can refuse to buy from brands that are embroiled in politics.

A middle rating indicates that the company and/or company employees and/or company Political Action Committees (PACs) have donated more than £10,000 (or the equivalent in US Dollars) in the last 5 years to a party or political organisation in the UK or the US. A bottom rating indicates that more than £50,000 (or the equivalent in US Dollars) has been donated.

Fairtrade

Certification from The Fairtrade Foundation ensures that producers are guaranteed a minimum price and paid regularly. This price covers the cost of production, the payment of workers, and the development of farms and small holdings. Fairtrade protects small farmers from the fluctuating prices that have previously pushed many below the poverty line.

In our section on Ethical Coffee Shops, a top rating is awarded to companies that exclusively sell coffee certified with the Fairtrade mark; a middle rating indicates that some Fairtrade coffee is served; a bottom rating shows that fair trade coffee is not served at all. Similar criteria apply to our Tea, Coffee, Chocolate, Bananas, and Sugar tables. Companies specialising in these products are rewarded with a top rating if most of their products are Fairtrade certified; companies with only some Fairtrade lines receive a middle rating.

In the Jewellery sector, a company receives a top rating if all the gold used in their products are either fully Fairtrade certified or fully recycled. Companies with a product range of Fairtrade certified or recycled gold receive a middle rating. If a company does not sell gold, they will receive a top rating as the criterion is not applicable to their business.

In the other tables within the Ethical Food & Drink and Ethical Flower Delivery sectors, a top rating indicates that one or more of the company’s products carry the Fairtrade mark, with no middle rating available.

Irresponsible Marketing

As we all presently live in a free-market economy, we have learned to accept that the language of marketing tends to accentuate the positive and play down the negative. The point at which this becomes ‘irresponsible’ is difficult to define, but we focus mainly on those practices that have direct health implications. The bottom ethical rating indicates the marketing of products in a way that has been criticised for its effect on public health, such as harmful medications. This category only applies to the Health & Beauty section of our site.

Conflict Minerals

‘Conflict minerals’ refers to chemical elements typically sourced from war-torn regions, primarily the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the profits from these resources contribute to the funding of conflict, violence and human rights abuses. The main conflict minerals, also known as 3TG, are tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold, but other minerals have also been associated with this issue.

Many of these minerals are essential in the manufacture of a wide range of household electronics, including mobile phones, laptops and televisions. It is therefore important for the companies that sell these products to be diligent and transparent about the risk of conflict minerals in their supply chains.

To receive a top rating, a company must be signed up to the Responsible Minerals Initiative and have a statement or policy document which clarifies the steps the company takes to minimise the direct or indirect sourcing of conflict minerals within its supply chain. The expectations are less strict for smaller companies, due to having less complex supply chains which are more easily traceable, though a statement is still required.

Responsible Diamonds

The human rights issues associated with diamond sourcing is one of the major ethical issues within the Jewellery industry. Some companies may be unknowingly sourcing ‘conflict diamonds’ or ‘blood diamonds’, where the money used to purchase the gemstones are used to fund conflict and unrest in developing countries. Many jewellery companies have therefore made the decision to source ethical diamonds, either by sourcing diamonds from conflict-free countries or using lab-grown diamonds in their products.

To receive a top rating for Responsible Diamonds, a company must have a statement confirming that all its diamonds are either lab-grown or sourced from conflict-free zones (including specific details on which country the diamonds come from). If the company does not use diamonds in any of its products, they will receive an N/A for this category, which equates to the same number of points as a top rating.

Irresponsible Lending

This category only applies to companies in the Finance sector. A bottom rating indicates involvement in a project in the last five years that has drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups.

Irresponsible Lending+

Some Finance companies are found to have more criticism for their investments than others, due to involvement in a multitude of unethical lending practices. A brand receives a bottom Irresponsible Lending+ when more than 5 criticisms relating to investments have been found.

Ethical Trading Schemes

The top ethical rating is awarded to those companies which are members of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) or are affiliated to the Fair Labor Association (FLA). This guarantees that the company’s supply chain is subject to independent scrutiny. It is important to note that this category is not applicable to small to medium-sized companies with limited/less complex supply chains and clear policies on labour standards, which will be analysed by The Good Shopping Guide.

Other categories

Public Record Criticisms

A bottom rating indicates more than one serious criticism in the last five years from NGOs or credible news organisations, such as Human Rights Watch and The Guardian. The huge range of criticism covered by this criterion mainly relates to the environment and human rights. The undue political influence exercised through lobby groups and industry associations, and involvement in political corruption, are also represented under this criteria.

Companies are penalised if they are part-owned by a separate company that has been the subject of severe criticism from campaign groups or is heavily involved in the armaments and nuclear industries. If a company owns more than half of another company’s shares, it is listed as the company group.

In the Home, Technology, and Fashion sections of The Good Shopping Guide, this category is split into Human Rights and Other Criticisms.

Public Record Criticisms+

Certain companies and brands are involved in a wide range of unethical activities and therefore receive significantly more Public Record Criticisms than others. A brand receives a bottom rating for Public Record Criticisms+ when more than 5 criticisms have been found. In sectors where Human Rights is listed as a separate category, this becomes Other Criticisms+.

Mutual Status

Under this criteria, mutual building societies and organisations which are not for the profit of shareholders are awarded a top rating. Mutuals only invest in mortgages, and so never get involved in business projects condemned by many of the world’s NGOs. They make important policy decisions democratically, with each saver entitled to one vote.

Responsible Investment Policy

As consumers become increasingly aware of where their money is invested and choose not to support potentially unethical businesses/projects, it is important for companies to integrate ESG factors into their investment funds and display transparency to customers.

A top rating is awarded to companies which integrate ESG/sustainability principles into investments PLUS rule out all controversial investments (armaments, tobacco, fossil fuels etc.). However, a 5% tolerance level is accepted where relevant (when accompanied by adherence to clear policies and codes).

A middle rating is awarded to companies that have policies to integrate ESG/Sustainability factors into investments PLUS outline details of exclusion in investments in controversial projects, with a maximum revenue threshold of 10% for companies involved in Arctic oil, oil sands and thermal coal.

A bottom rating is awarded to companies with no policy on responsible investment or where details of exclusions do not meet the above requirements. Building Societies are given leeway when it comes to publishing a Responsible Investment Policy and are awarded a middle rating where no policy has been found. This is because the majority of building societies’ assets are held in residential property mortgages and are therefore far less likely to lend to companies involved in controversial activities.

Ethical Innovator

A top rating is awarded to brands/companies with a clear ‘ethical ethos’. This includes brands/companies that were set up for ethical reasons and offer products that are particularly sustainable and unique, or focus heavily on addressing a particular social, environmental or animal welfare issue. Brands which receive a top rating for Ethical Innovator have been noted for their exemplary ethical achievements.

Brand/Product Ethics

This category only applies to brands that have received our Ethical Accreditation independently from their parent company. A top rating indicates that the brand displays a strong commitment to ethics and sustainability, which can be achieved through a range of policies relating to the Environment, Animals and People. A middle rating is awarded to brands that have some good policies, but not enough to be awarded the maximum number of points. A bottom rating is given to brands that do not appear to have an ethical or sustainable focus.

Company Group Rating

This category only applies to brands that have received our Ethical Accreditation independently from their parent company. When auditing brands separately, it is important to take the overall ethics of its parent company into account. A bottom rating is awarded to brands whose company group appears in the bottom section of The Good Shopping Guide.

Ethical Accreditation

While there are many single-issue certification bodies that ensure standards for organic produce, fair trade, cruelty-free or energy efficiency, our Good Shopping Guide Ethical Accreditation logo covers the whole spectrum of ethical concerns.

The companies, brands, or products which have gained Ethical Accreditation have been thoroughly screened and scrutinised by our team of researchers, ensuring that only companies, brands or products that are eco-friendly and have a strong code of ethics and an unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility have the privilege to carry the logo.

Find out how your business or brand can be rewarded with The Good Shopping Guide Ethical Accreditation here.

GSG (Good Shopping Guide) Score

The GSG Score provides one overall score for each company. The top, middle, and bottom ethical ratings on the tables generally count as ten, five, and zero points respectively. Some categories, however, are weighted slightly differently according to the level of NGO and consumer concern. For instance, due to the number of reported human rights violations in the supply chains of electronics manufacturers and clothes companies, a clean record scores 20 points for Human Rights in these product sectors. Each company’s total ethical score is then converted into a percentage, which becomes the GSG Score.

More detailed ethical information shows the brand name, under which the product is sold, and the company group – which is ultimately responsible for the brand.

The ratings shown on the more detailed information represent criticism from environmental and human rights organisations across the world. Information from a wide variety of sources – from government agencies as well as NGOs – has been compiled by The Good Shopping Guide’s team of researchers since 2007 and now (research updates pending). Results for companies may occasionally vary from table to table.

How We Rate