Is ARKET ethical?

Overview

Arket is a Scandinavian fashion brand launched in 2017 and owned by the H&M Group. It positions itself as a destination for well-made, timeless wardrobe staples with an emphasis on quality, longevity, and responsible sourcing. The brand is known for its clean aesthetic, functional design, and gradual shift toward more sustainable materials. While not a fully ethical pioneer, Arket has made notable strides in certifications and animal welfare policies, as seen in the ReDown® Sleeping Bag Coat which scores 78/100 and carries both Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and PETA Approved certifications.

Certifications

The featured product, the ReDown® Sleeping Bag Coat, is certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), ensuring that the down insulation is recycled and that the supply chain meets strict environmental and social criteria. It also holds PETA Approved status, meaning the brand has verified its vegan products and that no animal testing is involved. Arket also uses other certifications across its collections, such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for organic cotton, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for non-toxic chemicals, and Responsible Down Standard (RDS) for conventional down products. These certifications provide third-party verification of Arket's claims, though they apply only to specific product lines.

Animal testing & vegan range

Arket does not conduct or commission any animal testing. The brand is certified PETA Approved for its vegan product range, which includes accessories and outerwear made without animal-derived materials. Arket clearly labels vegan items on its website and offers a growing selection of alternatives to leather, wool, and down. Their animal-derived materials (e.g., conventional down, wool) are sourced via certified humane programs like RDS and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), but the brand actively advises customers to choose vegan or recycled options where possible. The PETA certification is specific to the vegan range, not the entire brand.

Sustainability pledges

Arket's sustainability roadmap is tied to H&M Group's broader goals, including using 100% recycled or other sustainably sourced materials by 2030. The brand promotes circularity through repair services, garment care guides, and a take-back program for old textiles. The ReDown® coat exemplifies this commitment: it uses recycled down from post-consumer bedding and garments, reducing waste and avoiding fresh animal farming. Arket also aims to eliminate hazardous chemicals in its supply chain and has set targets for water stewardship in cotton production. However, critics note that the brand's overall sustainability efforts are often overshadowed by H&M Group's fast-fashion model, though Arket itself is positioned as a slower, more premium line.

Sourcing & labor

Arket sources its products from a global supply chain, with manufacturing primarily in Europe and Asia. The brand states it works only with suppliers who sign H&M Group's Sustainability Commitment, which includes adherence to local labor laws, anti-discrimination policies, and a ban on child and forced labor. H&M Group publishes a factory list and audit results through its Sustainability Report, but Arket-specific transparency on wages, working hours, and union rights at the factory level is limited. While Arket scores above average for labor rights compared to many fast-fashion counterparts, independent observers still recommend more detailed supply chain disclosure. The ReDown® coat's GRS certification also ensures that social criteria (e.g., fair working conditions) are met in the recycling supply chain.

Controversies context

As of writing, there are no major controversies directly linked to Arket. The brand has largely avoided the scandals that sometimes plague parent company H&M Group, such as greenwashing accusations or labor disputes in specific markets. Arket's smaller scale and premium positioning help it maintain a more controlled brand image. However, some consumer advocates argue that Arket benefits from H&M Group's problematic past while presenting a cleaner face, so ethical shoppers are encouraged to consider the connection. Overall, Arket remains a relatively low-controversy choice within the ethical fashion space.

Bottom line

The ReDown® Sleeping Bag Coat (ethics score 78/100) is a solid choice for consumers seeking a stylish, insulated coat with strong certifications for recycled content and animal welfare. Arket's broader range offers good options for vegan and circular shoppers, but the brand's labor transparency and reliance on the H&M Group's overall infrastructure mean it doesn't achieve top-tier ethical status. For those willing to accept the trade-offs of a group-owned brand, Arket provides a dependable option for durable, certified essentials.