Stella McCartney stands as a trailblazer of sustainability in the world of luxury fashion. Brand known for its environmental friendly practices has made significant marks in revolutionizing industry's approach to responsible production. From pioneering the use of innovative, planet-friendly materials to implementing cutting-edge technologies for supply chain transparency, Stella McCartney sets a high standard for ethical and eco-conscious fashion.
Lets take a look at Stella McCartney's sustainability timeline.
2001
No leather, fur, skins, feathers or animal glues
2003
Started powering all UK locations with renewable energy from Ecotricity.
2008
Began using organic cotton.
2010
Completely PVC-free.
First carbon offset as a brand
2011
Supported artisans in Kenya with a Fairtrade accessories collection in partnership with International Trade Centre’s Ethical Fashion Initiative .
2012
Introduced bio-acetate in eyewear.
Debuted APINAT™️, a biodegradable rubber, in footwear.
Initiated the use of recycled polyester.
Partnered with the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC) for Clean by Design program.
Banned plastic water bottles from all Stella offices.
Joined the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI).
Ensured FSC-certified wood in stores and offices, and FSC-certified or recycled paper packaging
2013
Went angora-free.
Introduced Eco Alter-Nappa, a vegan alternative to animal leather.
Completed the first Environmental Profit & Loss account.
Switched to recycled polyester lining for Falabella bags
2014
Utilized bio-based TPU for shoe soles.
Added recycled polyester microfiber for bags.
Became the first fashion brand to join the Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network.
Partnered with environmental NGO, Canopy.
Launched the Clevercare initiative.
Initiated a multi-brand collaborative effort to promote worker rights in artisanal supply chains
2015
Launched Fur Free Fur.
Introduced recycled cashmere to ready-to-wear collections.
2016
Replaced all virgin cashmere with recycled cashmere.
Transitioned to forest-friendly viscose in ready-to-wear.
Published the first-ever Environmental Profit & Loss report.
Launched Falabella GO collection made from recycled nylon.
Initiated productivity and wage analysis pilot for worker wages.
2017
Incorporated lower-impact metals and certified wool yarns.
Developed the first prototype garment with Bolt Threads’ vegan Microsilk™.
Achieved Cradle-to-Cradle Certified Gold-Level© certification for knitwear wool yarn.
Began partnership with ECONYL® regenerated nylon.
Launched resale initiative in the US with The RealReal.
Debuted the first garment made with Microsilk™.
Co-hosted the launch of Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s ‘A New Textile Economy’ report.
Started using low-impact metals on iconic handbag chains.
Launched a supplier improvement program in China.
2018
Banned the use of virgin mohair.
Launched Loop sneaker designed for disassembly.
Released first-ever vegan Stan Smith trainers with adidas.
Created first handbag made from Bolt Threads’ Mylo™.
Committed to Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s UK Plastic Pact.
Opened Old Bond Street flagship store with sustainability focus.
Initiated multi-brand industry collaboration in Italy for social sustainability.
2019
adidas by Stella McCartney developed garments with EVRNU®’s NuCycl yarn.
Started using SOKTAS regenerative cotton in ready-to-wear.
2020
Endorsed the ILO’s COVID-19 Call to Action in the garment industry.
2021
Released Air Slide made from recycled industrial materials.
Launched world’s first garments made from Mylo™.
Only fashion brand to attend COP26 with the Future of Fashion exhibition.
2022
Released the world’s first-ever commercially available Mylo™.
Launched a new vegan alternative to animal leather using grape waste.
Voiced our support for New York’s Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act.
Submitted our Science Based Targets for approval.
2023
Launched our first-ever close-the-loop garment, a parka made from ECONYL® which can be returned and regenerated into new yarn at end of life.
Innovations
Vegea
It is a revolutionary vegan alternative to traditional animal leather, derived from grapes. This innovative material is sourced from the agricultural by-products of wineries in Northern Italy. Renowned for its softness and versatility, Vegea boasts a wide range of technical and aesthetic properties, including thickness, finishing, and texture.
Spider Silk
In partnership with Innovator Bolt threads, Stella McCartney is working on creation of sustainable silk.
Mylo
In partnership with Innovator Bolt threads, Stella McCartney created Mylo bag which is 85% mycelium from fungi and 15% lyocell.
Collab with digital
Stella McCartney has collaborated with Hajime Sorayama on a limited-edition unisex capsule for Spring Summer 2024, combining their shared themes of desire, design, and technology. The Stella McCartney + Sorayama collection showcases the Japanese artist's iconic works, including his provocative robots, silver strawberries, and Platinum Dream slogans, featured across various pieces in McCartney's renowned wardrobe. Notably, all ready-to-wear items are made from 100% conscious materials, accompanied by vegan handbags, footwear, and accessories.
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