Consumers want transparency, responsibility, and care for both people and the planet. Acne Studios, the Swedish fashion house known for its modern, minimalistic style, has responded with several sustainability goals and initiatives. But how much is action, and how much is just ambition? Let’s explore Acne Studios’ sustainability efforts.
Key takeaways
- Transparency: Acne Studios is highly transparent, with strong supply chain traceability, published supplier lists, and yearly sustainability reporting.
- Workers: As a long-time Fair Wear Leader, Acne supports living wages and addresses key social risks but aims for broader coverage by 2026/27.
- Environment: The brand is cutting emissions and using more responsible materials, though progress in low-impact production has been slower than planned.
- Quality and Craftsmanship: Longevity is a core value. Acne designs for durability and timelessness, with in-house testing and a clear focus on making pieces that last.
Transparency
Transparency is the foundation of sustainability. Acne Studios appears to take this seriously, with strong targets in place to track where and how their products are made. By FY26/27, the brand wants 100% of its supply chain to be traceable, all the way down to the raw materials. So far, they’ve already achieved:
- 100% traceability at Tier 1 (main product manufacturers)
- 91% at Tier 2 (material suppliers)
- 67% Tier 4 country of origin traceability (raw materials)
In 2024, Acne Studios earned B Corp certification, reinforcing its commitment to verified standards of social and environmental performance. The brand also publishes yearly sustainability reports and makes key policy documents publicly available, such as its Animal Welfare Policy, Classification Tools, Responsible Business Conduct Policy, and Supplier Code of Conduct. Its supplier list is openly accessible via Open Supply Hub, aligning with best practices for supply chain transparency.
The brand also hosts a Supplier Forum, providing a platform for its partners to engage in dialogue on business strategy, sustainability, and renewable energy. Acne collaborates with multi-stakeholder initiatives like Fair Wear, Textile Exchange, and the Leather Working Group, helping raise industry-wide standards.
Looking ahead, Acne is preparing to roll out a Digital Product Passport (DPP), a move in line with upcoming EU regulations that will require even deeper product-level sustainability disclosure.
Workers
Acne Studios has been a Fair Wear member since 2008 and has maintained Leader Status (Fair Wear’s highest rating) every year since. This means they are seen as one of the top performers when it comes to social responsibility.
Currently, 68% of Acne’s orders are placed with factories paying living wages or CBA (collective bargaining agreement) levels. While this is above industry average, there’s room for improvement, especially since they have set as a goal to reach 100% by FY 26/27.
Italy, one of Acne’s key production hubs, has been a focus area for targeted improvement. Through its involvement in the Italy Fashion Working Group (IFWG), Acne not only conducts regular social audits of its manufacturers and subcontractors but also works to address specific risks like migrant labour. One example is the brand’s delivery of training sessions to improve conditions and raise awareness across its supply chain.
Environmental Impact
Acne Studios has set an ambitious environmental goal: cut total greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 (compared to their 2020/2021 baseline). So far, they’ve:
- Reduced emissions by 15% compared to the previous year
- Reduced emissions by 4% compared to the base year
While these reductions are modest, they are moving in the right direction. The biggest challenge lies in the supply chain, which accounts for around 90% of the brand’s carbon footprint. To tackle this, Acne measures the climate impact of its activities annually and follows a detailed climate roadmap to track progress. However, emissions from business travel have risen: 22% higher than last year and 417% higher than the baseline year (reflecting post-pandemic changes).
1. Materials
One of Acne Studios’ key strengths lies in its material choices. The brand focuses on using more responsible materials, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and other lower-impact fibres. Material breakdowns are shared on product labels and online, and the company frequently promotes the use of certified materials.
- 70% of Acne’s collections are made with “preferred” materials like organic cotton, RWS wool, and recycled textiles
- 80% of their cotton is now organic
- They’ve launched regenerative denim styles (an approach that supports biodiversity and carbon capture by partnering with farms that use regenerative methods)
The brand’s goal is to use 100% preferred materials by FY26/27. Design teams are supported with classification tools that help them choose better options. Currently, 10% of materials used are recycled.
That said, progress in low-impact production was slower than planned. For example, the share of GOTS-certified garments and low-impact denim declined, and more time was needed to roll out their garment treatment guide.
2. Production
Acne works with a relatively small supplier base, which helps with oversight. The brand conducts environmental audits and offers support for suppliers to build capacity. Some local production is prioritized.
The brand’s goal is to use verified low-impact processes across all production by FY26/27 (this means, tanning, dyeing, washing, and finishing). Right now:
- 20% of the collection meets this standard
- 72% of the leather is made at LWG Gold or Silver certified tannerie
- 13% of the jersey/fleece garment level has GOTS certification
- 50% of denim orders are now classified as low impact, down from over 70% last year. The drop is due to more complex treatments and the adoption of stricter criteria, which reclassified some washes. Acne Studios aims to improve this next year
3. Waste
Acne Studios aims for zero waste across all operations by FY26/27. Waste-reduction KPIs were introduced in FY23/24, covering design, production, retail, and events.
They’ve adopted digital showrooms and virtual sampling to reduce sample waste, and are recycling cutting-room scraps in jersey and denim. Forecasting tools help minimize unsold stock, and fashion show materials are repurposed.
Their Repurposed line, started in 2019, turns deadstock and scraps into new capsule pieces. This approach is now embedded into their main collections.
4. Repair and Recycling Initiatives
The brand promotes garment longevity through care and repair initiatives. Customers receive care guidance via labels, online guides, and tailored care cards for delicate items. A repair service is offered in collaboration with local tailors and cobblers, supported by a stock of spare parts kept at HQ. The brand plans to roll out a more consistent repair service across all stores in 2025.
Acne is also exploring resale as part of its circularity goals, with a working group set up to research the most suitable model.
Quality and Craftmanship
One of Acne Studios’ core values is longevity. Their goal is for 100% of their collection to be designed for longevity by FY 30/31. This includes durable construction, recyclability (currently at 35%), and designs that age well.
Acne runs wear tests on denim and jersey, and claims most of these products meet “high” durability standards. Acne’s Creative Manifesto includes five solid values: timeless design, quality materials, partnerships, transparency, and climate action.
Acne’s craftsmanship stands out: stitching, finishings, and fabric choices reflect premium quality. Buying an Acne piece means investing in something built to last.
Final Thoughts: On The Right Track
Acne Studios is on the right track. Becoming a B Corp signals real commitment, and their efforts around transparency, responsible materials, and garment longevity are strong.
Still, there’s room to grow: emissions from business travel have increased, progress on low-impact production has slowed, and only some local production is prioritized. The drop in low-impact denim also shows the challenges of stricter standards.
Overall, though, Acne is moving in a positive direction and laying solid groundwork for more sustainable fashion.
Acne Studios is “ON THE RIGHT TRACK” *
*Here is more information on how The Pomelade rates.
Now that you know our verdict, what do you think of Acne Studios? Have you ever bought from the brand? Let us know in the comments below!