Zalando’s Ethical Standards

The fashion industry has endemic problems when it comes to human rights and social standards. Because of our size and reach, we see it as our responsibility to lead the way in creating a more ethical fashion industry. This means laying out clear standards for our own company as well as business partners, and fostering meaningful collaborations to create the change we want to see. We also want our customers to know that the goods we sell and procure have been produced in an ethical, safe and environmentally conscious manner. 

There are five policies that make up Zalando’s Ethical Standards: 

1. Code of Conduct: This policy outlines the standards to which we hold ourselves and our business partners accountable, in the areas of Human Rights and Labour Rights, Environmental Protection, Fair and Ethical Business Practices, Monitoring and Complaints.

2. Sustainable Sourcing Policy: This policy defines minimum requirements for the use of specific fibers, materials and manufacturing methods for products sold through Zalando, with the aim to support the transition to a fair, more sustainable and circular economy. 

3. Animal Welfare Policy: This policy lists the principles to which all partners must adhere when supplying products made from animal-derived materials for sale through Zalando.

4. Product and Content Guidelines: This policy defines what Zalando considers to be offensive, illegal or otherwise inappropriate products and content, and acts as a reference point when making decisions regarding what types of products and content are allowed to be sold or posted on the platform. 

5. Zalando’s Human Rights strategy: This policy highlights our commitment to respecting human rights across our value chain and sets expectations and requirements for all of our business partners. It outlines our human rights risk priorities for the year, our approach to managing these risks, and how we monitor and communicate their progress.

You can read and download the guidelines below.