Hermès International — Ethics Grade C+

Hermès International receives an overall ethics grade of C+ (58/100) on CancelCo's corporate accountability database. Sector: Fashion & Apparel. Market cap: Large Cap.

Category scores

• labor: 65
• privacy: 90
• consumer: 45
• environment: 50
• humanRights: 40

Documented incidents (3)

• Crocodile Farm Ethics (high, 2015) — PETA exposed inhumane conditions at crocodile farms in Texas and Zimbabwe that supplied skins for Birkin bags. The investigation showed reptiles kept in concrete pits and slaughtered using primitive, painful methods.
• Birkin Bag Tying Lawsuit (medium, 2024) — A class-action lawsuit in California alleges Hermès violates antitrust law by requiring customers to have a 'sufficient purchase history' of other products before being allowed to buy a Birkin bag. This 'tying' practice is alleged to be an illegal use of market power.
• Craftsman Training Controversy (low, 2022) — Critics have pointed to the extreme pressure placed on leather artisans to maintain output volumes despite the 'handmade' marketing. While high-paying, reports indicate high rates of repetitive strain injuries among older staff.

Documented good deeds

• Fondation d'entreprise Hermès — The foundation supports traditional craftsmanship through the 'Skills Academy' and environmental protection programs worldwide.

Ethical alternatives

• Stella McCartney — Completely fur-free and leather-free luxury brand focusing on circularity.