Our take on Rouje Paris’s ethical and sustainable approach

Materials used by Rouje Paris

Non-exhaustive list.

Percentage of eco-friendly products in the whole collection

Information published by Rouje Paris:

Rouje Paris offers only a tiny number of items made from eco-friendly materials. Apart from a few items in cupro, modal or organic cotton, the vast majority of items are made of viscose, and more generally of materials we class as non eco-friendly.

💬 Our opinion:

🔴 Rouje Paris doesn't seem to show any particular commitment to using eco-friendly materials in its items.

Where items do contain eco-friendly materials, these are mostly blended with non-sustainable materials such as elastane or polyester, which makes them almost impossible to recycle.

Approach to environmental labels

Information published by Rouje Paris:

The brand mentions nothing.

💬 Our opinion:

🔴 The brand shows no commitment to using certified materials. As for the organic cotton used in a small number of items, we don't know whether it is certified, as no information is available on this.

Other eco-friendly initiatives

Information published by Rouje Paris:

Rouje Paris offers vegan make-up products, meaning they contain no animal-derived ingredients and are not tested on animals. The exact composition of the beauty products is provided. No other initiative is mentioned by the brand, which shows no commitment on the environmental front.

💬 Our opinion:

🔴 Although the brand makes vegan make-up, it also makes jumpers in mohair and non-certified wool. This doesn't seem very consistent with an approach to protecting animal welfare. The brand doesn't seem committed to minimising its environmental impact.

Support for environmental NGOs or charities

Information published by Rouje Paris:

The brand mentions nothing.

R&D efforts and laboratory testing

Information published by Rouje Paris:

The brand mentions nothing.

Transparency about manufacturing sites

Information published by Rouje Paris:

Rouje Paris states the country of manufacture of each of its items. There is consistency between the type of items made and where they are made.

The brand works with factories in Italy (knitwear, make-up and shoes), Bulgaria, Spain (espadrilles), Germany (make-up), France (jewellery and make-up), Tunisia and Morocco (jeans and trousers), Madagascar (baskets), India (shoes and cotton clothing), and finally China (silk clothing and other items).

Rouje Paris gives no information about its factories, the workers' working conditions or the origin of its raw materials.

💬 Our view:

✅ Rouje Paris is committed to transparency by stating the country of manufacture of each item it sells. The consistency between manufacturing site and type of item is also positive, as is the fact that the vast majority of items are made within the European Union.

The brand also has its jewellery made in France, along with part of its make-up.

🔴 The country of manufacture alone is not enough to know the manufacturing conditions. The brand could give access to more information about the exact sites and conditions in which its items are made. Finally, working conditions in the factories are not specified: as the brand produces outside the European Union, there is no guarantee that minimum social standards are met for these products.

Approach to labels and social audits

Information published by Rouje Paris:

Nothing is mentioned by the brand.

🔴 Without labels for distant factories, it is extremely difficult to make sure working conditions are good. The brand could go further by not only carrying out regular audits, but also giving consumers access to them.

Traceability of the whole supply chain

Information published by Rouje Paris:

Nothing is mentioned by the brand.

💬 Our view:

🔴 Even if the brand chooses not to highlight any particular eco-responsible approach, it would be good to know what type of suppliers it deals with directly. It would also be better to know the origin of the raw materials.

Support for NGOs or associations working to improve workers' social conditions

Information published by Rouje Paris:

Nothing is mentioned by the brand.

Governance

Information published by Rouje Paris:

Nothing is mentioned by the brand.

Sales and marketing

Information published by Rouje Paris:

Rouje Paris seems to follow a very conventional sales approach, with no education around buying or durability.

💬 Our view:

🔴 The brand is not particularly committed to changing sales practices.

Raising awareness and educating about overconsumption

Information published by Rouje Paris:

The idea behind Rouje Paris is to offer basic, timeless pieces to build a wardrobe that never goes out of style. The brand also gives washing advice for each type of item.

💬 Our view:

🔴 Despite this approach, the brand does not seem willing to commit to raising awareness of the issues of overconsumption and overproduction.

This article was written by: Anna Demont, Beryl Tirali and Marie Nguyen.