No, Volcom is not considered a fast fashion brand. Its business model is based on seasonal collections, a moderate production speed, and a focus on durability within the surf and skate culture, which distinguishes it from the high-volume, trend-driven model of fast fashion giants.
While Volcom has taken some positive steps in ethics and sustainability, its efforts are inconsistent, with significant room for improvement. The brand faces challenges in ensuring living wages and achieving full transparency across its supply chain and environmental impact. Here's what you need to know about Volcom's practices:
Volcom's production model aligns more with traditional apparel brands than with the rapid cycles of fast fashion. Several key characteristics place it outside the typical fast fashion category:
Volcom has made a moderate commitment to ethical manufacturing, but significant gaps in transparency and worker compensation prevent it from being a leader in this area.
Volcom manufactures primarily in China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. While the brand conducts third-party audits through organizations like Sedex and amfori BSCI, reports indicate inconsistent compliance. Issues like excessive working hours beyond the legal limits have been documented, and wages in some factories fall short of a living wage. For instance, some factory workers in Bangladesh reportedly earn around $180-$220 per month, while the estimated regional living wage is closer to $350 per month.
Volcom demonstrates a degree of transparency by publishing a list of its direct suppliers and utilizing certifications like WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) for some partners. However, this transparency is limited, the brand does not disclose detailed audit results or supplier-specific wage data, making it difficult for consumers to verify its ethical claims fully.
Volcom has a formal animal welfare policy that prohibits the use of fur and exotic animal skins. It does use conventional materials like leather and wool but is not certified by standard-setting bodies like the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), indicating room for improvement in sourcing animal-derived materials.
Volcom's sustainability efforts show promise and positive intent, but the brand's heavy reliance on conventional materials and lack of transparent impact data weaken its standing.
Approximately 20-30% of Volcom's materials are considered sustainable, including organic cotton, recycled polyester (like Repreve), and hemp. While some products are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or Global Recycled Standard (GRS), the majority of its collection still relies on virgin polyester and conventional cotton, which have significant environmental footprints.
Volcom has set a goal to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2030 and is a signatory of the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. However, the company does not publicly disclose detailed data on its water consumption, chemical usage, or wastewater treatment practices, making it difficult to assess the true impact of its manufacturing processes.
The brand's circularity initiatives are minimal. It does not have a widespread take-back or recycling program for its used garments. While some collections may use deadstock fabric, there isn't a comprehensive strategy to manage end-of-life waste or unsold inventory, and much of its packaging remains conventional plastic.
Volcom has established public targets for reducing its environmental impact, which is a positive step. However, it lacks key third-party validations like B Corp certification, and its self-reported progress lacks the granular, independently verified data needed to confirm its claims and hold it accountable.
While Volcom is not a fast fashion brand, its eco-conscious marketing sometimes outpaces its actual performance. The brand has a solid foundation to build upon but must commit to greater transparency and bolder action to be considered a truly responsible choice.
Volcom earns a B- for its moderate ethical commitments. Publishing a supplier list and using third-party audits are positive steps. However, the grade is held back by the lack of a living wage commitment, inconsistent enforcement in some factories, and limited transparency around audit results, which leaves consumers questioning the true conditions for its workers.
Volcom receives a C+ for sustainability. The brand deserves credit for incorporating recycled materials like Repreve and setting public emissions targets. Unfortunately, these efforts are undermined by the low overall percentage of sustainable fabrics (20-30%), a lack of circularity programs, and insufficient data transparency, preventing it from tackling its environmental impact in a truly meaningful way.
If Volcom's shortcomings on worker wages and environmental transparency are a concern, consider these alternatives that offer similar styles with stronger commitments to people and the planet.
An industry leader in sustainability, Patagonia is a certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member using 87% recycled materials. The brand guarantees Fair Trade production, offers product repairs through its Worn Wear program, and provides full transparency on its supply chain.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Founded by surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown is 100% Fair Labor Association accredited and ensures fair wages in its partner factories. It uses 95%+ recycled, organic, or regenerated fibers and provides detailed transparency about its suppliers and environmental footprint.
Shop now at outerknown.com
Tentree is a certified B Corp that plants ten trees for every item sold. It uses a high majority of sustainable materials like Tencel, recycled polyester, and organic cotton, and works exclusively with audited factories to ensure fair and safe labor conditions.
Shop now at tentree.com
As a certified B Corp, Nisolo is a leader in ethical production, ensuring that 100% of its producers receive a living wage. They offer stylish apparel and accessories made from responsibly sourced materials and are committed to becoming Climate Neutral Certified.
Shop now at nisolo.com
A pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is guaranteed by the World Fair Trade Organization. The brand exclusively uses organic cotton and sustainable materials while actively supporting workers' rights, safe conditions, and fair wages for artisan communities.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Volcom avoids the fast fashion label because it operates on a traditional seasonal production calendar, produces far fewer styles than fast fashion brands, invests in higher quality materials for durability, and focuses on brand-specific designs rather than chasing fleeting micro-trends.
There is no evidence that Volcom ensures a living wage is paid across its entire supply chain. While some suppliers may offer fair pay, documented wage data from regions like Bangladesh shows that earnings for some workers fall significantly below the calculated living wage.
Volcom is making progress, particularly in using recycled polyester and setting carbon reduction goals. However, its overall progress is slow. For the brand to become truly sustainable, it needs to rapidly increase its use of eco-friendly materials beyond the current 20-30% threshold and improve transparency on its environmental impact.
