Macy’s

Key Findings and Recommendations

• Corporate Commitment: Macy’s adopted a safer chemicals policy in 2022, which establishes a broad goal “to remove unwanted chemicals within [its] global value chain.” The company should participate in the Chemical Footprint Project survey to improve its chemicals management and publicly support governmental policies to reduce chemicals and plastics of high concern.
• Transparency: There is no indication Macy’s requires suppliers to disclose chemical ingredients or plastics to the retailer or consumers, nor that it requires testing to ensure products are free of hazardous chemicals or plastics beyond regulatory compliance. Macy’s should require ingredient disclosure, verify accuracy, and evaluate its chemical footprint.
• Ban the Bad: In 2022, Macy’s developed a restricted substance list (RSL) that includes, but is not limited to, azo dyes, flame retardants, and phthalates. It went into effect for Fall 2023 private-label apparel, home textiles, and footwear. Macy’s has also set a goal that by 2025, 75 percent of private-label apparel and soft textile products will be OEKO-TEX 100 certified and/or compliant with its RSL. The company should publicly report on its progress in meeting these goals.
• Safer Solutions: There is no indication that Macy’s has supported the development or sale of safer products. Macy’s should work to ensure substitutes for chemicals and plastics of high concern are safer for the health of consumers, communities, workers, and the environment.