A Comparative Analysis of Sustainable Brand Efforts and Communications

Gymshark vs. NAGNATA 

The Ask:

Tasked with evaluating two fashion brands to determine whether they meet the transparency and sustainability standards outlined in the current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Florence, Italy

Applied Skills:

SUPPLY CHAIN Analysis

QUANTITATIVE & QUALITATIVE Analysis

TRANSPARENCY Analysis

BENCHMARKING & GAP Analysis

BRAND Positioning

Process:

  1. BRAND Research

2. PLAYBOOK PRINCIPLE Analysis

3. SDG Analysis

4. FULL Synopsis

This case study was completed in collaboration with my study abroad classmate, Norah. We focused our research on the athletic sector’s heavy reliance on synthetic fibers and the environmental challenges associated with their production and use, driven by our shared passion for natural fibers and our commitment to promoting more sustainable athletic wear.

A Collaborative Effort

-Anja Rozen, International Plakat Miru Competition

1. Brand Research

Key findings identified from the websites -

Gymshark

  • Performance-Driven

  • Innovative Designs

  • Mass Market Appeal

  • Fast Fashion Model

-Gymshark

NAGNATA

  • Sustainably Minded

  • Ethical Production

  • Excellent Transparency

  • Slow Fashion Model

-NAGNATA

2. Playbook Principle Analysis

A guide to aligning fashion communication with climate and sustainability goals -

To evaluate each athletic brand comprehensively, we developed a synopsis grounded in the Eight Fashion Playbook Principles, assessing how well each brand aligned with the framework’s expectations for information, transparency, cultural responsibility, and advocacy. Our analysis revealed that Gymshark demonstrates limited transparency and frequently makes sustainability-oriented claims without providing clear evidence, ultimately adhering to a predominantly linear production model. In contrast, NAGNATA satisfies most of the principles; however, its premium pricing structure may make the brand less accessible to a wider consumer base despite its stronger commitment to sustainable practices.

-UN Environment Programme

Claims vs. Confirmed

3. SDG Alignment

Gymshark’s Public Goals -

Currently, there is little evidence to demonstrate that these benchmarks are being met.

NAGNATA’s Public Goals -

NAGNATA clearly identifies the actionable steps it is taking toward its SDG objectives and supplements these claims with relevant supporting data.

4. Final Synopsis

Check out the full analysis!

Outcomes

Outcomes

  • Sustainability Benchmarking

  • Heightened Critical Awareness

  • Supply Chain Analysis

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