Costco Wholesale Sustainability Profile

Costco Wholesale shows a mixed sustainability picture. Its own materials say it is working on climate, energy, packaging, water, waste, and supplier standards, and it now publishes sustainability reports and climate updates. It also says it is trying to cut emissions, use more clean energy, and improve how suppliers manage labour and environmental risks. At the same time, independent ratings and commentary point to gaps in transparency and weak performance in some areas, especially for its apparel-related supply chain. Public review sites also show poor customer sentiment for the Australian site, though those reviews are mostly about service rather than sustainability. Overall, Costco appears to be making real progress, but it is still far from a strong sustainability leader.

Positive Sentiment Found
Public commentary is mixed, but there are some clear positive signals. Good On You gives Costco’s apparel-related brand a low overall rating, yet it still notes a formal animal welfare policy aligned with the Five Freedoms, which are basic standards for animal care. Independent articles also say Costco has become much more open about sustainability than it used to be, with detailed reporting on emissions, waste, and supplier issues. Trillium’s 2026 engagement summary describes progress on climate disclosure, seafood sourcing, chemical safety, and labour topics after years of investor pressure. It also says Costco disclosed partnerships with ChemFORWARD and Change Chemistry, both linked to safer chemicals. These points suggest that outside observers see real movement, even if they still want stronger action.

Common Criticisms:
The strongest negative signals come from independent ratings and consumer reviews. Good On You rates Costco’s apparel-related brand as “Not good enough,” with a 2 out of 5 environment score and a 2 out of 5 people score, saying there is little evidence of strong action on hazardous chemicals, water reduction, textile waste, or labour standards. It also says the brand scored only 11-20% in the 2021 Fashion Transparency Index, which suggests limited public disclosure. Trustpilot reviews for Costco Australia are also poor, with a 1.7 out of 5 rating based on 38 reviews, although those complaints are mostly about service rather than sustainability. Independent commentary also says Costco still has supply-chain risks, including labour and environmental issues, and that some of its transparency is better than peers but still incomplete.