On January 28, 2025, Stella McCartney announced ambitious sustainability targets including a 46.2% reduction in supply chain emissions by 2030 and a 75% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions. The brand also co‐founded the Collab SOS Fund with a US$200m investment to support climate solution startups, reinforcing its commitment to ethical business practices. Additionally, following the buyback of a minority share from LVMH, the British designer will continue to serve as global ambassador on sustainability, advising LVMH on sustainability issues.

Stella McCartney announced a strategic partnership with Mango Materials during COP28 to showcase material innovation focused on sustainability and ethical business practices.

An investigation by The Independent, reported by ArtLyst, alleges that GB sports kits designed by Stella McCartney for Adidas are being manufactured in sweatshop conditions in Indonesia, where predominantly female workers face exploitation including excessive working hours, very low wages (as little as 34p an hour), and physical and verbal abuse.

Stella McCartney, in an interview with Sky News ahead of a G7 summit reception at the Eden Project, criticized how current tax policies penalize sustainable practices in the fashion industry. She emphasized that eco-friendly production methods are hindered by regulations that favor conventional approaches, and called for lawmakers to adjust policies to better incentivize green innovation.

At Cop26 on November 8, 2021, designer Stella McCartney urged world leaders to implement new laws to regulate the fast fashion industry's environmental impact. She criticized existing tax policies that penalize sustainable practices, advocating for incentives and reforms that benefit ethical business practices in the fashion industry.

At the opening of her 'Future of Fashion' exhibit at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery during COP26, Stella McCartney urged governments to implement policy measures to regulate fast-fashion practices. She highlighted the need for stricter rules to protect animal rights, improve working conditions, and reduce environmental harm, including advocating for a ban on animal leather and fur.

Stella McCartney Ltd's modern slavery statement summary for 2020 is available on the official UK registry, reflecting the company's commitment to ethical labor practices and transparency in its supply chain.

Stella McCartney has released its Responsible Sourcing Guide (published in July 2019), which details an extensive framework for ensuring ethical labor practices, robust supply chain transparency, environmental sustainability, and adherence to high human rights standards. The guide outlines policies on zero-tolerance for child labor and forced labor, strict environmental standards, and sustainable sourcing practices for raw materials. This initiative underscores the brand’s commitment to responsible business practices that protect workers, communities, and ecosystems.