Benetton Group controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2022
Russia operations criticism
A study of corporate responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine gave Benetton a failing assessment for continuing business in the country. The Changing Markets Foundation also alleged use of Russian oil in polyester production.
2020
Italy watchdog investigates Benetton franchising contracts
Investigation
In 2020, Italy's competition watchdog investigated Benetton Group over possible abuse in two franchising contracts with independent retailers. The investigation examined possible contractual clauses that favored Benetton over franchisees. Benetton denied wrongdoing and stated that it was confident its relationships with retailers had been managed correctly. The event concerns the opening of the investigation and Benetton's response; no outcome of the investigation is stated in the available information.
Company response
Denial — Benetton group
The Benetton group denied any wrongdoing and said it was confident it would be able to prove its relations with retailers were always managed correctly.
Source excerpt
The regulator is looking into Benetton's possible use of certain contractual clauses that favoured its (Benetton's) needs rather than the franchisee.
MILAN, - Italy's competition watchdog is investigating fashion retailer Benetton for possible abuse in two of its franchising contracts with independent retailers, it said on Wednesday.
The Benetton group denied any wrongdoing and said it was confident it would be able to prove its relations with retailers were always managed correctly.
2018
RFID privacy criticism
Benetton attracted criticism over consideration of RFID chips for inventory tracking. Privacy advocates raised concerns that tags could be read remotely and potentially associated with people wearing the garments. The proposed plan was shelved.
2013
Rana Plaza sourcing and compensation controversy
The collapse of Rana Plaza in Bangladesh killed at least 1,130 people. Clothing and documents found at the site linked Benetton production to one of the factories. The group initially disputed reports of a connection and later faced protests over compensation. In 2015 it announced increased compensation and supplier safety commitments.
2010
Mulesing-related wool boycott
PETA organized a boycott over wool sourced from farms using mulesing. Benetton subsequently agreed to purchase non-mulesed wool and encouraged adoption of industry standards intended to end the practice.
1991
Mapuche land dispute in Argentina
Benetton’s subsidiary acquired a large Argentine landholding and became the country’s largest private landowner. Mapuche organizations challenged the ownership and treatment of traditional lands, with disputes and protests continuing for years.