Shein's Carbon Footprint: A Wake-Up Call for the Fashion Industry

Shein has officially become the largest carbon emitter among major fashion brands, with its emissions reaching 16.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2023. This staggering figure not only surpasses other giants like Inditex, Nike, and LVMH but also highlights the urgent need for action within the fashion industry.

Here are some key takeaways from Shein’s latest sustainability report:

• Rapid Growth, Alarming Emissions: Shein's carbon emissions have nearly tripled over the last three years, growing faster than its sales. This rapid increase is outpacing the company’s efforts to mitigate its environmental impact.

• Global Impact: The company’s carbon footprint is now comparable to that of several small countries, raising concerns about the broader implications for our planet.

• Sustainability Initiatives: Shein has launched initiatives like a €200 million circularity fund aimed at promoting textile recycling and improving manufacturing efficiency. However, these efforts are currently dwarfed by the company’s explosive growth.

• Future Goals: Shein aims to reduce its emissions by 25% by 2030, a target being validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative. But with such a high starting point, this reduction may still leave a significant environmental footprint.

The fashion industry must urgently rethink its approach to growth and sustainability. Brands, big and small, need to align their ambitions with the planet’s limits, ensuring that progress in sales doesn’t come at the cost of our environment.