The fast fashion industry is facing a critical turning point, with sustainability becoming an urgent focus amid growing concerns about environmental degradation and unethical labour practices.
As the sector accounts for a significant share of global carbon emissions, water pollution, and textile waste, the demand for more responsible, transparent, and circular practices is intensifying. Consumers and regulators alike are pushing for change, prompting brands to rethink their production models.
Shein
Shein exhibits severe shortcomings in environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Its high CO2 emissions, reliance on polluting materials, labor rights violations, and lack of transparency in sustainability practices demand urgent action to mitigate the company’s negative impact on the environment and society
Is not Just a Brand, It’s a Way of Life
Criteria
Carbon Footprint, Low
In 2023, Shein emitted 16.7 million metric tons of CO2, surpassing the annual emissions of four coal power plants. The company’s absolute emissions have increased by 176% since 2021, with an 83% rise between 2022 and 2023.
Ecological Impact, Low
Shein relies heavily on synthetic materials like polyester and polyamide, which release microplastics into oceans and ecosystems, contributing to plastic pollution.
The fast fashion industry, where Shein is a dominant player, is responsible for 20% of annual freshwater pollution and 35% of all microplastic emissions globally.
Energy Consumption, Low
The company’s rapid and large-scale production demands high energy consumption, significantly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
Freight Density, Medium
Shein’s global distribution model heavily relies on air and maritime transport, further increasing its carbon footprint.
Recycling Rates, Low
Although Shein introduced a resale platform in the U.S. to promote sustainability, the effectiveness of this initiative is questionable, as customers may prefer buying new low-cost items rather than second-hand products.
Saving Levels, Low
There is no publicly available information on financial savings achieved through sustainable practices, suggesting a lack of focus on efficiency gains.
Specific Product Monitoring, Low
A 2021 investigation found that some Shein garments contained dangerous levels of lead and other toxic chemicals, indicating a failure in product safety monitoring.
Supply Chain Waste, Low
In 2024, Shein identified two cases of child labor among its suppliers, one involving an 11-year-old girl. Additionally, the company has been accused of labor rights violations, including low wages and unsafe working conditions.
Sustainability Scorecards, Low
Despite Shein publishing a Sustainability and Social Impact Report in 2023, rising emissions and ongoing labor rights violations raise concerns about the credibility of its sustainability initiatives.
Water Management, Low
The fast fashion industry, including Shein, contributes 20% of annual freshwater pollution, highlighting inadequate water resource management.
Related to other brands
Number of criteria met by each brand:
- Massimo Dutti 3.5 / 5
- Shein 2.0 / 5
- Zara 3.5 / 5
- Uniqlo 2.5 / 5
ESCP Business School Team
Research developed by five curious international ESCP Business School students who have worked together to successfully complete their consulting project. They analysed four brands in four different categories -24 brands: electric cars EV, dairy products, computers, personal care, luxury apparel, fast fashion-, according to 10 environmental criteria.
- Alix AMMEUX: Dairy Products
- Hanna AMSELLEM: Electrical Vehicles
- Leonardo BERTINI COLLA: Computers
- Zackary BOISNEAULT: Personal Products
- Ariane DESPRES: Luxury Apparels
- Caterina GIUSTINIANI: Fast fashion
Sources
- 233.docx
- SHEIN-2023-Sustainability-and-Social-Impact-Report
- A Study on Sustainable Fashion Supply Chain of Zara
- Value Chain Analysis of Zara – SCM Insight
- Massimo Dutti – Sustainability Facts, Rating, Goals | Panaprium
- Paper | Massimo Dutti Commitment to sustainability
- Sustainable Fast Fashion: How Zara Transforms its Supply Chain – SupplyChain 360
- 2023 Sustainability and Social Impact Report – SHEIN Group
- Sharing our evoluSHEIN Roadmap to Guide the Future of Sustainability & Social Impact at SHEIN – SHEIN Group
- OUR MISSION│Unlocking The Power of Clothing. UNIQLO Sustainability
- The Positive Power of LifeWear | Unlocking The Power of Clothing. UNIQLO Sustainability
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