Shein’s fast fashion model is facing intense scrutiny as its emissions soar to record highs. With a staggering 26 million metric tonnes of CO₂e in 2024, Shein is now the fashion industry’s biggest polluter. The company’s incessant production of 2,000 to 10,000 new styles daily contributes considerably to environmental degradation, with Scope 3 emissions comprising over half of its carbon footprint. While Shein claims sustainability, many view it as greenwashing—perhaps just a clever marketing trick. There’s more to uncover about this swirling controversy.
Quick Overview
- Shein’s carbon emissions soared to over 26 million metric tonnes CO₂e in 2024, a staggering 23.1% increase from the previous year.
- The brand’s rapid introduction of 2,000 to 10,000 new styles daily exacerbates environmental waste and overconsumption issues.
- Scope 3 emissions, primarily from supply chain practices, account for over half of Shein’s total carbon footprint.
- Despite sustainability claims, Shein’s emissions reduction targets appear unrealistic as they continue to rise significantly.
- The company’s reliance on carbon offsets rather than direct emission reductions has drawn criticism from environmental experts.
Alarming Growth in Carbon Emissions
As the world grapples with climate change, the staggering rise in carbon emissions from fast fashion giants like Shein serves as a wake-up call that simply can’t be ignored.
In 2024, Shein’s emissions soared to over 26 million metric tonnes CO₂e, a shocking 23.1% increase from the previous year. To put it in perspective, that’s more pollution than Inditex and H&M combined! The brand’s Scope 3 emissions, responsible for over half its carbon footprint, reveal a supply chain running rampant. With fossil fuel combustion emissions rising 94.3%, the fashion industry’s environmental impact is becoming as hard to ignore as a neon tracksuit at a black-tie event. Implementing cross-sector strategies could significantly reduce the industry’s carbon footprint through more efficient production methods and renewable energy adoption. This alarming trend is further emphasized by Shein’s identification as the biggest polluter among 42 fashion brands. Additionally, the company aims to source 100% of energy from renewables by 2030, yet its current emissions trajectory raises serious questions about this commitment.
The Environmental Cost of Supply Chain Practices
While many consumers may revel in the thrill of scoring trendy clothes at unbeatable prices, the environmental cost of Shein’s supply chain practices is a topic that deserves serious attention.
Fast fashion’s quick production cycles lead to staggering water pollution, with Shein contributing notably to the 20% of global industrial water pollution from dyeing. Furthermore, Shein’s unsustainable production practices involve adding 2,000 to 10,000 styles daily, exacerbating the environmental impact. This rapid inventory turnover fosters a culture of overconsumption, further straining our planet’s resources.
Alongside this, their low-quality garments create mountains of textile waste, languishing in landfills for over two centuries. These discarded items contribute significantly to the global plastic crisis affecting ecosystems worldwide.
Additionally, the reliance on synthetic materials releases microplastics into oceans, harming marine life.
Each purchase may seem harmless, but the environmental footprint is anything but trivial.
Ineffective Sustainability Initiatives and Their Impact
Despite Shein’s ambitious claims of sustainability, the reality often paints a different picture, one that is less about green initiatives and more about greenwashing.
In 2023, emissions soared by 45%, primarily driven by Scope 3 emissions from their supply chain. They promised a 25-30% reduction by 2030, yet 2024 revealed a staggering 23.1% increase. Meanwhile, their fossil fuel phase-out efforts earned a dismal 2.5 out of 100. Experts suggest the company should focus on emission reduction strategies before relying heavily on carbon offsets to meet their targets. While initiatives like SHEIN Exchange hint at progress, the core fast fashion model continues to churn out carbon like a factory on overdrive, undermining any genuine sustainability efforts. Furthermore, critics highlight a lack of transparency in Shein’s sustainability commitments, raising questions about the credibility of their initiatives. Additionally, SHEIN’s target to reduce emissions by 25% by 2030 seems increasingly unrealistic given their current trajectory.
