Fast fashion retailer Shein's Transport Emissions Salta 13.7% in 2024

Shein's carbon emissions from the transport of products rose 13.7% in 2024, the Sustainability Report of the Fast Fashion Retail online showed on Friday, and its transport emissions of 2023 were 18% higher than what was previously reported after a recalculation.

Shein mainly uses air freight to send cheap clothes directly from suppliers in China to buyers around the world, a more carbon intensive supply chain model compared to traditional clothing retailers who send more of their products in containers.

Shein said she plans to produce, pack and send closer to her customers as a way to reduce emissions and reduce delivery times and shipping costs. It increased its use of marine freight and transport in 2024, according to the report.

Emissions from the transport of products to and among the Shein facilities, and for customers, including yields, were 8.52 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2024, compared to 7.49 million metric tons of CO2E in 2023, according to the report.

Shein transport emissions by 2024 are more than three times from the owner of Zara Inditex, which reported 2.61 million tons of CO2E for its financial year 2024.

Shein said his 2023 broadcasts were recalulated after an update of his methodology. Last year he informed a 2023 figure of 6.35 million metric tons.
Founded in China and based in Singapore, Shein obtains most of its 7,000 suppliers products in China, but also has a growing network of suppliers in Brazil and Türkiye.

The steep tariffs imposed by the United States on Chinese products have made Shein diversify their supplier base, since the United States is its largest market.
The company aims to make public and has changed its focus on an initial public offer of Hong Kong after not obtaining the regulatory approval of Chinese values ​​to proceed with a planned London list.

Shein's emission reduction objectives, approved last month by science -based objectives initiative, are for a 25% reduction in scope emissions 3 (indirect) by 2030, compared to 2023.