Shein Reports 13.7% Transport Emissions Increase in 2024

Shein, the fast-fashion retailer, reported a 13.7% increase in carbon emissions from product transportation in 2024, reaching 8.52 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent, with 2023 emissions revised upward by 18%. The company relies heavily on air freight to ship clothing directly from Chinese suppliers to consumers in over 150 markets, a strategy that is significantly more carbon-intensive than the container shipping used by many traditional apparel retailers. In response to environmental concerns, Shein plans to reduce emissions by producing, packaging, and shipping closer to customers, increasing the use of trucking and maritime freight, and expanding manufacturing in Brazil and Turkey. Despite these efforts, Shein’s transport emissions are more than three times those of Inditex, the owner of Zara, highlighting the environmental impact of its rapid growth and logistics model. French lawmakers have targeted Shein’s environmental footprint by approving legislation that could ban its advertising. Shein maintains that its demand-driven production model minimizes waste and unsold inventory compared to traditional clothing retailers.