SHEIN is committed to more sustainable packaging materials.
SHEIN develops and invests in projects for a more sustainable fashion industry.
SHEIN is recognized as a global online fashion and lifestyle retailer committed to making the beauty of fashion accessible to everyone. SHEIN built its business on the premise of reducing manufacturing waste and manufacturing on demand. The unique, mobile-focused, on-demand manufacturing model means SHEIN is able to identify trends and predict consumer demand with greater accuracy than traditional forecasting models.
From the trendiest designs to the most comfortable furniture, SHEIN product categories respond quickly to market demand. SHEIN then produces only an ultra-small batch of each style (100-200 pieces), gauges market reaction in real-time, and responds with larger-scale production to meet demand only when warranted. This leads to less waste and excess. The industry average unsold inventory is between 25% and 40%, while SHEIN has reduced it to single digits. If this is adopted by the rest of the industry, calculations showed that global textile production could fall by more than 20%.
“We are committed to transforming the fashion ecosystem into a more responsible fashion ecosystem,” said Adam Whinston, Global Head of Environment, Social and Governance at SHEIN. “The launch of evolusHEIN is an important step in our sustainability management that touches each of our key focus areas – protecting the environment, supporting communities and empowering entrepreneurs.”
Adam Whinston, Global Head of Environment, Social and Governance at SHEIN.
On the journey to a more sustainable future
SHEIN is increasingly focusing on the topic of sustainability in its corporate strategy and implementing, among other things, more and more sustainable resources in its business processes. The evoluSHEIN collection, for example, is made of polyester – a fiber made from recycled plastic. To create the fabric, materials such as used plastic bottles are carefully cleaned, shredded, melted and spun into polyester yarn. Compared to the production of new polyester, the recycling process requires far fewer raw materials and reduces the amount of water required. The company also makes targeted investments in improving the energy efficiency of its factories and in projects that promote renewable energies.
Additionally, SHEIN is focusing on more sustainable packaging options for its clothing lines. From August 2022, SHEIN uses express bags made from recycled plastic for all packaging sent to European countries. These bags are made from 50% recycled PE plastic. SHEIN’s sister brand, the MOTF line, takes it a step further: their packaging is made from 100% recycled PE plastic.
SHEIN is committed to more sustainable packaging materials.
SHEIN is committed to supporting sustainable projects that drive positive change in the fashion industry. SHEIN has partnered with the Or Foundation to create a multi-year fund to advance the development and implementation of environmental and social sustainability strategies. Such an agreement between the two parties is the first of its kind. SHEIN is committed to supporting the management of textile waste in those countries that are particularly affected. SHEIN is committing $50 million over the next five years to support global projects on this journey.
Another project is the collaboration with Canopy, which works to preserve endangered forests. That’s why SHEIN is switching to more environmentally and socially friendly fabrics and packaging. In this way, the company promotes the development of fiber sources that reduce environmental and social impact. Products and packaging made from recycled polyester are only produced by suppliers who are certified to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). This globally recognized certification supports the traceability of recycled materials throughout the supply chain and requires compliance with strict social and environmental regulations.
Community Support
SHEIN has also implemented the Supplier Community Empowerment Program. The initiative aims to empower supplier partners and their communities at different stages of their development. To this end, long-term initiatives to support suppliers are implemented in four main areas: improve factories and promote technological advances. At the same time, further training measures are created and the social environment of the supplier partners is supported.
This holistic program aims to provide suppliers with technological innovations such as IT tools and updated systems for improved production efficiency. This includes intelligent real-time online planning, waste reduction and resource conservation. SHEIN has also provided nearly $15 million in additional funding to suppliers to make physical facility improvements. To date, SHEIN’s investment and support has funded the expansion of the supplier’s facilities to 60,000 square meters (approximately 645,000 square feet) and improved facilities for 3,900 employees.
Through the SHEIN Caring Fund, launched in December 2021, SHEIN has committed $10 million to support global nonprofits focused on empowering entrepreneurs, supporting underserved communities, ensuring animal health and welfare, and promoting recycling and the economy circular.
Promoting design talent
Another highlight on the agenda: SHEIN X. The incubator program promotes small and medium-sized designers from around the world. As of 2021, more than 2,300 creators from over 20 countries have been supported. Artists can participate in a master class that supports them in their further creative process. Here designers can focus on what they do best: creating fashion. SHEIN then handles manufacturing, marketing and sales. For example, fashion shows are regularly organized to give more attention to artists before a wider audience
to get an audience. Thus, the company gives young designers access to the fashion industry.
SHEIN presents diverse designs and makes fashion accessible to everyone.
About SHEIN
SHEIN is a global online fashion and lifestyle retailer committed to making fashion accessible to everyone. SHEIN uses on-demand manufacturing technology to bring suppliers into the flexible supply chain, reduce inventory waste and offer a variety of affordable products to customers around the world. From its international offices, SHEIN reaches customers in more than 150 countries. To learn more about SHEIN, visit www.SHEIN.com.