SHEIN's Emissions Goals Validated Amid Criticism

SHEIN, a leader in the fast fashion industry, has recently achieved validation for its net zero emissions goals by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). This development, referred to by the company as a key milestone, aligns its climate objectives with the global targets set out in the Paris Agreement.

Advancing climate objectives

SHEIN’s commitment includes achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout its value chain by 2050. The brand plans to significantly lower its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030.

Additionally, the company aims to transition to 100% renewable electricity within its operations in the same timeframe. With a long-term goal extending to 2050, SHEIN expects to bring down Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 90%.

"SBTi’s validation of our net-zero targets marks an important step in SHEIN’s decarbonisation journey," shared Mustan Lalani, the Global Head of Sustainability at SHEIN. "We are committed to reducing emissions across our value chain and recognise that addressing Scope 3 emissions is a complex but critical part of that effort."

Action plan for emissions reduction

With consultancy from Anthesis Group, SHEIN has laid out detailed plans to tackle emissions.

This strategy encompasses both operational and supply chain emissions. Internally, SHEIN is targeting the complete adoption of renewable energy through the installation of solar panels and the use of Energy Attribute Certificates.

The company also envisions augmenting energy efficiency at its facilities and cutting down on fossil fuel usage in transportation and operations.

To tackle the 96% of emissions emanating from supply chain or Scope 3 activities, SHEIN has outlined several initiatives.

These include minimising the use of virgin materials in favour of recycled polyester, investing in textile recycling research, aiding suppliers to switch to renewable energy, and optimising logistics and packaging to reduce transport emissions.

Steps to curb waste and enhance circular initiatives like SHEIN Exchange, a peer-to-peer resale platform, also form part of SHEIN’s broader strategy.

Navigating industry and regulatory landscapes

Despite its publicly stated sustainability ambitions, SHEIN is not without its controversies. In May 2025, the brand came under the scrutiny of the Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, which, alongside other EU authorities, instructed SHEIN to amend platform practices that potentially violate EU regulations.

These include deceptive discounts, aggressive selling methods, and obscured consumer rights.

SHEIN's core operations have also been questioned for perpetuating issues such as alleged child labour, excessive work hours, and high reliance on polyester - a high-emissions synthetic fabric, use of toxic chemicals, and multiple legal actions from top fashion brands over copyright violations.

Furthermore, privacy violations led to a fine from New York State, accompanied by warnings from EU regulators for misleading marketing strategies.

Ken Pucker, Professor of the Practice at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, expressed skepticism on LinkedIn, stressing: "If SHEIN delivers on its plan to grow approximately 25% over the near term, that would mean that carbon intensity / unit would have to fall by 85% to achieve their target," further adding, "I am dubious."

While SHEIN’s SBTi approval might signal a positive development for the fast fashion sector, achieving genuine sustainability demands comprehensive, ongoing efforts that extend beyond merely setting targets.

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