Shein's emissions soar by 9,7%: The model that pollutes the planet

Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein has revealed an alarming increase in its carbon emissions in its latest sustainability report, released last Friday. The Singapore-based company recorded more than 11 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions from its supply chain alone in 2024. The phenomenon comes amid growing global scrutiny over the environmental impact of the apparel industry, especially in markets like the US and Europe. The intensive use of air freight, ultra-fast production cycles, and lack of climate commitments make Shein a symbol of everything wrong with fast fashion.

The figures that reveal the giant

Shein's total emissions increased significantly in 2024, with a 9,7% increase across its supply chain.
Shein's annual sustainability report, published on June 14, reveals a worrying figure: 11.201.419 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent just in the manufacturing, dyeing, assembly and transportation of materials and products. Added to this are 8.519.829 tonnes from distribution and returns, which represents 13,7% growth compared to 2023.

A large part of this footprint is linked to the use of flights to transport cheap clothing to more than 150 countries.
While most companies in the sector use container ships, Shein relies on air transport as its main logistics route. This practice intensifies its carbon footprint, equivalent to the annual use of almost 2 million gasoline cars, according to estimates by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

An empire that grows without restraint

With an estimated value of $30.000 billion, Shein is one of the world's largest clothing retailers.
Its model is based on launching up to 10.000 new products a day, with prices rarely exceeding $10. This approach has revolutionized e-commerce, but at the cost of profound social and environmental impacts.

According to Yale Climate Connections, a garment can go from design to sale in just 10 days.
This speed allows Shein to dominate networks like TikTok and Instagram, but it also places a tremendous strain on natural resources, energy, workers, and waste management. Every step of the process—from dyeing to returning orders—increases emissions.

Emissions comparable to countries

A report by Stand.earth warns that Shein could rank as the 100th country in global emissions.
In the words of the study published this month: “If SHEIN were a country, it would emit as much as Lebanon."The company has increased its Scope 3 emissions in more than 170% in just two years, especially in its suppliers and logistics partners.

The company also ranks among the worst in emissions reduction and sustainability commitments.
Shein was classified as the most polluting fast fashion retailerUnlike competitors who at least publish net-zero goals or circularity reports, Shein continues to lack concrete strategies to reverse the trend.

The ecological cost of cheap fashion

The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global CO₂ emissions.
That's more than air and sea transport combined. In addition, it generates 92 million tons of textile waste each year, equivalent to a truckload of clothing incinerated or buried. every secondShein, as the main exponent of the ultra-fast model, amplifies this crisis.

Added to this is water consumption, chemical pollution, and social impacts.
Fast fashion contributes to the depletion of aquifers, the dumping of dyes in rivers, and precarious labor in poorly regulated sweatshops. In this context, Shein's growth is not a success, but a a structural threat to the planet.