Irish multinational fast fashion retailer Primark has published its inaugural Sustainability and Ethics Progress Report, revealing progress since the launch of its sustainability strategy.
In a statement, Primark said that almost half (45 per cent) of all Primark’s clothes now contain recycled or more sustainably sourced materials, up from 25 per cent at the launch of its sustainability strategy last September.
252,800 farmers have been trained in the Primark Sustainable Cotton Programme (PSCP) nd it is set to train another 275,000 farmers by the end of 2023, cementing this programme as the biggest of its kind of any single fashion retailer.
In the face of rising cost-of-living pressures, Primark remains intent on delivering its vision of making more sustainable fashion affordable for all. One year on since the launch of its Primark Cares sustainability strategy, 45 per cent of all clothes Primark sold have come under its Primark Cares label denoting clothes that contain either recycled or more sustainable materials.
Primark has committed to transition 100 per cent of its clothes to its Primark Cares label by 2030, while keeping its same Primark great value pricing.
India is an important sourcing destination for Primark and it is also supporting its India’s vendors with regard to sustainability.
The retailer said that the increased focus and investment in new teams and skills across the business has allowed Primark to accelerate progress against its commitments.
It further added that 40 per cent of all cotton clothing units sold contain cotton that is recycled, organic or sourced from its PSCP, up from 27 per cent at launch. New Circular Design Training Programme, piloted for 24 members of the Product team and six suppliers, will be scaled up in the next 12 months.
43 repair workshops took place across the UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI), encouraging customers and colleagues to keep and wear their clothes for longer.
Primark also established a Packaging Centre of Excellence to explore new ways to eliminate single-use plastic and non-clothing waste by 2027.
Lynne Walker, Director, Primark Cares commented, “The past 12 months have been about building the right foundations for our sustainability strategy, Primark Cares. Much of our focus has been on getting ourselves set up in the right way to meet the commitments we’ve made, which is why pilots and processes have been as important as the progress we’ve delivered during this first year.”
