Irish multinational fashion retailer Primark reported a significant drop in carbon emissions across its value chain. In its annual Sustainability and Ethics Progress Report, Primark stated that its decarbonisation efforts are starting to become less reliant on its growth.
The company has achieved a 1.9 per cent reduction in carbon emissions across its value chain since its baseline year of 2019, and an 11.6 per cent decrease compared to the previous year.
The reduction in carbon emissions was largely due to a 21 per cent decrease in Primark’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2024, compared to 2023, and a 52 per cent drop compared to the 2019 baseline.
The reduction was accomplished through energy efficiency initiatives in its stores and the purchase of renewable and low-carbon electricity. Primark reported that 64 per cent of its total electricity consumption in its own operations was sourced from renewable energy in 2023-24.
Up from 55 per cent in 2023 to 66 per cent in 2024, Primark reported progress in offering more sustainable clothing made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials. The retailer aims to make all its clothes from such materials by 2030.
“Taking the lead on durability in the industry and demonstrating that more sustainable, longer-lasting clothing can be affordable has been a major achievement for us,” said Lynne Walker, director of Primark Cares.
