SHEIN’s Net Zero Goal Validated Including Scope 3 Targets

Global fast fashion brand SHEIN says it has reached a milestone in its climate strategy following its net zero emissions targets gaining validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). 

Approval by the SBTi signals alignment with the Paris Agreement’s aim to limit global warming to 1.5°C. 

Yet, as the company outlines a path towards emissions reduction including tackling the impact of its supply chain, scrutiny over its ethical and environmental practices remains.

Supply chain in focus: tackling Scope 3 emissions

SHEIN has pledged to cut its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its entire value chain, with full net zero set for 2050. 

This includes Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions – those from direct operations and energy use – as well as Scope 3 emissions, which cover its entire supply chain and its product lifecycle.

SHEIN plans a 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, and a 25% cut in Scope 3 emissions from its supply chain, alongside transitioning to 100% renewable electricity across all operations. 

The company’s long-term goal is to cut emissions across all scopes by 90% by 2050.

Mustan Lalani, Global Head of Sustainability at SHEIN, elaborates on the company’s targets: “SBTi’s validation of our net-zero targets marks an important step in SHEIN’s decarbonisation journey. 

“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."

To confront this challenge, SHEIN has partnered with sustainability consultancy Anthesis Group to build a comprehensive decarbonisation roadmap. 

Given that 96% of the company’s emissions stem from Scope 3 sources – mainly its suppliers and logistics operations – the strategy leans heavily on supply chain reform.

Key actions include:

• Reducing dependence on virgin materials and increasing the use of lower-emission alternatives such as recycled polyester.
  
  
• Investing in R&D for textile recycling through a collaboration with Donghua University.
  
  
• Helping suppliers transition to renewable energy and adopt more energy-efficient production methods.
  
  
• Optimising logistics and packaging to cut down transport emissions.

Operations and circular measures

Internally, SHEIN is working to transition its own operations to 100% renewable electricity by 2030 through on-site solar and Energy Attribute Certificates.

Other operational measures include boosting energy efficiency at its facilities, moving away from fossil fuels in both transportation and production, and introducing electric vehicles.

The brand is also expanding its circular initiatives. These include stricter waste protocols at its managed sites and extending SHEIN Exchange, a resale platform where customers can buy and sell second-hand items directly with each other.

Despite these initiatives, SHEIN’s core model still attracts criticism.

The fast turnaround of mass-produced clothes and the company’s continued reliance on synthetic materials such as polyester attract criticism towards its ambitions for  long-term sustainability. 

Polyester, for example, is petroleum-based and carbon-intensive to produce, contributing to the company’s overall environmental footprint.

Legal challenges and building trust

SHEIN has faced legal and regulatory pressure. In May 2025, the Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), along with other EU regulators, ordered the company to fix platform practices allegedly violating consumer law such as false discounts, pressure tactics and opaque return policies.

Wider concerns target the brand’s supply chain ethics, including:

• Allegations of child labour and excessive working hours
   
• Continued use of potentially toxic chemicals in garments
   
• Copyright infringement lawsuits from companies like Levi Strauss & Co., Dr Martens and Ralph Lauren
   
• A fine from New York State for data privacy violations
   
• Regulatory warnings from EU agencies over misleading marketing

Ken Pucker, Professor of the Practice at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, noted the scale of the challenge when writing on LinkedIn: “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. I am dubious.”

While validation from SBTi may indicate a step towards climate alignment, long-term credibility will likely depend on how well SHEIN can reform its supply chain practices in line with its targets.

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