Primark is launching a new sustainability drive as part of its new commitment to reduce fast fashion waste and halve its carbon emissions – but it says the changes won’t cost customers more
Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
Primark has announced plans to make all its clothes using recycled or more sustainably-sourced material by 2030.
The fast fashion giant said it will also strengthen the durability of its products so they last longer and can be recycled.
Primark says the changes won’t result in price increases for customers.
The retailer confirmed its commitment to reduce fast fashion waste as part of a new strategy to halve its carbon emissions.
It says it will start with all men’s, women’s and children’s entry price t-shirts being made with sustainably sourced cotton over the next year.
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Only 25% of Primark’s clothes are currently made from recycled or more sustainably sourced materials.
Primark says it will also be “pursuing” a living wage for workers in its supply chain.
Primark chief executive Paul Marchant said: “We believe that sustainability shouldn’t be priced at a premium that only a minority can afford.
“Because of who we are, we believe we have the opportunity to make more sustainable fashion choices affordable to all.
“This is a new and exciting chapter in the Primark story.
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“Our ambition is to offer customers the affordable prices they know and love us for, but with products that are made in a way that is better for the planet and the people who make them.
“We know that’s what our customers, and our colleagues, want and expect from us.”
Primark is working with waste and resources body Wrap to draw up new industry guidelines on durability.
As part of its changes, stores will feature signs showcasing its new ‘How Change Looks’ campaign and will have more clothes recycling bins.
Primark says it also wants to educate consumers on techniques to lengthen the lifespan of their wardrobe.
This includes encouraging sewing skills to guidance on washing practices.
Primark said it will report back annually on its progress in meeting its commitments.
Its announcement comes after Primark warned customers could see stock delays this winter due to the recent supply chain issues.
Owner Associated British Foods (ABF) said the retailer was “experiencing some delays to the handover of some autumn/winter inventory caused by port and container freight disruptions”.
However ABF finance director John Bason told Reuters news agency the problem was “about delays rather than cancellations”.
He added: “All stores got this early autumn stock, we’re fully stocked and ready for the season, there will be no shortages.”
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