Primark has published its third annual Sustainability and Ethics Progress Report which shows how the business is embedding sustainability practices and moving towards its 2030 commitments.
New data shows that Primark – known in Ireland as Penneys – has reduced carbon emissions across its value chain by 1.9% since 2019, including an 11.9% decrease since last year.
As part of its goal to halve carbon emissions across its 2030, Primark reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 21% in 2024, compared to 2023.
Overall, Scope 1 and 2 emissions were 52% lower than they 2019 baseline.
This reduction came from the procurement of renewable and low-carbon electricity, as well as energy efficiency measures carried out in stores.
The retailer expects this reduction to fluctuate in the short-term as the company expands.
Products
Over the past 12 months, 66% of clothes sold in Primark were made from recycled or more sustainably sourced materials.
Primark also progressed towards its commitment to tackle textile waste by making more clothes that are recyclable at end-of-life and implementing a circular production initiative.
Some 3% of clothes sold in Primark in the last 12 months were circular by design, meaning they meet the criteria of Primark’s Circular Product Standard.
Despite the EU’s focus on product durability and the high cost of living, there is currently no agreed industry or legal standard for physical durability, so Primark is challenging the idea that long-lasting clothes need to cost more.
Backed by research from environmental charity Hubbub and the University of Leeds School of Design, Primark’s Durability Framework – released this year – is designed to set the bard for how fashion retailers can get more out of their clothes.
As cotton is the most-used fibre in Primark clothing, the company has developed the Primark Cotton Project, which trains farmers how to use alternatives to chemical pesticides and introduce cover crops to protect soil.
‘Use Our Scale For Good’
Commenting on the latest impact report, the director of Primark Cares Lynne Walker said, “Our sustainability commitments belong to all of us at Primark and we’re starting to see a real impact.
“The progress we’ve made in the three years since we launched our Primark Cares strategy has given us the confidence to be proud of the work we are doing.
“As a brand for everyone, we know we have a huge responsibility to use our scale for good.
“Taking the lead on durability across the industry and proving that more sustainable and longer-lasting clothing doesn’t have to cost more, has been a significant achievement for us.
“Continuing to learn as we gather insights and data from across the Primark business and forging meaningful collaborations across the industry will be critical to achieving our 2030 ambitions.”
