Primark eco progress: 74% of clothing now made from more sustainably sourced fibres

Primark continues to make further progress on its sustainability strategy, publishing its fourth ‘Sustainability and Ethics Progress Report’. 

Its ‘Primark Cares’ sustainability strategy and broader Ethical Trade programme sees a number of advances that includes 74% of its clothing now made from recycled or more sustainably sourced fibres, up from 66% last year.

There’s also progress on its approach to circularity although still work to do. Today, 5% of all its clothing, 20% of all jersey clothing and 8% of denim clothing are tested against the Primark durability framework and scaling circular design.

Further greenhouse gas reduction sees emissions across the end-to-end value chain declined by almost 6% against its 2019 baseline.

And on the traceability front, all clothing, textile, and footwear suppliers are now onboarded to its own programme. 

Primark said it is continuing to embed its approach to circularity and extending product life within its business. This includes integrating circular design principles into the design and manufacture of its products; enhancing product traceability; supporting customers with repair and clothing care options and tackling carbon emissions throughout its supply chain. The company also continues to prioritise the wellbeing and rights of workers in its supply chain through a range of social impact programmes that support these workers. 

Lynne Walker, director of Primark Cares, said: “We’ve shown that you don’t have to choose between sustainability and value. Our sustainability commitments belong to all of us at Primark and we continue to use our scale for good to help drive change both within Primark and outside it.

“We know we have a huge responsibility as a global retailer and there is always more to be done but this year’s report shows that our efforts, and those of our suppliers and partners, are starting to bring about meaningful change. We continue to learn as we gather insights and data and further collaboration across the industry, both crucial to help us achieve our ambitions in this space.”