Inditex aims to use only sustainable fibres by 2030

Fasy-fashion giant Inditex is set to increase its use of recycled fabrics. The parent company of Zara promises to make a quarter of its garments from new types of sustainable materials by 2030.

New generation fabrics

Previously, Inditex had set itself the target of using more sustainable cotton, linen and polyester, as well as wood pulp as textile fibres, but the world’s largest fashion group did not yet have an overall target for recycled fibres. Now the group is making a commitment: by 2030, all textile products will have to use more sustainable fibres.

By then, around 40 % of all textile fibres should come from recycling and 25 % from sustainable crops. Another quarter should be made from new-generation materials, such as apple leather or soy cashmere. These so-called “new generation” fabrics are non-plastic, non-synthetic and plant-based materials that offer ethical and sustainable alternatives. The remaining 10 % will come from other sustainable sources, Reuters cites CEO Garcia Maceiras at the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting.

Anticipating European rules

The European Commission is currently working on stricter regulations to combat “fast-fashion”, a term coined to describe Inditex’s strategy. Europe wants clothing retailers to pay for the waste they produce and, in particular, for products to be made from recycled fibres wherever possible.

“Moving forward on sustainability is natural for us”, said non-executive chair Marta Ortega. Inditex posted record figures last year, but that also means that there was no reduction in production. According to its annual report, the fashion group produced 621,244 tonnes of clothing last year, 10 % more than in 2021.