Primark has signed up to the United Nations Fashion Charter (UNFCCC). The budget fashion chain is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 30% by 2030.
Tackling the whole value chain
By joining the UNFCCC, the fashion chain supports the ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and to tackle emissions from its entire value chain. By 2030, the retailer aims to reduce its entire emissions by 30%.
Traditionally, CO2 emissions are divided into three ‘scopes’, where scope 3 stands for the emissions released outside the company’s own activities. For Primark, scope 3 emissions make up the vast majority of its carbon footprint. Scope 1 and 2 in turn relate to Primark’s own operations and energy supply.
Commitments
Primark has already implemented a range of processes in its manufacturing, distribution and retail operations to reduce its environmental footprint. For example, in 2015, an Energy Reduction Group was established to develop and roll out energy saving initiatives in its shops (scope 1 and 2).
To further reduce its scope 3 emissions, Primark has taken a range of initiatives and made a number of commitments.
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This autumn the retailer will double the number of products made with recycled materials to 40 million items.
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Over the next two years, Primark will teach 160,000 cotton farmers more environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques. This initiative is part of a training programme starting in 2013.
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Since 2010, the retailer has donated unsold goods to a number of charities.
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Primark aims to implement a recycling programme currently running in the UK, allowing customers to donate items to other countries.
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The fashion chain also aims to help its suppliers reduce energy consumption and optimise packaging.
“We are delighted to be joining the UNFCCC and are committing to cutting our emissions across our value chain. As a global fashion retailer, we are passionate about finding solutions to the challenges of climate change and recognise that there is always more to do,” said Katharine Stewart, Director of Ethical Trade and Sustainability.
Incidentally, Primark does not want to pass on the extra costs to its customers and is sticking to its low prices. “We believe that sustainable fashion shouldn’t come with a big price tag,” Stewart says.
