Primark has reported a significant fall in carbon emissions for the first time in three years.
- The retailer achieved an 11.6% reduction in total carbon emissions, driven by renewable energy use.
- Primark’s commitment to sustainability is highlighted by increased use of recycled textiles.
- The company is aiming for a 100% sustainably-sourced clothing range by 2030.
- New initiatives include a durability framework and circular product strategies.
Primark’s recent report has indicated a noteworthy reduction in their carbon emissions for the first time in over three years as a result of their strategic switch to renewable energy. This shift has led to an 11.6% decrease in their total carbon emissions year on year, marking a crucial milestone in their sustainability efforts.
A deeper analysis reveals that the company’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions fell by a striking 21%, significantly lower than their foundational year of 2018/19 by 52%. Scope 1 encompasses direct emissions from controlled or owned sources, while Scope 2 refers to indirect emissions from purchased energy sources. Such a substantive decrease underscores the impact of Primark’s renewable energy initiatives, which now account for 64% of their electricity demand.
The retailer’s strides in sustainability are further demonstrated through their collaboration with Maersk to replace traditional fuels with biofuel for product shipments. Biofuel, derived from renewable biological resources like plants and algae, results in approximately 40% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fuel, indicating Primark’s proactive approach in reducing its carbon footprint.
Moreover, Primark has made progress in sustainable textile use with 66% of clothes sold last year comprising either recycled or more sustainably sourced materials. This development is a step towards their 2030 goal of entirely sustainably-sourced clothing. Further, 57% of all cotton clothing sold was composed of organic, recycled cotton or sourced through the company’s sustainable cotton project.
Primark’s commitment is not limited to sustainable materials but extends to durability and circularity in product design. The company has formed a framework aiming for clothes to withstand 45 washing cycles, aligning with WRAP guidelines. As part of this initiative, Primark has organised numerous repair workshops across Europe, offering additional avenues for enhancing product longevity.
Director of Primark Cares, Lynne Walker, emphasised the importance of product durability, articulating Primark’s ambition to set new industry standards. Walker conveyed the company’s intent to make these durability standards a collective goal within the industry, thus fostering a broader movement toward sustainable fashion. Walker remains committed to expanding sustainability training across Primark teams, with many colleagues already participating in this educational initiative.
Primark’s ongoing efforts demonstrate a robust commitment to sustainability through innovative practices and industry-wide collaborations.
