Primark has reported continued progress on its sustainability commitments with the release of its fourth Sustainability and Ethics Progress Report. The retailer said 74% of its clothing is now made from recycled or more sustainably sourced fibres, up from 66% the previous year.
The company also reported early steps toward circularity, though it acknowledged more work is needed. Currently, 5% of all Primark clothing, 20% of jersey garments and 8% of denim items are tested under its durability framework as part of efforts to scale circular design. Greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain have fallen by almost 6% compared with a 2019 baseline.
On traceability, Primark said all clothing, textile and footwear suppliers have now been onboarded to its internal traceability programme.
The retailer added that it is continuing to embed circular design principles into product development, strengthen traceability systems, support customers with repair and care options and work to cut carbon emissions across its supply chain. Primark said it also remains focused on worker wellbeing and rights through a range of social impact initiatives.
Lynne Walker, director of Primark Cares, said the company is proving “you don’t have to choose between sustainability and value”, adding that its scale allows it to drive change across the business and wider industry.
“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,” she said. “We continue to learn as we gather insights and data, and further collaboration across the industry will be crucial to achieving our ambitions.”
