Chinese fast-fashion retailer Shein will begin using carbon credits linked to alternative aviation fuels within the next six months under a new partnership with Lufthansa Cargo.
The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) this month to explore ways of advancing sustainable air freight. As part of the deal, Lufthansa Cargo will initially provide Shein with third-party verified certificates confirming its increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The certificates demonstrate that SAF generates fewer lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional jet fuel.
Although the alternative fuels will not necessarily power flights carrying Shein shipments, the certificates will allow the retailer to reflect the associated emissions reductions in its corporate accounting. Shein said it would incorporate the offsetting mechanism into its operations within six months, while both firms aim to develop longer-term collaboration on decarbonisation measures.
“Through this partnership, we aim to pilot and gradually expand the use of sustainable aviation fuel where feasible, while continuing to explore additional ways to reduce the carbon footprint across our delivery network,” said Ethan Shen, Shein’s general manager of global fulfilment. “While the use of SAF is one step towards reducing our transportation and distribution emissions, we recognise it as part of a broader decarbonisation strategy that should also include optimising logistics, fleet efficiency, and exploring other low-carbon solutions.”
The MoU also covers potential cooperation on reporting environmental data, including emissions, with a focus on ensuring greater traceability and credibility.
