Primark focuses on “preferred materials and circular design” in its sustainability strategy

Irish fashion and homewares retailer Primark, founded in 1969, has announced that it will step up its sustainability strategy. The company is expanding its shift to materials such as recycled or more sustainably sourced fibers. Additionally, the retailer continues its efforts to integrate circular designs into its approach to extend the life of products within the business model.

This step comes as part of the publication of the fourth progress report on sustainability and ethics. In it, the company provides transparency on the progress of its Primark Cares sustainability strategy and the broader ethical trading program.

The key findings of the 2024/2025 report show that 74 percent of clothing is now made from recycled or more sustainably sourced fibers. This represents an increase from 66 percent in 2023. Of these, almost four in ten items of clothing (39 percent) contain recycled fibers. Additionally, 57 percent of clothing contained cotton that was either organic, recycled or sourced from the Primark Cotton Project. This is the retailer’s training program for cotton farmers in the supply chain.

The retailer also highlights how it has integrated circular design principles into the design and manufacturing of its products. One in 20 items (five percent) are now “circular by design,” meaning they are easier to recycle at the end of their life. Categories showing “notable progress” include jersey at 20 percent and denim at eight percent. The retailer recently launched a fall/winter denim collection made without elastane or metal rivets. This is designed to make end-of-life recycling easier.

Primark also collected the results of the first full year of durability testing for denim, socks and jersey, as measured by Primark’s Durability Framework. Key findings show that 77 percent of denim and jersey apparel and 69 percent of sock products tested achieved “desirable” durability levels. This means that the quality was maintained after 45 washes.

There has also been progress in the commitment to accessibility. A 49-piece adaptive collection was developed with designer Victoria Jenkins and launched in ten markets.

The year 2024/2025 also led to improved product traceability. 100 percent of clothing, textiles and footwear suppliers in Primark’s supply chain have been included in the traceability program.

Primark publishes Sustainability and Ethics Progress Report 2024/2025

Commenting on the progress, Lynne Walker, Director of Primark Cares, said in a statement: “People come to Primark for great fashion at value for money and everyday items that are designed to last. Four years on, we have shown that there is no need to choose between sustainability and price. Our sustainability commitments belong to all of us at Primark. We continue to use our size for good to drive change both inside and outside Primark.”

“We know we have a great responsibility as a global retailer, and there is always more to do. However, this year’s report shows that our efforts, as well as those of our suppliers and partners, are starting to deliver meaningful change. We continue to learn as we gather insights and data. We are also deepening collaboration across the industry, both of which are critical to achieving our ambitions in this area.”

In terms of impact on the planet, Primark announced that overall greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by a total of 5.7 percent compared to the 2019 base year. This included a 71 percent reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions (market-based) and a four percent decrease in Scope 3 emissions. This includes converting 323 branches to LED lighting, which will save around 35 percent of electricity.

In addition, almost a fifth (19 percent) of Primark’s sea freight was transported using a biofuel blend. This is a more sustainable alternative to diesel. A further 98 percent of journeys from ports to depots were made using low-carbon fuel. At the same time, 97 factories in Bangladesh, China and India were included in Primark’s resource efficiency program. This aims to support suppliers in reducing energy, water and chemical consumption as well as greenhouse gas emissions and costs.

The company also emphasized that it continues to prioritize the well-being and rights of workers in its supply chain. This is done through a range of social impact programs. This includes implementing initiatives to support physical and mental health and well-being in more than 300 supplier factories. This includes the first program to combat heat stress as well as the offer of vision tests and glasses in collaboration with Vision Spring in 16 of the suppliers’ factories.

Eoin Tonge, Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Primark, added: “I don’t expect praise for our progress. However, I believe it is important that we are transparent and understood as many inaccurate perceptions about Primark remain. Perhaps as a brand best known for value for money, we need to work harder than others. We need to show that low prices do not mean low standards.”