March 28, 2025 – SHEIN Revolutionizes Sustainability in Fashion Retail with Bold Packaging Innovations and Green Supply Chain Strategies
In a move that underscores its commitment to environmental stewardship, global fashion and lifestyle online retailer SHEIN is pushing the boundaries of sustainability with unprecedented initiatives to reduce packaging and plastic use. The company is not only transforming the lifecycle of its products but also setting a new benchmark for sustainable practices in the industry.
SHEIN has made significant strides by incorporating recycled materials into its shipping and garment bags. In 2024 alone, this innovation led to a reduction of over 6,700 tonnes of virgin plastic and a carbon emission decrease of more than 21,000 tonnes. Remarkably, more than half of its shipping bags now feature a “green makeover,” comprising eco-friendly plastic bags with 50% recycled polyethylene.
The journey towards greener packaging began in July 2022 when SHEIN introduced Global Recycle Standard (GRS)-certified recycled polyethylene in its shipping bags. This eco-conscious initiative was extended to garment bags in August of the same year, with select lines and brands such as SHEIN’s namesake, SHEINX, evoluSHEIN, and MOTF adopting 100% recycled polyethylene packaging. According to insights from the Color Masterbatch Industry Network, these recycled materials are sourced from recycled plastics, significantly reducing resource extraction, energy consumption, and environmental impact.
Beyond material substitution, SHEIN has embarked on a “slimming down” mission, focusing on reducing the size and thickness of its packaging bags. Starting in 2023, garment packaging bags successfully shed weight, and in 2024, they underwent further lightening, with each bag being 0.99 grams lighter than the previous year. Similarly, shipping bags also underwent a weight reduction, with each bag being 4.37 grams lighter compared to 2023. This achievement is a testament to SHEIN’s dedicated team of experts who conducted numerous experiments and optimizations to ensure maximized resource utilization without compromising packaging performance.
SHEIN’s commitment to reducing plastic extends beyond packaging, permeating every stage of a product’s lifecycle. From raw material sourcing to manufacturing, logistics, and redistribution, the company is actively driving green transformation. Its innovative “small batch, quick response” flexible supply chain model and digital tools have effectively minimized production waste, leading the way in the digitalization and industrial internet transformation of the apparel industry.
In terms of raw materials, SHEIN actively sources eco-friendly fabrics such as excess inventory fabrics, recycled fabrics, and forest-friendly viscose. The company is also fostering technological and modal innovations. Recently, SHEIN collaborated with Donghua University to develop a more practical and economical recycled polyester solution, expected to be rolled out across the supply chain in June this year. Additionally, SHEIN has established a joint laboratory with Transfar Chemical to explore new textile printing and dyeing technologies, enhancing the value of fabrics.
In supply chain infrastructure, SHEIN has invested over ten billion yuan to build a green, intelligent, and automated supply chain system. The Guangzhou Xiyin Bay Area Supply Chain Project Park serves as a prime example, with plans to install a solar photovoltaic power generation system that is anticipated to save approximately 8,121 tonnes of standard coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 22,000 tonnes annually. Furthermore, the park will incorporate a centralized chilled water storage air-conditioning system, aligning with its low-carbon and green operational goals.
Looking ahead, SHEIN plans to invest 500 million yuan over the next five years to empower upstream and downstream suppliers through technological innovation, training support, factory expansion, and community welfare initiatives within the supplier network. This comprehensive approach will further propel the sustainable development of SHEIN and its supply chain, establishing a paradigm of green transformation for the industry.