Primark reports significant progress in reducing its carbon emissions as detailed in its latest annual Sustainability and Ethics Progress Report.
- The retailer achieved an 11.6% reduction in total carbon emissions for the year ending July 2024, compared to the previous year.
- Primark’s move to renewable energy contributed to a 21% decrease in Scope 1 and 2 emissions year over year.
- The company aims for 100% sustainably sourced materials in its products by 2030, with current metrics already showing improvement.
- Primark is focusing on sustainability education for its staff to further embed green practices.
Primark’s latest Sustainability and Ethics Progress Report reveals a commendable reduction in its carbon emissions. The retailer managed an 11.6% drop in emissions in the year ending July 2024 compared to the previous year, marking a substantial cut in their environmental impact. This positive trend was mainly facilitated by slashing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 21% year on year, which are emissions from direct and indirect sources under the retailer’s control.
Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, while Scope 2 emissions cover indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling. Primark is shifting towards renewable energy, now accounting for 64% of its total electricity use, a significant push towards greener operation.
Additionally, Primark has collaborated with Maersk, a Danish shipping company, to replace traditional fuels with biofuel in its logistics chain. This biofuel, derived from renewable sources like plants and algae, results in approximately 40% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fuels.
The company is also making strides in recycled and circular textiles. As of the latest report, 66% of Primark’s clothing products sold were made from recycled or more sustainably sourced materials, up from 55% a year prior. Primark is steadily advancing towards its 2030 target of 100% sustainability in its materials.
In line with these efforts, Primark’s cotton products also saw an increase in sustainability. Between August 2023 and July 2024, 57% of Primark’s cotton clothing incorporated organic, recycled, or sustainably sourced cotton, reflecting an increase from the previous year. This initiative is supported by Primark’s efforts to cultivate sustainable cotton farming through reduced use of chemicals and efficient water usage.
Circular design is another focus. Outfits designed to be durable and recyclable now make up 3% of Primark’s clothing range, guided by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s principles. This includes popular collections such as Rita Ora’s and Disney’s The Lion King ranges.
Primark is proactively pushing for industry-wide clothing lifespan standards through its Durability Framework, developed in partnership with the environmental charity WRAP. This framework suggests that clothing should maintain wearability after 45 machine washes, a standard Primark holds its suppliers accountable for.
Furthermore, Primark is investing in training programs to enhance its staff’s understanding of sustainability. With 529 colleagues trained, representing 80% of those eligible, Primark is committed to ‘greening’ its workforce, ensuring that sustainability is embedded in its corporate culture and operations.
Primark’s ongoing efforts showcase its commitment to promoting sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint across its operations.
