‘False solutions’ undermine climate goals at Shein, Lululemon

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🗞️ Driving the news: A new report by NewClimate Institute reveals that five major fashion brands — Adidas, H&M, Inditex (Zara), Lululemon, and Shein — have updated their climate targets, but most remain “significantly off track” from meeting global climate goals
• While Adidas, H&M, and Inditex have Paris-aligned 2030 targets, the plans from Lululemon and Shein fall short, with Shein's trajectory allowing for a doubling of emissions by 2030 despite a stated reduction goal

🔭 The context: The Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor 2025 assesses corporate climate strategies, focusing on transparency, implementation, and impact
• Although some fashion companies have made progress in target-setting and emissions reductions, many still rely on inadequate or opaque measures such as biomass and loosely defined “preferred fibers”
• The sector continues to grapple with fast fashion’s structural emissions, primarily from energy-intensive supply chains

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Fashion is among the most polluting industries globally, with manufacturing accounting for most emissions
• The slow pace of adopting renewable-powered electrification and reducing overproduction threatens the industry’s contribution to climate targets
• Without clear regulatory frameworks and genuine decarbonisation strategies, current efforts risk being perceived as greenwashing

⏭️ What's next: The report urges stricter regulatory oversight, including mandatory reporting of production volumes and clear targets for reductions
• It also recommends phasing out the destruction of unsold inventory and accelerating the adoption of electrified, renewable-powered manufacturing technologies
• Fashion companies will face mounting pressure from investors, consumers, and regulators to deliver transparent and credible climate actions

💬 One quote: “Limited transparency on implementation plans, reliance on false solutions and a lack of commitment to move beyond fast fashion undermine” companies’ climate pledges, the report concludes

📈 One stat: The five companies assessed — Adidas, H&M, Inditex, Lululemon, and Shein — reported a combined revenue of $123 billion in 2023

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of Adidas, H&M, Inditex, Lululemon, Shein and their peers Nike, Uniqlo, and Primark

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