Fast-fashion giant claims commitment to safety and sustainability, but questions remain.
Shein, one of the world’s largest fast-fashion retailers, announced that it conducted over two million product safety tests in 2024 in collaboration with third-party agencies, including Intertek, SGS, Bureau Veritas and TÜV. The company says these efforts underscore its commitment to product safety and sustainability while reinforcing its compliance protocols. However, considering Shein adds around 3,000 new products to its platform daily, the scale of its testing raises concerns about whether such measures effectively guarantee consistent quality across its vast inventory.
Product safety vs. mass production
Shein states that it enforces strict compliance policies, including vendor documentation reviews, chemical testing, and dynamic performance evaluations. In 2024, the company claims to have removed over 260 non-compliant sellers. But critics argue that despite these measures, consumer reports of subpar quality and hazardous materials persist. A past investigation by Greenpeace found excessive levels of chemicals in some Shein products, raising doubts about the retailer’s ability to enforce safety across its massive supply chain.
Sustainability efforts or greenwashing?
Shein also introduced sustainability initiatives, including a €5 million investment in textile recycling in Africa, a new polyester recycling process and the appointment of Mustan Lalani as Head of Global Sustainability. While these projects seem promising, Shein’s ultra-fast fashion model inherently contradicts sustainability, as the company continues to produce vast amounts of low-cost, short-lived clothing – a significant contributor to textile waste and environmental degradation.
With rapid production and high turnover, Shein’s sustainability claims remain questionable, leaving consumers to weigh whether the brand’s efforts are genuine or simply attempts to polish its image.
