#China #N/A #ESG Management #ISO Standards #SHEIN Group

SHEIN's Commitment to ESG Management

SHEIN, a prominent online fashion and lifestyle brand, is intensifying its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management in its operations across China. As a part of its sustainability roadmap, known as evoluSHEIN, the company is dedicated to optimizing its environmental management, labor safety, waste management, and water sanitation systems in its owned facilities. This initiative is pivotal for ensuring robust governance and operational capacity within SHEIN’s facilities.

The foundation of SHEIN’s ESG initiatives includes investments in its logistics and innovation networks, notably through the establishment of the Centre of Innovation for Garment Manufacturing (CIGM). This center is aimed at innovating garment production efficiency and consistency, enhancing overall operational procedures from order receipt to shipment.

ISO Certification for Environmental and Labor Safety Management

In line with its sustainability goals, SHEIN's six logistics centers have successfully gained certifications for Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001) and Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (ISO 45001) after audits by SGS. This notable achievement, expected by 2025, signifies that SHEIN's facilities are adhering to internationally recognized standards.

ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 provide a structured framework for organizations to clarify responsibilities, establish goals, and manage environmental impacts and health safety risks systematically. By implementing these standards, SHEIN enhances its governance systems related to health and safety management as well as environmental oversight. The process includes regular risk identification, compliance updates, and structured training programs aimed at increasing employee awareness and accountability.

Regular internal and external audits will ensure that processes are correctly followed, supporting continual improvement in SHEIN’s operational practices and compliance with ISO standards.

Strengthening Waste and Resource Management

In addition to enhancing environmental management, SHEIN is focusing on fortifying its waste management systems. By 2025, eight additional facilities have obtained the Zero Waste to Landfill Management System certification from TÜV Rheinland, bringing the total certified facilities, including CIGM, to 15.

These certifications indicate a commitment to effective waste handling, ensuring that procedures aim for zero landfill disposal. The evaluation for this certification scrutinizes compliance with established procedures and the actual results achieved through these processes. Following these developments, all SHEIN-operated warehouses in China are now meeting these standards, with nearly half of the company's managed facilities in the country qualifying under this certification.

SHEIN is also continuously exploring opportunities to minimize resource usage from the source throughout the order-to-shipment process. This includes a review of the usage of packaging materials and consumables to mitigate waste generation via reuse and process improvements.

Reducing Non-Reusable Material Usage

In reducing non-reusable materials within their logistics operations, SHEIN is implementing specific measures aimed at minimizing resource consumption while maintaining operational safety and product integrity. Key initiatives include:

• - Transitioning from cardboard boxes to reusable burlap bags for in-warehouse transport and storage.
• - Reducing the width of adhesive tape to lower plastic consumption.
• - Optimizing the thickness of boxes used for returns and shipments.
• - Utilizing reusable securing belts as an alternative to plastic stretch film.
• - Minimizing the number of packaging bags used per order.
• - Reusing plastic pallets to decrease new purchases.

These strategies resulted in a significant reduction of approximately 932 tons of waste, underlining SHEIN's commitment to sustainable resource management.

Promoting Safe Water and Hygiene Initiatives

Addressing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is another critical component of SHEIN’s ESG strategy. As part of its landscape for water resource management, SHEIN aims to ensure safe water access and hygiene practices across its operations. In 2024, SHEIN plans to publicly outline its water resource management principles, clarifying basic requirements and guidance for responsible water usage and management, applicable to all its operations and partners.

Evaluations on WASH are ongoing at SHEIN facilities, extending from 22 to 29 globally by 2025. These assessments, grounded in the WASH4WORK framework supported by the UN Global Compact, ensure that SHEIN facilities uphold standards for clean drinking water access, sanitation installations, and hygiene supplies.

By adhering to the WASH4WORK standards, SHEIN reinforces its commitment to improving water resource management and ensuring safe and healthy working conditions across its operations.

About SHEIN

SHEIN operates as a global online fashion and lifestyle brand, known for providing trendy apparel and items through partnerships with suppliers worldwide. The brand aims to deliver the joy of fashion to everyone, supporting forward-thinking production methods to shape a smart, sustainable fashion industry.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: ROADGET BUSINESS PTE. LTD.
• - Website: SHEIN
• - Corporate Website: SHEIN Group
• - Instagram: @shein_japan

SHEIN continues its commitment to compliance and quality management while engaging in initiatives such as clothing exchange and donation campaigns to foster environmental responsibility. For the latest updates, please refer to the company’s corporate news resources or visit their official website.