SHEIN Unveils Innovative Polyester Recycling Technique to Transform Fashion Industry Sustainability

SHEIN Revolutionizes Polyester Recycling

SHEIN, the prominent global online fashion retailer, has recently achieved a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainability through the development of a groundbreaking polyester recycling process. This innovative initiative, born from a partnership with Donghua University, a renowned textile research institute, aims to reshape the future of fashion by embracing circular economy principles.

The new polyester recycling method stands out as it accommodates a diverse range of materials. This includes both pre-consumer and post-consumer polyester feedstock such as discarded textiles and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. The flexibility in sourcing these materials not only enhances cost efficiency in production but also opens the door to larger volumes of recycled content for SHEIN's products.

Research conducted by Donghua's experts indicates that the fabrics produced via this process can undergo multiple recycling cycles without a marked deterioration in material quality. The secret lies in the method of processing; the polyester is chemically broken down, refined, and reconstituted at a molecular level, meaning that the final product maintains its essential characteristics even after repeated cycles of recycling.

Looking ahead, SHEIN plans to collaborate with selected fibre manufacturers to advance this technology from a laboratory environment to a fully operational facility. This facility is projected to begin large-scale production of recycled polyester fibres by June 2025, aspiring to reach an impressive annual output of 3,000 metric tons.

Leonard Lin, SHEIN's President of EMEA and Global Head of Public Affairs, expressed the company's intent to harness innovation and tech to tackle challenges faced by the fashion industry. He emphasized the significance of this initiative within SHEIN's broader evoluSHEIN strategy, which aims at minimizing dependence on virgin polyester. Moreover, it marks a pivotal step in the sustainable transformation of the fashion sector.

The partnership with Donghua aligns with SHEIN's ambitious goal of transitioning 31% of the polyester used in its branded items to recycled sources by the year 2030. SHEIN is committed to fostering innovation not only through this recycling process but also by supporting the development of next-generation sustainable fibres. A notable example of this is the evoluSHEIN x Anitta collection launched in September 2024, featuring pieces crafted from Regracell®—a breathable fibre created from a blend of recycled textile waste and FSC-certified wood.

Additionally, since 2022, SHEIN has been collaborating with Aloqia (formerly known as Queen of Raw) to repurpose deadstock fabrics, materials that remain unused by other brands, into exclusive limited-edition designs. A collection titled SHEIN X Rescued was introduced in May 2024, showcasing creations by SHEIN X designers utilizing these repurposed materials.

As SHEIN progresses with its innovative initiatives in sustainability, it not only champions the cause of reducing textile waste but also sets a precedent for the entire fashion industry to follow. With its ambitious goals and commitment to responsible practices, SHEIN is on the frontlines of a revolution in fashion that prioritizes environmental integrity while continuing to deliver stylish and accessible products to consumers worldwide. The company is poised to further explore partnerships that enhance the use of recycled polyester and facilitate a transition towards more sustainable fashion practices across the globe.