Primark’s journey to offer “affordable, quality clothes while reducing its impact on the planet” takes another sizeable step with the retailer publishing its “milestone” third annual Sustainability & Ethics Report.

Within the report “are so many highlights”, including Primark’s Scope 1 and 2 (market-based) emissions reduced by 21% in 2024, compared to 2023, and 52% lower than the 2019 baseline.

Further positive impacts over the last 12 months include carbon emissions across its value chain falling 11.6%, continuing its ambition “to halve carbon emissions… by 2030”.

Meanwhile, 66% of Primark’s clothing are now made from recycled or more sustainably sourced materials, while the retailer said it has also “progressed its commitment to tackle textile waste” through the introduction of more clothes that are recyclable at end-of-life. 

Its regenerative cotton farming strategy is also on the rise with around 3,000 farmers completing Primark’s pilot programme.

Commenting on the latest impact data, Lynne Walker, director of Primark Cares said: “Our sustainability commitments belong to all of us and we’re starting to see real impact.

“The progress we’ve made in the three years since we launched our Primark Cares strategy has given us the confidence to be proud of the work we are doing. As a brand for everyone, we know we have a huge responsibility to use our scale for good.”  

She added: “Taking the lead on durability across the industry and proving that more sustainable and longer-lasting clothing doesn’t have to cost more, has been a significant achievement for us. Continuing to learn as we gather insights and data from across the business and forging meaningful collaboration across the industry will be critical to achieving our 2030 ambitions.”