By Flawless Magazine
Fast fashion giant Shein has announced progress on a proprietary polyester recycling process, signalling an effort to integrate circularity into its supply chain. The company says it aims to use 31% recycled polyester in its garments by 2030 — a notable target for a brand synonymous with high-volume, low-cost apparel.
Closing the Loop on Polyester
Polyester, a synthetic fibre derived from fossil fuels, accounts for over half of global textile production. Its affordability and durability make it a staple of fast fashion — and a sustainability problem. Recycling polyester typically involves either mechanical recycling (which can degrade quality) or chemical processes (which are costly and energy intensive).
Shein’s new approach, currently under development with undisclosed technical partners, reportedly seeks to overcome these challenges by creating a closed-loop chemical recycling system. The aim: to convert used polyester textiles into virgin-quality fibres suitable for new garments, at a lower cost and with fewer emissions.
2030 Targets in Context
The company’s commitment to transition to 31% recycled polyester is framed within its broader roadmap toward sustainability. While the goal signals some ambition, critics argue that without reducing overall production volumes — a key driver of environmental harm — recycled content alone won’t be enough.
“Shein’s announcement is a step in the right direction, but the impact hinges on how the company addresses scale and garment longevity,” says one sustainability consultant. “Recycling helps, but overproduction remains fashion’s biggest challenge.”
Industry-Wide Implications
Shein’s scale gives the initiative weight: if successful, it could help accelerate investment in polyester recycling infrastructure globally. However, experts caution that transparency will be key. Full disclosure of recycling rates, methods, and supply chain integration will determine whether this is a genuine shift or a greenwashing exercise.
Flawless Insight
The fashion industry is under mounting pressure to decouple growth from virgin resource extraction. While Shein’s polyester recycling plan is still early-stage, it signals the growing relevance of circular material innovation — even in the most controversial corners of fast fashion. The path to progress will depend not just on chemistry, but on accountability and systems change.
