No Praise Needed for Primark’s Sustainability Gains, Interim CEO Says

Core Insights - A significant portion of fashion executives (only 18 percent) viewed sustainability as a top-three risk for growth in 2022, with the 2026 report indicating that sustainability and ethical practices ranked seventh in factors influencing high-net-worth individuals' purchasing decisions from luxury brands [1] Group 1: Primark's Sustainability Efforts - Primark's interim CEO emphasized that sustainability remains a priority for the company, despite claims of reduced focus in other sectors [2] - The company aims for all clothing to be made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials by 2030, achieving 74 percent of clothing units sold containing such materials in the 2024-25 reporting year, a 12 percent increase from 2023 [3] - Of the 74 percent, 39 percent of Primark clothing now features recycled fibers, although comparisons to previous periods are not specified [4] Group 2: Primark Cares Strategy - The Primark Cares sustainability strategy was introduced in September 2021, building on the Ethical Trade program established 15 years ago [5] - Currently, 5 percent of items are designed for circularity, making them easier to recycle at end-of-life, with specific percentages for Jersey (20 percent) and denim (8 percent) [6]