The fashion industry accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions and consumes nearly 100 billion cubic meters of water annually. As regulatory scrutiny on sustainability intensifies, fast fashion brands like Shein are facing mounting pressure to improve their supply chain transparency and environmental impact. In a bid to address these concerns, Shein has partnered with Transfar Chemicals, a China-based textile chemical company, to develop eco-conscious dyeing and finishing processes. This move is part of a broader shift towards sustainable production, aiming to reduce water consumption, energy use, and carbon emissions. But is it enough to counteract the massive ecological footprint of fast fashion?
The Shein-Transfar Partnership: Key Focus Areas
The partnership between Shein and Transfar Chemicals centers on three primary initiatives aimed at transforming traditional textile manufacturing into a more sustainable process:
1. Digitalizing Dyeing and Finishing Processes
Traditional textile dyeing and finishing methods are resource-intensive, consuming vast amounts of water and energy while releasing chemical pollutants. Shein and Transfar Chemicals are working on the digitalization of these processes to improve efficiency and minimize waste. By integrating advanced traceability systems, the companies aim to reduce water usage, lower carbon emissions, and optimize production methods to align with global sustainability regulations.
2. Development of Functional and Eco-Friendly Materials
A critical aspect of Shein’s sustainability plan is the innovation of textile materials. The collaboration will focus on creating stretch fabrics and water-repellent materials that meet sustainability standards without compromising performance. These new fabrics are expected to offer improved durability and recyclability, reducing the environmental burden of disposable fashion.
3. Standardized Testing for Safety and Quality
To ensure consistency in evaluating new sustainable materials, Shein and Transfar will establish uniform testing protocols. This initiative aims to standardize safety, quality, and environmental performance assessments, making it easier for the brand to integrate sustainable innovations into its supply chain while maintaining product integrity.
Beyond Greenwashing: Shein’s Other Sustainability Efforts
Shein has been actively expanding its sustainability initiatives beyond the Transfar Chemicals partnership. Some of the brand’s notable efforts include:
Polyester Recycling Initiative with Donghua University: Shein is working on an advanced polyester recycling process that can handle a wider range of materials, including textile waste and PET bottles. This new process is reportedly more cost-efficient and allows fabrics to be recycled multiple times without degrading material quality.
Water-Saving NTX Cooltrans Technology: In January, Shein announced the adoption of NTX Cooltrans printing technology for denim, which reduces water usage by 70.5% and eliminates exposure to harmful chemicals.
Industry Collaborations for Circular Fashion: The company is encouraging partnerships between Transfar Chemicals and regional textile and dyeing enterprises to scale up sustainable textile production.
Can Shein Transform Fast Fashion’s Reputation?
Despite these initiatives, Shein has a long road ahead to prove its commitment to sustainability. The company has been criticized for its role in textile waste, labor concerns, and carbon emissions. A report by Stand.earth gave Shein a mere 2.5 out of 100 points for its progress in reducing manufacturing emissions, signaling that more aggressive action is needed.
For fast fashion brands, true transformation requires systemic changes—including reducing overproduction, shifting to circular business models, and adopting supply chain transparency tools. Shein’s collaboration with Transfar Chemicals is a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen whether these initiatives will lead to meaningful industry change or serve as a temporary PR boost.
Conclusion
Shein’s partnership with Transfar Chemicals marks an important move toward sustainable textile production, focusing on dyeing digitalization, eco-friendly materials, and standardized testing. However, the broader question remains: Can fast fashion ever be truly sustainable? As regulations tighten and consumers demand greater supply chain transparency, brands must go beyond greenwashing and implement measurable, long-term ESG strategies. For now, Shein’s sustainability journey is still unfolding—whether it will lead to real impact or remain a symbolic effort is a challenge the brand must address.