Primark's new commitments will make all of the company's clothing to be produced from recycled materials or from a more sustainable source by 2030, which currently takes place in 25 percent of all sales. The next step is for all basic T-shirts for men, women and children to be made with cotton of sustainable origin, next year.
Paul Marchant, Primark's CEO, said: “This is an exciting new chapter in Primark's history. Our ambition is to offer customers the affordable prices they know and love about us, but with products made in a way that is more favourable for the planet and the people who make them. We know this is what our customers and colleagues want and expect from us.
“For over 10 years we have been working towards becoming a more sustainable and ethical business. One in every four garments we now sell belongs to our Primark Cares product range, made from recycled materials or from a more sustainable source. Our new commitments mark a significant acceleration in the pace and scale of change, forcing us to think differently about the way we do business. From the way our clothes are designed and produced, to the way we sell them in stores. We don't have all the answers and we know we can't do this alone. We are committed to working in partnership with industry to drive real change on a large scale.”
Nelson Ribeiro, Head of Sales at Primark Portugal, said that “the changes brought about by these new commitments will be very well received by our clients in Portugal. People want to feel that they make the right, sustainable and durable choices, and that this is accessible to them! A sustainable choice doesn't have to be expensive and it's great to be part of a process of change for the better.”