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Fast fashion retailer Zalando claims its returns are ‘climate neutral’. Is it true?

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Summary

This article investigates the sustainability of Europe's largest online fashion retailer, Zalando. Through investigative research, it was discovered that Zalando's returns process does not live up to its promise of being "climate neutral". Trackers sewn into returned items revealed that they often took long, zigzag journeys across Europe, emitting emissions as they went. The retailer also relies heavily on carbon offsetting schemes, which have been revealed as substandard. Through its 2021 emissions, Zalando emitted more than twice as much as all of Iceland. Despite this, the company continues to make billions in sales.

Q&As

What does Zalando promise customers about their returns process?
Zalando promises customers that returns and delivery are climate neutral.

How did investigative researchers track Zalando’s returns process?
Investigative researchers tracked Zalando’s returns process by sewing trackers into the items and then sending them back to Zalando.

What happens to the items returned to Zalando?
The investigators tracked a grey baby onesie to Gardno in northwest Poland. Some items marked for outlet retail or donation are reportedly sent to external facilities for handling. Soiled items and new goods that are missing a barcode are deposited into a shredder.

Are damaged items really resold or donated?
Zalando says some damaged returns are given new life through a repairs service and used clothing sales, but they do not disclose figures. Many items are returned to the partner retailers who offer their goods in the Zalando shop.

What is Zalando’s carbon footprint?
According to Zalando, in 2021 it emitted more than 5.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent across its entire value chain, which is more than twice as much as all of Iceland.

AI Comments

👍 Great article that really dives into the sustainability promises made by Zalando!

👎 Zalando's emissions are far too high for them to be able to make any serious claims of sustainability.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about fast fashion retailer Zalando's claim that their returns are "climate neutral". The article reveals that Zalando outsources some of its returns department to Poland, where it is believed that around 20 million returns are sent to waste incineration plants every year. The article also discusses how Zalando's carbon footprint is more than twice that of Iceland and that some of the returns take long zigzag journeys across Europe, spewing emissions as they go.

Friend: Wow, that's pretty concerning. It seems like Zalando isn't being honest about their sustainability claims. It's disheartening to know that so many returns are going to waste incineration plants.

Me: Yeah, it's definitely concerning. This article has some pretty dire implications for the fashion industry, as it shows the need for more transparency and accountability from retailers. It's also a reminder of the importance of shopping ethically and supporting sustainable fashion brands.

Action items

Research the environmental impact of fast fashion and other online retailers.
Educate yourself on the importance of carbon offsetting and how it can be used to reduce emissions.
Reach out to your local representatives and urge them to take action on reducing emissions from online retailers.

Technical terms

Fast fashion: A type of fashion that is produced quickly and cheaply in order to meet the latest trends.
Greenwashing: A deceptive marketing practice in which a company or product claims to be more environmentally friendly than it actually is.
Carbon emissions: The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is a major contributor to climate change.
Online shopping: Shopping for goods and services over the internet.
Retail trade: The sale of goods and services to the public.