Takeaways

• SHEIN is strengthening ESG management across its self-operated facilities in China through globally recognized standards and audits.
• New certifications and operational changes focus on environmental management, worker safety, waste reduction, and water stewardship.
• These steps support evoluSHEIN, the company’s long-term sustainability roadmap.

SHEIN is continuing to strengthen its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management practices across the facilities it directly operates, with a focus on environmental protection, workplace safety, waste reduction, and water stewardship. The latest initiatives cover SHEIN-operated logistics parks, warehouses, and innovation centres in China and form part of the company’s evoluSHEIN sustainability roadmap.

These efforts build on earlier investments across SHEIN’s logistics and innovation network, including warehouse modernization, fulfillment optimization, and the Centre of Innovation for Garment Manufacturing (CIGM), which aims to improve efficiency and consistency in garment production.

ISO-Aligned Environmental and Health & Safety Systems

In 2025, six SHEIN-operated logistics parks achieved ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications following third-party audits conducted by SGS. ISO 14001 focuses on environmental management systems, while ISO 45001 addresses occupational health and safety.

These internationally recognized standards provide structured frameworks for managing environmental impacts and workplace risks. At SHEIN-operated facilities, this includes regular risk assessments, updates to operating procedures, emergency preparedness reviews, and structured employee training. The certifications also require ongoing internal and external audits, supporting continuous improvement and stronger governance across SHEIN’s operations.

Read More: Shein Appoints Advisory Bodies to Support CR Practices

Improving Waste and Resource Management

Waste management remains a key part of SHEIN’s ESG strategy. In 2025, eight additional SHEIN-managed facilities received Zero Waste to Landfill Management System certification from TÜV Rheinland. This brings the total number of certified facilities to 15, including the CIGM. Seven previously certified sites also renewed their status, showing continued compliance with required controls.

Following these certifications, all self-operated warehouses in China and nearly half of SHEIN-managed facilities in the country now meet the zero-waste standard. The certification evaluates both documented waste-handling procedures and real-world outcomes, with a focus on avoiding landfill disposal.

SHEIN is also reviewing material use across fulfilment operations, including packaging and consumables, to identify opportunities for reuse and waste reduction at the source.

Reducing Single-Use Materials in Fulfillment

Across selected SHEIN-operated fulfilment centres, targeted measures are being introduced to cut down on single-use materials. These include replacing paper cartons with reusable burlap bags for internal transport, reducing adhesive tape width, modifying carton thickness, using reusable straps instead of plastic stretch film, and reusing plastic pallets.

Together, these changes have reduced or avoided around 932 metric tonnes of waste while maintaining operational safety and product protection.

Strengthening Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

SHEIN’s water, sanitation, and hygiene efforts are guided by its Water Stewardship Policy, published in 2024. The policy applies to SHEIN-operated facilities and outlines expectations for responsible water use across the value chain.

Also Read: ESG Data Providers: How to Choose the Right Fit for Your Business

In 2025, WASH assessments were completed at 28 self-operated warehouses and the CIGM, expanding coverage to 29 sites globally. Using the WASH4WORK framework, supported by the UN Global Compact, the assessments confirmed compliance with standards for clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene infrastructure. The results reinforce SHEIN’s focus on water stewardship and workplace well-being across its operations.

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Source: SHEIN