Shein has expanded its use of deadstock material – the unused surplus fabric from other brands and manufacturers – with more than 28,000 metres of these fabrics incorporated into various Shein collections and styles in 2024.

This is an increase of more than 40% compared to the over 19,000 metres recorded the previous year.

By taking this approach, the brand has saved the equivalent of more than 200,000 cubic metres of water, over 4,000 kilograms of chemicals, and over 42 metric tons of CO2e that would otherwise have been generated in 2024 if equivalent materials had been newly produced instead of being reclaimed.

These metrics are based on the impact measurement algorithms developed by Aloqia (formerly Queen of Raw), a leading circular economy SaaS platform that specialises in unlocking the value of excess inventory, with the support of data scientists at MIT Solve.   

“Increasing our use of deadstock is one part of our preferred materials strategy, which includes reducing our reliance on newly produced materials,” said Mustan Lalani, Shein’s global head of sustainability. “By integrating more existing fabrics into our supply chain, we are adopting practical and scalable solutions that aim to minimise waste.”

Since 2022, Shein has leveraged Aloqia’s advanced technology and network to procure over 47,900 metres of deadstock fabrics.

In 2024, Shein launched an evoluShein x Anitta collection in collaboration with Brazilian pop superstar Anitta with designs from eight independent designers from the Shein X programme incorporating rescued deadstock and Regracell, a soft, breathable fibre made from a mix of recycled textile waste and FSC-certified wood inputs. Shein also launched the Shein X Rescued collection comprising designs from six Shein X designers, with all the garments from the collection using deadstock fabric sourced through Aloqia.

www.shein.com