Shein: The rise and rise of a fashion giant
What are the key allegations that have been raised against Shein regarding its environmental impact and working practices?
Shein, the China-based global fashion e-retailer, has faced several allegations regarding its environmental impact and working practices1. Some of the key allegations include:
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Environmental Impact: Shein has been criticized for its role in contributing to the environmental damage caused by the fast fashion industry. The company has been accused of overproducing cheap clothing, leading to increased textile waste and pollution. A report by Greenpeace Germany found that 32% of the 47 Shein products it tested contained concerning levels of hazardous chemicals, such as phthalates, PFAs, and lead, some of which even exceeded the European Union’s regulatory limits.
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Labor Law Violations: Shein has been investigated for utilizing unlawful sweatshop labor practices and including hazardous chemicals in its merchandise. A House committee report named Shein as one of the fast-fashion brands that have been evading U.S. tariff laws and violating human rights codes. The company has also been accused of using forced labor from China's predominantly Muslim Uyghur population.
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Intellectual Property Theft: Shein has been accused of committing "systemic and repeated" copyright infringement against independent designers in a federal lawsuit. The lawsuit equates the company's global business practices to organized crime, accusing Shein of utilizing a "secret algorithm" that identifies emerging fashion trends before they become widely popular and reproduces these styles for a profit, all while stealing the artist's uncredited work.
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Lack of Transparency: Shein has been criticized for its lack of transparency across its entire supply chain5. The company's corporate structure has been described as a "de-facto association of entities," making it difficult to hold them accountable for their actions.
These allegations have led to increased scrutiny of Shein's business practices and have raised concerns about the company's environmental and social impact.
What was the total amount Michaela spent on her largest order from Shein, and how many items did she purchase?
Michaela spent £150 on her largest order from Shein and purchased "16 plus items."
How has Shein's profit figures from last year compared to other fashion retailers like H&M, Primark, and Next?
Shein more than doubled its profits in 2023, making more than $2 billion from around $45 billion in gross merchandise value online. In comparison, H&M's profits were $820 million in their latest financial year, while Primark and Next's profits were less than Shein's. This makes Shein the largest apparel retailer in the world, surpassing H&M and Inditex, the parent company of Zara.