Sustainability Progress Report 2022
Sustainability Progress Report 2022
“For us, sustainability is a journey. In this report, we share our learnings over the past year and reflect how we can use these learnings to continue moving sustainability in the fashion industry forward.”
David Schneider, ZALANDO SE, Co-CEO
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Facts and figures
Sustainability is and always will be a top priority for Zalando. The path to a more sustainable future is a perpetual journey that we do not take alone. We want to share our experiences and insights to shape the fashion industry – together with our partners.
We are committed to achieving the Paris Goals and have set emissions reductions targets in line with climate science.
78%
Since 2017, we reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 78%. Companies
are directly responsible for
Scope 1 emissions, while Scope 2 emissions result from the generation of energy that companies purchase and consume.
58%
Brand, packaging and last-mile delivery partners accounting for around 58% of our 2022 supplier-related emissions set science-based targets.
62,000t
Of the 62,000 tonnes of packaging materials we used in 2022, 86% stemmed from recycled input and 99% was recyclable.
Our commitment
- By 2025, we have achieved our science-based targets to reduce carbon emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, including an 80% reduction in emissions from our own operations compared to 2017.
- By 2023, we design our packaging to minimize waste and keep materials in use, specifically eliminating single-use plastics.
Our progress
- Packaging and delivery are significant sources of emissions across the ecommerce industry. To minimize our footprint, we work closely with our brands, packaging and last-mile delivery partners to support target setting in line with the Science Based Targets initiative.
- In 2022, we conducted a hotspot analysis of our private label product-related emissions. This resulted in a roadmap for switching to more sustainable materials and supporting investment in manufacturing energy efficiency and renewable energy.
- In October 2022, we stopped using single-use plastic void fill in our Zalando Fashion Store shipments. At Lounge by Zalando, we piloted void fill reduction and paper alternatives.
“Innovative collaboration is integral to creating a more sustainable business and future for fashion. Our partnership with ABOUT YOU and Zalando will enable us to scale our efforts by supporting luxury and fashion brands in setting their own climate targets to reduce our industry’s emissions.”
Alison Loehnis,
YOOX NET-A-PORTER,
ad interim CEO
We offer customers a new experience based on increased transparency and substantiation.
775,000
In 2022, our private labels designed and produced about 775,000 items in line with circular design principles.
180,000
We grew our sustainability assortment to more than 180,000 products in 2022.
54%
In 2022, around 54% of our Fashion Store customers bought at least one product carrying a sustainability icon.
Our commitment
- By 2023, we generate 25% of our GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume) with more sustainable products.
- By 2023, we apply the principles of circularity and extend the life of at least 50 million fashion products.
Our progress
- In 2022, we introduced our first Circular Design Criteria, co-developed with our longstanding partner circular.fashion. The criteria are built on principles aligned with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s circular design guidelines.
- To promote recycling, we have joined Fashion for Good’s ‘Sorting for Circularity’, which brings together brands and industry players to analyze textile waste in major European sorting facilities. We are also a steering committee member and participant in textile-to-textile cellulosic and polyester recycling trials run by Accelerating Circularity.
- In 2022, we have moved away from our sustainability flag and from our own Zalando criteria, and shifted our focus to third-party standards. To support our customers, we made our sustainability-related product information available through tappable icons representing various sustainability attributes.
“At Circ, we believe we already have all the clothing we need to make all the clothing we’ll ever need. We’re thrilled to have Zalando as our newest partner, as their support confirms that a cleaner future of fashion is possible. We’re looking forward to working with them to make recycled garments accessible to consumers everywhere.”
Peter Majeranowski, Circ, CEO
We maintain the highest possible ethical standards, both in our own operations and those of our partners around the world.
302
In 2022, we evaluated 302 audit reports from private label suppliers.
5,016
Since 2020, we have provided skilling opportunities to 5,016 people.
174
Over the course of 2022, we ran 174 skilling courses for Zalando employees.
Our commitment
- By 2023, we have continuously increased our ethical standards and only work with partners who align with them.
- By 2023, we have supported 10,000 people in the workforce by providing skilling opportunities that match future work requirements.
Our progress
- In 2022, we validated our human rights due diligence practices against the requirements of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and prepared for a more holistic risk management approach.
- We published a new policy statement on Zalando’s Human Rights Strategy, setting out principles for human rights due diligence, which we are ready to embed into our operating standards and management practices in 2023.
- To combat child labor, we launched a program with Save the Children and joined the Child’s Rights in Business (CRIB) Working Group in 2022.
- In 2022, we continued to partner with Shimmy Technologies and BSR’s (Business for Social Responsibility) HERproject™ to pilot a skilling program in our supply chain in Bangladesh. We trained around 800 people in digital literacy, efficiency, gender equality, financial literacy, workplace communication as well as health and wellbeing.
“It is essential that companies start with their own policies and purchasing practices to mitigate the child rights risks. We support Zalando in taking a look into their policies and supply chain practices to understand how they, and their business partners, can contribute eliminating child labour along the supply chain.”
Ines Kaempfer, The Centre for Child Rights and Business, CEO
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