Transport-Related Emissions and Transition Strategies for Sustainability—A Case Study of the Fast Fashion Industry

Alina Matuszak-Flejszman, Anna Preisner and Joanna Katarzyna Banach ()
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Alina Matuszak-Flejszman: Institute of Management, Poznań University of Economics and Business, 61-875 Poznań, Poland
Anna Preisner: H&M Hennes & Mauritz Logistics AB, 62-023 Robakowo, Poland
Joanna Katarzyna Banach: Institute of Management and Quality Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 17, 1-20

Abstract: The fast fashion industry significantly impacts the environment at every stage of a product’s life cycle. The transport of products to wholesalers and stores, as one of the stages of the product life cycle, is often overlooked during the analysis of their carbon footprint. Therefore, research is needed on the impact of fast fashion on the environment through its logistics and transport, especially in relation to air emissions. This article attempts to determine how extensively fast fashion companies disclose the impact of their transport operations on their overall corporate carbon footprint, determine the proportion of total emissions attributed to transport, and evaluate the effectiveness of companies’ efforts to mitigate their transport-related environmental impact. This research used a case study method on selected brands (H&M Group, Inditex, Shein), using secondary data available in non-financial reports for 2023. As a result of the analysis of their non-financial reports on transport emissions, several key findings have been presented. Companies predominantly rely on external frameworks and standards, particularly the Global Reporting Initiative. However, the level of detail of the data presented varies. The priority for the surveyed companies is to reduce emissions from significant sources, such as production processes. The data disclosed in the reports (scope 1, 2, 3) must be clearly formulated and can be used to calculate the level of their CO 2 emission reduction or increase. Companies should improve their environmental reporting by including indicators of their transport-related emissions. This approach provides a comprehensive view of their environmental impact, highlighting absolute values and efficiency metrics.

Keywords: fast fashion industry; supply chain; transport operations; organizations’ sustainable development; corporate carbon footprint (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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