Shein & Donghua Uni. develops new advanced polyester recycling process
Shein, the global e-commerce fashion giant, has announced a significant breakthrough in sustainable textile innovation by developing a new polyester recycling process. The initiative, achieved in collaboration with Donghua University, underscores Shein’s commitment to advancing sustainability in the fashion industry under its “evoluShein” framework.
This innovative process broadens the scope of recyclable materials, enabling the recycling of pre- and post-consumer polyester waste, textile scraps, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. Unlike existing methods, Shein’s recycling process is said to be more cost-effective and versatile. A key advantage of the technology lies in its ability to chemically break down and reconstitute materials at the polymer level, allowing the recycled polyester to be reused repeatedly without compromising fabric quality.
The breakthrough aligns with Shein’s strategic focus on “waste-less innovation,” a core pillar of its evoluShein sustainability strategy. According to Leonard Lin, Shein’s president of EMEA and global head of public affairs, the new process is a critical step toward reducing dependence on virgin polyester and addressing the environmental challenges posed by the global textile industry.
“Our goal is to leverage innovation and technology to help solve industry-wide challenges,” said Lin in a press release. “This advancement allows us to incorporate a broader variety of feedstock, achieve better cost efficiencies, and recycle polyester multiple times without sacrificing quality.”
Shein is currently scaling up this recycling process in collaboration with fiber manufacturers, with plans for large-scale production of polyester fibers by June 2025. The facility is projected to produce 3,000 metric tons of recycled polyester annually, contributing to Shein’s target of transitioning 31% of the polyester used in its branded products to recycled materials by 2030.
