Primark Increases Its Sustainable Cotton Initiative

Primark, one of Europe's largest fast fashion companies, has committed to training an extra 125,000 smallholder cotton farmers in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh in more sustainable agricultural practices by the end of 2023.

The group's sustainable cotton program educates farmers on the need of using fewer chemical pesticides and fertilizers and less water, protecting biodiversity and aiding in climate change mitigation. Additionally, the organization claims that it reduces input costs and increases yields and revenues for farmers.

Primark, which is owned by London-listed Associated British Foods (OTC:ASBFY), said on Friday that the pledge would bring the program's total farmer enrollment to over 275,000 by the end of next year.

Primark pledged in September to reduce its environmental impact by increasing the use of recyclable materials, enhancing the durability of garments, and increasing worker salaries.

By 2027, it committed to sourcing 100 percent of the cotton in its clothing from its sustainable cotton program, organic cotton, or recycled cotton. Additionally, it committed to manufacturing all of its goods by 2030 using recycled fibers or more sustainably derived resources.

Primark now makes over 40% of their apparel from recycled fibers or more ecologically produced materials.

Environmental protesters have singled out the fashion sector for its excessive use of water and chemicals, putting pressure on big companies to alter supply chains and address a culture that has resulted in millions of products ending up in waste.

Many environmental protesters are skeptical of brand green commitments, saying they are motivated by a desire for positive public relations and that the business needed a broader cultural shift instead. Primark asserts that its sheer scale enables them to make a difference.

Primark said last month that it will increase certain prices to combat inflationary pressures.