This report will analyze what Zara has done well and not done well in its efforts for sustainable development
This report will analyze what Zara has done well and not done well in its efforts for sustainable development
Social Sustainability:
In terms of social responsibility, Zara has taken steps to address the labor rights and welfare of workers in its factories. Zara has said protecting and developing people is a top priority, placing them at the center of decisions. Their plans seek to ensure workplace and labor rights are respected and promoted, developing programs to identify the needs of workers and communities in the sectors in which they operate ( Livefrankly 2024). But the truth is very different from what they say, Zara has not been transparent in providing supply chain index reports and they have chosen sales over human interests. Indicators suggest that employee salaries at Zara are at level E, the lowest salary level (Fashionchecker 2023) and it said that 89% are for policies & commitments but only 11% are for transparent things they do (Fashionrevolution). An example of third-party supplier abuse that took place at Zara's factory in Brazil was 16-hour work hours, limited freedom of movement, and working in cramped environments (Impactpolicies). Feedback about Zara from employees occurred a lot in Spain, Myanmar during the Covid-19 pandemic and especially among workers in Xinjiang, China (Impactpolicies). Zara has expanded into partnerships and signed with the International Apparel Federation (IAF) to promote social responsibility ( Drapers 2023) but still faces criticism and pledges to continuously improve for years to come.
Environmental Sustainability:
In parallel with efforts to address social impacts. Zara has made innovations in improving environmental sustainability. Zara's business model emphasizes producing and delivering products to market quickly, which in turn raises concerns about environmental issues such as waste, water pollution and emissions. greenhouse gases. Zara's environmental policy is unclear and their environmental sustainability score is below 50% (20/49) (eco-stylist 2024), they have made a lot of resolutions in 2022 to use organic cotton mechanical, recycled polyester and innovative fabrics like Tencel into its products. product (Zara). By 2023, they will eliminate single-use plastics and plan to eliminate chemicals and use environmentally friendly fabrics by 2040 to reduce their dependence on finite natural resources but also reduce Reduce negative impacts on common production processes such as water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (Zara). For fast fashion products, users will often throw them away after 1-2 uses because they will degrade, so Zara created a program called "Closing the Loop" for the purpose of repair and recycling. . old clothes and create new products for users (goodonyou 2023) and their packaging is also made from recycled materials. Zara does a great job with animal welfare, but not much is known about how their fur products are produced (goodonyou 2023). Zara has acknowledged criticism of unclear information and has made a commitment. towards the goals of becoming a leader in the transition to greener and more responsible fashion.
