Shein Expands Use of Deadstock Fabrics By Over 40% In 2024
Shein, the global online fashion and lifestyle retailer, has significantly increased its use of deadstock fabrics, utilizing over 28,000 metres in 2024—marking a 40% rise from the 19,000 metres recorded the previous year.
By repurposing surplus materials from other brands and manufacturers, Shein has saved more than 200,000 cubic metres of water, 4,000 kilogrammes of chemicals and 42 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions that would have been generated had new fabrics been produced. These estimates are based on impact measurement algorithms developed by Aloqia (formerly Queen of Raw), a circular economy SaaS platform supported by MIT Solve data scientists.
Mustan Lalani, Shein’s Global Head of Sustainability, stated, “Increasing our use of deadstock is a key part of our preferred materials strategy, which focuses on reducing reliance on newly produced fabrics. By integrating existing materials into our supply chain, we aim to minimize waste while maintaining quality and innovation for our customers.”
This initiative aligns with Shein’s evoluSHEIN roadmap, which focuses on responsible material sourcing and circular fashion solutions. Since 2022, the company has sourced over 47,900 metres of deadstock fabrics through Aloqia, achieving estimated savings of 357,600 cubic metres of water, 7,400 kilogrammes of chemicals, and 70 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
In 2024, Shein launched the evoluSHEIN x Anitta collection, collaborating with Brazilian pop icon Anitta and eight independent designers from the Shein X programme. The collection incorporated rescued deadstock fabrics and Regracell, a sustainable fibre made from recycled textile waste and FSC-certified wood. Previously, Shein introduced the Shein X Rescued collection, featuring designs exclusively crafted from deadstock materials sourced via Aloqia.
With a growing commitment to circularity, Shein continues to scale up sustainable initiatives, integrating responsible materials across its global supply chain.
