Primark says it is continuing to embed its approach to circularity and extending product life within its business. This was highlighted in its latest sustainability and ethics progress report, which shows 74% of its clothes are now made from preferred materials compared with 66% last year.

The retailer notes that it is integrating circular design principles into the design and manufacture of its products, enhancing product traceability, supporting customers with repair and clothing care options and tackling carbon emissions throughout its supply chain.

It also continues to prioritise the well-being and rights of workers in its supply chain through a range of social impact programmes to support these workers. 

To increase circularity, Primark's clothing is being tested against the Primark durability framework. It is also scaling circular design, which, as it stands, is one in 20 of all its clothing, (5%), one in five of all jersey clothing and 8% of denim clothing. 

Primark adds that its emissions across the end-to-end value chain have declined by almost 6% against its 2019 baseline and all clothing, textile, and footwear suppliers are now onboarded to Primark’s traceability programme.

Primark Cares director Lynne Walker said: “People come to Primark for great value fashion and everyday essentials that are made to last. Four years on, we’ve shown that you don’t have to choose between sustainability and value. Our sustainability commitments belong to all of us at Primark and we continue to use our scale for good to help drive change both within Primark and outside it.

"We know we have a huge responsibility as a global retailer and there is always more to be done, but this year’s report shows that our efforts, and those of our suppliers and partners, are starting to bring about meaningful change. We continue to learn as we gather insights and data and further collaboration across the industry, both crucial to help us achieve our ambitions in this space.”