Zara owner Inditex reported a 10% rise in transport emissions in 2024, driven by increased air freight to avoid shipping delays caused by Red Sea disruptions. While the retailer made progress in reducing sourcing-related emissions, it faces challenges in meeting its long-term climate targets.
Zara owner Inditex's emissions from transport jumped by 10% in 2024 as the fast-fashion retailer used more flights to move clothes from production centres in Asia to its logistics hub in Spain and into stores.
The increase highlights the impact of greater air freight use as attacks on container ships in the Red Sea have diverted vessels from the Suez Canal route to a much longer route around Africa to transport products from Asia.
Companies' emissions from shipping have also increased as a result.
In its annual report published on Friday, Inditex said emissions from upstream transportation and distribution were 2,614,230 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) in its 2024 financial year ending January 31, up 10% from 2,378,464 tonnes in 2023.
Inditex did not give a reason for the increase in the report. The company did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Reuters reported in November that Inditex sharply increased its use of air freight to bring products from factories in India and Bangladesh, two key manufacturing hubs, to its Zaragoza logistics hub in Spain to avoid shipping delays that could hamper its ability to get on-trend clothes into stores fast.
Inditex has previously said it is working hard to reduce transport emissions through measures like alternative fuels and optimising routes and container occupancy levels.
The retailer, which also owns brands including Bershka, Pull & Bear and Massimo Dutti, on Wednesday reported a 10.5% currency-adjusted increase in sales for 2024, to 38.6 billion euros ($42.06 billion).
Its overall greenhouse gas emissions were flat in 2024 compared to 2023, thanks to a decline in emissions related to product sourcing, its single biggest emissions category.
Emissions from "purchased goods and services" declined by 6%, to 6,696,995 tonnes of CO2 equivalent from 7,102,152 tonnes, which Inditex said was thanks to buying more textiles that have a lower environmental impact. Inditex said 33% of its fibres and raw materials came from recycling of post-consumer waste in 2024, up from 18% in 2023.
However, the retailer made no progress towards its target of cutting indirect emissions, which includes the purchased goods and services category.
Inditex has a target of cutting its "scope 3" emissions - those generated in its supply chain, for example by supplier factories, shipping products, business travel and post-consumer waste - by 51% by 2030 and 90% by 2040, compared to 2018 levels.
Inditex's scope 3 emissions in 2024 were 13,427,762 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, a slight increase on the 2018 level of 13,421,935, according to the annual report.
Milestones published in the report showed that by 2030 it will need to slash that number to 4,916,311 tonnes, and by 2040 to 1,003,329 tonnes to meet the target approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative, a global nonprofit that assesses and approves companies' climate targets.
($1 = 0.9178 euros)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is warning that major economies like Brazil, China, and India could face serious consequences if they continue tradi...
U.S. consumer prices rose at their fastest pace in five months in June, signaling the early impact of tariffs on inflation. However, subdued demand an...
Kyrgyzstan's GDP surged 11.7 percent year on year in the first half of 2025, driven by gains in services, construction and production, despite a decli...
The American leader stated that if an agreement between Russia and Ukraine is not achieved within that timeframe, "it will be very bad."...
A new London exhibition invites visitors into the vibrant world of late Italian designer Gianni Versace, showcasing over 450 iconic pieces worn by cel...
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is warning that major economies like Brazil, China, and India could face serious consequences if they continue trading with Russia, as the U.S. steps up pressure with fresh sanctions and weapons support for Ukraine.
U.S. consumer prices rose at their fastest pace in five months in June, signaling the early impact of tariffs on inflation. However, subdued demand and falling service prices may keep the Federal Reserve cautious about rate changes.
The American leader stated that if an agreement between Russia and Ukraine is not achieved within that timeframe, "it will be very bad."
A new London exhibition invites visitors into the vibrant world of late Italian designer Gianni Versace, showcasing over 450 iconic pieces worn by celebrities and models alike.
A series of earthquakes have struck Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon, leading authorities to advise residents to evacuate from buildings as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
Authorities in North Carolina are investigating three potential storm-related deaths linked to severe flooding from the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal, officials said Tuesday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 10th July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will send an upgraded ‘version 3.0’ free-trade agreement to their heads of government for approval in October, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday after regional talks in Kuala Lumpur.
Two student pilots were killed when two single-engine training aircraft collided mid-air in southern Manitoba, Canadian authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
Southern Europe is facing an intense wildfire season as heatwaves and dry conditions threaten to spark more blazes across the Mediterranean in the weeks ahead.
European and Chinese officials have held talks in Beijing focused on strengthening climate commitments, as both sides prepare revised targets ahead of the COP30 summit in Brazil later this year.
The world’s wetlands are disappearing at the fastest rate of any ecosystem, with a new report warning of major economic losses if urgent action is not taken.
Natural disasters in China during the first half of 2025 caused $7.55 billion in economic losses and affected more than 23 million people, with floods accounting for the majority of the damage, an official from the emergency response ministry said.
EBRD stated that Ukraine urgently needs new generation capacity after Russian attacks severely damaged its power sector, creating a significant shortfall in electricity generation. In response, the bank announced the launch of the Ukraine Renewable Energy Risk Mitigation Mechanism.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment