Zalora pursues sustainable fashion ecosystem in Southeast Asia

Zalora is positioning itself as the first online fashion retailer in Southeast Asia to create a sustainable fashion ecosystem, achieving positive change in environmental impact, and inspiring customers to shop in a more conscious way.

The firm’s new strategy aims to make commitments to customers, brands, vendors, and employees during 2022–2025 period.

“As a leading fashion e-commerce player that serves millions of customers in the region, we recognize the impact we can have in creating a better future through a sustainable fashion ecosystem in Southeast Asia,” said Zalora CEO Gunjan Soni.

“We want more consumers today to buy sustainable products and participate in the circular economy. We want to inspire our customers to contribute to these sustainable practices by making it easy for them and educating on benefits.”

The firm is committing to reducing the impact of its packaging, warehouses, and transportation along its entire supply chain, ensuring that 100 percent of delivery and internal packaging incorporates sustainable materials within two years. It also plans to achieve complete carbon offset from its operations and transport by the end of 2025.

Zalora is also aiming to help customers shift towards conscious shopping and extending the life cycle of fashion items, aiming for 50 percent of its products to meet its sustainability criteria, with 30 percent of active consumers participating in circular fashion initiatives within the period.

Another feature of Zalora’s planned sustainable fashion ecosystem is a focus on enhancing supply chain ethical standards and transparency, including the launch of a private label capsule made from sustainable materials. Forty percent of its products will use sustainable materials by 2025.

It is also asking Zalora employees to contribute to 20,000 community volunteering hours per year by the end of 2025.

In December last year, the firm partnered with luxury marketplace reseller Style Tribute in Malaysia and Singapore, allowing consumers to purchase pre-loved fashion luxury items on Zalora’s website and mobile app.