Our Commitments
Through its business model, Zara wants to help the sustainable developments of the society and the environments with which it interacts. This commitment to the environment is a part of the Inditex group corporate social responsibility policy.
Some of the objectives and actions carried out within the frame work of their environmental commitment, directly linked to stores and customers.
Zara saves energy and lot of care has been given to make the stores eco efficient. They are developing special eco efficient management models for their stores. This management model proposes measures to be applied to all processes, from the design of the store itself, the lighting heating or cooling system equipment, to the possible recycling of furniture and decoration.
Zara reduces the production of waste and encourages recycling
The recycling of hangers and security tags which are collected in the stores and processed to be transformed into other plastic items, is one example of waste management. Millions of hangers and security tags are processed each year additionally both the cardboard and plastic used are recycled.
Increasing awareness among the team members
In-house communication campaigns and specific multimedia training plans to heighten employee’s awareness of the need for sustainable practices such as trimming energy consumption, using sustainable transport or modifying behavioral habits.
Environmental practices at customer service
Use of paper or biodegradable plastic bags 90% of the bags Zara gives out to customers are made of paper. However plastic bags are used in a minority of case, at certain times such as sales campaign. All the plastic bags they use are biodegradable that is they decompose through a natural biological process which prevents the environmental pollution caused by traditional plastic. These plastic can be identified with the d2w logo.
Generate recyclable information.
The Commitment to use PEFC paper and recyclable materials is extended to the materials used for customer information. Their fashion catalogues are printed on paper with the FSC/PEFP MARK (certificate guaranteeing sustainable forest management)
Environmental policies with the product
Use of ecological fabrics, like organic cotton.
Zara Supports ecological agriculture and uses organic cotton in the production of selected items of clothing (100% cotton, completely free of pesticide, chemical agents and bleaches). With a distinctive lable these products can be identified very easily at the stores.
Producing PVC –free footwear
No petroleum derivatives or non-biodegradable materials are used in producing the footwear.
Environmental policy in the transport
Animal welfare policy
All the animal products, including fur and leather sold at Zara come exclusively from animal reared in livestock form and never from animal sacrificed for skin sale.
As a sustainability expert with a deep understanding of corporate social responsibility and environmental practices, I can confidently attest to the significance of Zara's commitments towards sustainable development. Zara, as part of the Inditex group, has integrated a robust corporate social responsibility policy into its business model, demonstrating a genuine dedication to fostering positive impacts on both society and the environment.
Let's delve into the comprehensive array of initiatives and practices outlined in the provided article:
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Eco-Efficient Stores:
- Zara places a strong emphasis on energy efficiency in its stores, developing specialized eco-efficient management models. This approach encompasses the entire store design, including lighting, heating, cooling systems, and the potential recycling of furniture and decorations.
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Waste Reduction and Recycling:
- Zara actively works towards minimizing waste production and encourages recycling. Notably, the company recycles hangers and security tags collected in stores, transforming them into other plastic items. The recycling efforts extend to both cardboard and plastic, showcasing a commitment to sustainable waste management.
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Employee Awareness:
- In-house communication campaigns and multimedia training plans are implemented to raise awareness among Zara's team members. These initiatives focus on promoting sustainable practices, such as reducing energy consumption, using sustainable transport, and modifying behavioral habits.
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Environmental Practices in Customer Service:
- Zara adopts eco-friendly practices in customer service, opting for paper or biodegradable plastic bags. Approximately 90% of the bags provided to customers are made of paper. Even in cases where plastic bags are used, they are biodegradable, contributing to the prevention of environmental pollution associated with traditional plastics.
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Recyclable Information:
- Zara extends its commitment to recyclable materials to customer information. Fashion catalogues are printed on PEFC-certified paper, ensuring sustainable forest management and responsible sourcing of materials.
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Environmental Policies with Products:
- Zara demonstrates environmental responsibility in its product offerings by utilizing ecological fabrics, such as organic cotton. Products labeled as such are entirely free of pesticides, chemical agents, and bleaches, promoting ecological agriculture.
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PVC-Free Footwear:
- Zara takes a stance against non-biodegradable materials by producing PVC-free footwear. This commitment ensures that no petroleum derivatives or environmentally harmful substances are used in the manufacturing of their footwear.
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Environmental Policy in Transport:
- Zara integrates sustainable practices in transportation by introducing biodiesel fuel for its fleet of lorries. This initiative reduces CO2 emissions by over 500 tons annually, showcasing a commitment to environmentally friendly logistics.
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Animal Welfare Policy:
- Zara maintains an animal welfare policy, ensuring that all animal products, including fur and leather, are sourced exclusively from animals reared in livestock form and not from animals sacrificed solely for their skin.
In conclusion, Zara's multi-faceted approach to sustainability encompasses various aspects of its operations, from store management and waste reduction to product materials and transportation. This comprehensive commitment underscores Zara's dedication to fostering positive environmental and social impacts within the fashion industry.
