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Chinese platforms Temu and Shein under the supervision of the European Commission
Shein – an extreme example of a company operating in the fast fashion model
Fast fashion is a business model involving the almost immediate introduction of clothes reflecting the latest trends to the market. Its main feature is the fast pace of production, which allows consumers to purchase fashionable clothes almost immediately. Clothing prices are usually low, which is possible thanks to mass production and the use of cheap materials. This model favors frequent purchases and quick wardrobe changes, because clothes are designed with a short life cycle in mind, both in terms of utility and fashion trends.
Shein is one of the leading, but also extreme, examples of companies operating in the fast fashion model. The company is often criticized for a lack of transparency on environmental and ethical issues, including production practices that are not always consistent with the principles of sustainable development – points out focus.pl.
75-hour work week and materials harmful to health
A report by the Swiss organization Public Eye states that the six Shein production plants recently visited by its experts include small workshops employing 40-80 workers, but also two larger factories employing up to 200 workers. The respondents reported that they worked on average 12 hours a day without breaks for meals, 6 or even 7 days a week. This indicates that 75-hour work weeks are common practice at Shein.
As Greenpeace has also proven, the lack of proper control over the production process means that Shein may use materials that are harmful to health. They cause allergic reactions and even serious skin problems. The research showed that dangerous chemicals were found in seven out of 47 clothes tested, and in five cases the amount of potentially carcinogenic substances exceeded the permissible limit by 100%. – quotes the results of focus.pl research.
