According to a new study by Greenpeace, the majority of clothing sold exceeds the EU’s threshold for chemicals.
Shein isn’t done facing controversy yet. According to a Greenpeace report released Thursday, the clothing sold by the company contained dangerous chemicals that exceeded limits set by the European Union.
“Of the 56 garments analyzed, 18 contained dangerous chemicals, some of which far exceeded the limits set by European regulations,” Greenpeace Germany said in a statement.
In clothing from Chinese e-commerce platform Shein, the NGO observed the presence of phthalates (plasticizers) and PFAS, waterproof and stain-resistant materials considered perennial pollutants.
Children’s clothing was affected
This potentially toxic substance has been linked to various diseases, including cancer, reproductive and growth disorders in children, and a weakened immune system. They enter the body through the skin and inhale the fibers, the NGO said, pointing out that children’s clothing has also been tested.
“There is a risk that children will put it in their mouths or play with it or even swallow it…” explained in an online video on the Greenpeace website, Ulrike Siemers, director of the Bremen environmental institute which analyzed the clothes.
As a result of leaching, these substances also end up in rivers, soil and the food chain.
Shein, is already pinned on the subject in 2022
The NGO had warned in 2022 about the presence of dangerous chemicals in the Asian e-commerce giant’s products. “Shein reflects an unhealthy system of overproduction, greed and pollution on earth,” accused Moritz Jäger-Roschko of Greenpeace Germany.
With 363 million visits per month, Shein.com is the most visited fashion site in the world. When questioned by AFP, the platform stated that it was withdrawing from sales of “identifiable” worldwide items as a “precautionary measure”.
Shein published a similar response in late October, after German consumer organization Sitftung Warentest had warned about dangerous substances contained in products sold on Chinese platforms Temu and Shein, such as play mats for babies or jewellery.
European Bill
For several months, online sales platforms in Asia have faced attacks from environmental and human rights associations, European companies, and authorities, resulting in investigations, large fines, and even proposed legislation to slow their growth.
The European Commission said it would propose a draft law next year to address the issue.
Last week, EU member states also agreed to remove import duty exemptions on low-value orders from companies such as Shein.
