Inditex Air Freight Emissions Under Fire

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inditex air freight emissions

 

Shareholders Confront Inditex at AGM

Inditex air freight emissions were at the centre of strong criticism during the company’s 2025 Annual General Meeting.

On 15 July 2025, Fondazione Finanza Etica (FFE), the Italian member of Shareholders for Change (SfC), participated remotely in Inditex’s Annual General Meeting.

During the meeting, FFE analyst Mauro Meggiolaro raised concerns about the company’s soaring climate impact:

“In 2024, Inditex’s greenhouse gas emissions from transport and distribution rose by 10%, exceeding 2.6 million tonnes of CO₂, almost 20% of the group’s total footprint. This is driven by an overreliance on air freight to sustain the ‘Airborne Fashion’ model”.

In contrast, H&M keeps air freight under 1% of its transport emissions and has cut logistics emissions by 33% since 2019.

Inditex Air Freight Emissions and Sustainability Report

FFE and French member Mandarine Gestion—representing over 56,000 shares—voted against the 2024–2025 Consolidated Sustainability Report.

In a statement submitted ahead of the meeting, FFE demanded that Inditex:

  • Publish a clear plan to phase out air freight, with annual reduction targets.

  • Disclose detailed data on emissions, transport modes, and sustainable fuel use.

  • Integrate these indicators into ESG-linked executive pay.

Ignored Questions on Inditex Air Freight Emissions and Transparency

FFE also expressed deep disappointment that its statement explaining the vote was not read during the AGM, despite being submitted through the official platform with confirmation of receipt.

In addition, none of the questions sent in writing before the meeting received any response. These questions covered:

  • Plans to phase out air freight.

  • Adoption of GLEC-compliant emissions reporting.

  • Executive remuneration links to logistics emissions.

  • Protection of workers’ rights in Bangladesh.

  • An independent review of Inditex’s business model.

Following the AGM, FFE formally requested that its full statement be included in the minutes and that written answers be provided or published on the company’s website.

“This is not how an AGM should function”, Meggiolaro said. “It shows a lack of respect for concerned shareholders”.

This lack of engagement is particularly concerning given the scale of Inditex air freight emissions and their impact on the company’s credibility.

Labour Rights in Bangladesh

FFE also raised concerns about nearly 3,000 Bangladeshi garment workers facing criminal charges after the 2023 minimum wage protests.

Rights groups such as the Clean Clothes Campaign and Public Eye have condemned the crackdown as a tactic to intimidate workers.

During the meeting, FFE asked Inditex to:

  • Publicly call for all charges to be dropped.

  • Support an independent investigation.

  • Guarantee freedom of association in supplier factories.

Public Actions to Highlight Inditex Air Freight Emissions and Workers’ Rights

During the AGM, peaceful street actions were organised outside major Inditex and Zara stores to inform customers about the environmental and human rights impacts of fast fashion. Demonstrations took place in several European cities, including Barcelona and Milan, coordinated by organisations such as Public Eye, Campagna Abiti Puliti, Clean Clothes Campaign and Setem.

Activists distributed leaflets highlighting Inditex’s dependence on air freight and the repression faced by thousands of Bangladeshi workers. Protest banners called for the company to end climate-damaging “Airborne Fashion” and take concrete steps to defend freedom of association in its supply chain.

The demonstrations also called attention to the lack of a credible strategy to reduce Inditex air freight emissions, which remain among the highest in the sector.

About Shareholders for Change

Shareholders for Change (SfC) is a European network of institutional investors promoting social and environmental justice through active ownership. Founded in 2017, SfC members collectively manage over €45 billion in assets.

Learn more about our climate engagement strategy and supply chain due diligence.

Further Reading