22 Sep 2025

Recycling centre shop bans fast fashion brand Shein clothing

From Checkpoint, 4:06 pm on 22 September 2025

Raglan's Xtreme Zero waste recyling centre is banning cast-offs from the China based fast fashion giant Shein. It says the poor quality and the sheer volumme Shein garments mean its a real challenge to sell them in their recycle retail store. Shein clothes tend to be made from synthetic fabrics, and testing has shown some contain harmful chemical like formaldehyde and are sold for extremely low prices. It's also alleged some Shein staff are working 75 hour weeks and getting just one day off a month. Jemma Hovelmeier from Xtreme Zero Waste in Raglan spoke to Lisa Owen.