Aviation: SHEIN & Lufthansa Cargo’s Low CO₂ Freight
SHEIN has entered a partnership with Lufthansa Cargo to examine how its global deliveries can move towards lower-emission air transport.
The agreement focuses on using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and adopting wider environmental performance measures.
SAF adoption and carbon-cutting plans
Sustainable aviation fuel is a liquid fuel alternative produced from renewable feedstocks such as waste oils, agricultural residues or non-food crops.
It can replace traditional jet fuel with fewer lifecycle carbon emissions.
Lufthansa Cargo, which already uses SAF in its operations, agrees to supply the fuel for SHEIN shipments, backed by documentation known as 'Proof of Sustainability' certificates.
These certificates record the emissions saved when SAF replaces fossil-based aviation fuel and are verified by third-party standards.
The MoU outlines plans for SAF-based offsetting solutions to be in place within six months.
Both companies agree to treat SAF not as a final fix but as one part of a broader carbon reduction strategy.
Ethan Shen, General Manager of Global Fulfilment at SHEIN, explains: "Lufthansa Cargo has extensive experience in driving the adoption of SAF and will provide SHEIN with opportunities to adopt lower-carbon air cargo options.
“Through this partnership, we aim to pilot and gradually expand the use of SAF where feasible, while continuing to explore additional ways to reduce the carbon footprint across our delivery network.”
This includes the potential for lower-carbon energy sources, alongside operational measures aimed at improving overall transport efficiency.
Lufthansa Cargo brings its experience in SAF procurement and deployment to the table, sharing knowledge with SHEIN as both sides commit to a joint learning approach.
For SHEIN, which does not operate its own aircraft but uses third-party air freight to move products between suppliers and global markets, the partnership opens new avenues to cut emissions across supply routes.
Transparency and traceability take centre stage
A key part of the agreement lies in the focus on data. Both companies agree to collaborate on environmental reporting and data sharing to improve traceability in emissions tracking.
This will include analysis of operational efficiency, such as how fuel use relates to freight volumes and flight routing.
By combining their data, the two organisations aim to uncover patterns that could inform emissions reductions across logistics.
The MoU also signals an intent to explore shared methodologies for assessing sustainability performance, particularly in relation to fleet efficiency and process quality.
“Signing this memorandum with SHEIN represents Lufthansa Cargo´s commitment to implementing high-performance logistics solutions responsibly and with operational excellence,” says Ashwin Bhat, CEO at Lufthansa Cargo.
“It demonstrates the importance of concrete measures and reliable implementation in the international air freight business.”
“Together with all stakeholders within the supply chain, we are driving the development of more sustainable global supply chains in line with our purpose: Enabling Global Business."
The companies have also committed to exploring how better traceability tools can support measurable improvements in sustainability, looking into fleet-wide performance metrics and quality assurance within air transport systems.
Broader goals but no binding targets
While the MoU signals intent, it does not include binding commitments or legally enforced emissions targets. Instead, it sets a framework for pilot projects and trial initiatives that could feed into wider efforts across the logistics sector.
It leaves the door open for the expansion of SAF use, dependent on feasibility and the evolving supply of fuel sources.
The focus is on enabling practical steps that can be tested and refined over time.
“While the use of SAF is one step towards reducing our transportation and distribution emissions, we recognise it as part of a broader decarbonisation strategy that should also include optimising logistics, fleet efficiency and exploring other low-carbon solutions,” says Ethan.
That strategy appears to hinge on collaboration, data exchange and learning through shared experience.
