Primark is training 1,60,000 cotton farmers in India, Pakistan and China in environmentally-friendly farming methods. This includes efficient irrigation, planting in rows with trenches to maximise drainage, and introducing organic pesticides and fertilisers such as cow dung, when possible, to reduce the use of chemical options. But Primark has not entirely done away with the use of fertilisers and pesticides on crops, since farmers have to deal with pests. Completely organic farming means a much lower yield.

Primark is currently using sustainable cotton in women’s pajamas, a range of denim, towels and bedding, and will be rolled out to menswear and T-shirts next. The retailer is stepping up its efforts to source 100 per cent sustainable cotton and, if successful, this should support hundreds of thousands of farmers, especially women, significantly improve their lives and that of their families. Some farmers in India have increased their incomes by 200 per cent since enrolling in the program. The retailer ultimately plans to use 100 per cent sustainable cotton in all its product categories. Meanwhile, Primark is trying out recycling units at its flagship where customers can return clothes by the brand as well as other companies. The retailer hopes to have a five-fold increase in the number of farmers enrolled in the program.