SHEIN signs DHL deal to scale SAF use in air cargo logistics

SHEIN has signed an agreement with DHL to adopt the GoGreen Plus service to support the use of sustainable aviation fuel in air cargo operations. The move is part of the company’s efforts to assess approaches to reduce carbon emissions linked to air transport while engaging with initiatives aimed at scaling sustainable aviation fuel across the aviation sector.

The GoGreen Plus service allows corporate customers to support the use of sustainable aviation fuel by introducing it into the aviation fuel supply used within DHL’s network. Emissions reductions linked to the use of this fuel, compared with conventional jet fuel, are allocated to customers using recognised accounting methodologies and certification frameworks. These allocations enable companies to include associated lifecycle emissions reductions in their reporting.

"Working with partners such as DHL allows us to better understand how sustainable aviation fuel solutions may be incorporated into air cargo logistics," said Mustan Lalani, SHEIN's Head of Sustainability. "Initiatives like this are part of SHEIN's broader efforts to explore how emerging approaches across the aviation sector may contribute to addressing carbon emissions associated with air transport."

"DHL is a pioneer in sustainable logistics. Signing the GoGreen Plus agreement with SHEIN marks another important milestone in DHL Express's commitment to driving the green transformation of air logistics," says John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. "As a long-term partner in SHEIN's global logistics network, we are pleased to work together to explore how sustainable aviation fuel can be integrated into their air cargo operations."

The agreement builds on earlier initiatives undertaken by SHEIN to assess the use of sustainable aviation fuel across the air cargo ecosystem. In 2025, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with Lufthansa Cargo and expanded collaborations with logistics providers, cargo airlines and industry groups to examine the role of such fuel in reducing lifecycle emissions, along with the associated economic and operational considerations.

As part of its pilot efforts, SHEIN procured and used 187.3 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel across 14 Atlas Air charter flights in 2025, resulting in an estimated emissions reduction of 579.1 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.

The company is also participating in a pilot programme in China led by China National Aviation Fuel and the Second Research Institute of Civil Aviation of China. The programme aims to bring together airlines and corporate partners to support sustainable aviation fuel adoption through procurement agreements and to develop a commercial framework for its use. Under this initiative, SHEIN plans to procure fuel from Air China Cargo, with systems in place to track usage and emissions reductions.

In addition, SHEIN has joined the Green Fuel Forward campaign led by the World Economic Forum, which focuses on accelerating the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel in the Asia Pacific region through collaboration and capacity building.

Sustainable aviation fuel accounts for a limited share of global aviation fuel supply, with adoption constrained by production capacity and cost factors. Industry stakeholders continue to explore pathways to scale its use through partnerships and investment across the supply chain, including airlines, fuel producers, logistics providers and corporate customers.

SHEIN stated that these initiatives remain at an early stage and that the emissions impact will be limited relative to its total air transport footprint. The company said the programmes are intended to build operational experience and partnerships that may support wider adoption of sustainable aviation fuels as capacity and participation increase.