Shopping Shein? Fast-fashion brand under scrutiny for forced labour, environmental impact

Chinese e-commerce giant Shein is well-known on apps like TikTok and Instagram among Generation Z shoppers, for offering throwaway fashion at bargain-basement prices.

The fast-fashion brand has been heralded as a disruptor for its online-only model. But critics say the brand’s success comes at a steep price and criticize Shein for its environmental and labour practices.

The company has been accused of using Uyghur forced labour in China’s Xinjiang region. Critics also accuse Shein of practices that harm the planet.

Anne Gaviola reports.