“Consumer Carbon Footprint of Fashion E-Commerce”, it is a pioneering research project by UDIT and Tendam, led by the Tendam Sustainability Lab, which analyzes the environmental impact of fashion e-commerce from the consumer’s perspective.
Through a life cycle assessment and a multicriteria environmental evaluation model, the study identifies the main impact drivers and defines concrete measures to reduce the carbon footprint of e-commerce in the fashion sector. This approach not only provides scientific evidence to support decarbonization processes, but also offers a replicable action framework for retail companies seeking to move toward more efficient and traceable operations.
The study represents a milestone in the application of scientific knowledge to the retail industry, as it examines the emissions generated throughout the entire online shopping process—from digital ordering to delivery and returns—comparing three logistical scenarios: home delivery, in-store pickup, and traditional in-store purchasing.
The results reveal that Tendam’s omnichannel model generates up to seven and a half times fewer emissions per order than the pure digital player model. With an average footprint of 400 g of CO₂ compared to 1,500–3,000 g of CO₂ for exclusively digital platforms, projections indicate a potential reduction of between 73% and 87%. This difference is driven by the reach of Tendam’s physical store network, proximity to customers, and the ability to consolidate delivery and return operations. These figures highlight the opportunity to rethink current logistics models and reinforce the role of scientific innovation as a key tool for the environmental transformation of the industry.
Tendam Sustainability Lab is the result of a partnership between Tendam—one of the leading international specialized fashion groups and the second largest in Spain by market share—and the University of Design, Innovation and Technology (UDIT). For the past two years, the two organizations have been working together to develop impact models, fostering innovation, research, and the creation of solutions grounded in scientific evidence.
According to Pedro Esquivias, Managing Director of Tendam’s Customer Area, “sustainability is not measured by promises, but by data. This study, based on comprehensive analyses and surveys, reinforces our conviction that Tendam’s omnichannel model is more environmentally responsible while remaining profitable and commercially effective.”
Beyond the business sphere, the research sets a precedent within the European innovation ecosystem by demonstrating the tangible value of collaboration between academia and industry. The partnership between Tendam and UDIT goes beyond an institutional relationship: it represents an operational model for knowledge transfer in which scientific evidence becomes a driver of industrial transformation. From UDIT, the scientific leadership underscores the relevance of TSL as a reference laboratory for advancing evidence-based sustainability policies, designing advanced training in environmental traceability, and generating comparable metrics that strengthen the competitiveness of the European textile sector.
The study’s findings will be directly applied to Tendam’s ESG strategies and will serve as a foundation for future lines of innovation in logistics, circular management, and environmental impact measurement.
With this milestone, Tendam strengthens its position as a benchmark for measurable sustainability, responsible innovation, and corporate transparency, while consolidating the Tendam Sustainability Lab (TSL) as a catalyst for scientific knowledge and transformation across the industry. The collaboration with UDIT confirms that the sustainability of the future will depend not only on product design, but on the intelligence with which companies measure, understand, and communicate their impact.
