Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
Primark recalls 101 Dalmatians children's coin purses over phthalate levels
Recall announced
In October 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that Primark is recalling about 2,100 101 Dalmatians faux leather children's coin purses. The recall is due to phthalate levels and a risk of ingestion. No injuries were reported. The recall notice was posted by the CPSC on its website.
On October 15, 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that Primark is recalling about 2,100 101 Dalmatians faux leather children's coin purses due to phthalate levels and a risk of ingestion. No injuries were reported.
Company response
Recall — Primark
Primark Recalls 101 Dalmatians Faux Leather Children's Coin Purses Due to Phthalate Levels and Risk of Ingestion
Source excerpt
The CPSC announces today the following recalls conducted in cooperation with the firms listed below.
Primark Recalls 101 Dalmatians Faux Leather Children's Coin Purses Due to Phthalate Levels and Risk of Ingestion
No injuries reported
2025
Chief executive resignation after conduct investigation
Paul Marchant resigned after an investigation into inappropriate behaviour toward a woman in a social setting. He described his conduct as an error in judgement, apologised and accepted that it fell below company standards.
2021
Primark pledges changes to materials and emissions
Company response
Primark announced commitments to use recycled or more sustainable materials in all its clothes by 2030 and to halve its carbon emissions. The announcement followed backlash against fast fashion and its links to waste and pollution.
Company response
Remediation — Primark
Now Primark has pledged to ensure all its clothes are made using recycled or more sustainable materials by 2030.
Source excerpt
The company also aims to halve its carbon emissions, pursue a decent living wage for garment workers and design its clothes to be recyclable and more durable.
Primark has pledged to produce clothes that are less harmful to the environment following backlash against fast fashion and its links to waste and pollution.
Now Primark has pledged to ensure all its clothes are made using recycled or more sustainable materials by 2030.
2021
Primark recalls two jewellery items over allergic reaction concerns
Recall announced
Primark issued a product recall notice for two jewellery items, warning customers that they posed a high risk of allergic skin reaction.
Company response
Recall — Primark
Budget high street fashion retailer Primark has issued a product recall notice for two jewellery items, warning customers that they pose a high risk of allergic skin reaction.
Source excerpt
Budget high street fashion retailer Primark has issued a product recall notice for two jewellery items, warning customers that they pose a high risk of allergic skin reaction.
Primark has issued a product recall notice for two jewellery items, warning customers that they pose a high risk of allergic skin reaction.
2020
Primark recalls Kitten Heel Court shoes
Recall announced
Primark US Corp. is recalling about 1,700 pairs of Primark Wide Fit Kitten Heel Court Pumps after elevated Chromium VI levels were identified in the leather insock; the exposure could result in skin irritation. Consumers were urged to stop using the shoes and return them to a Primark store for a full refund.
Company response
Refund or compensation — Primark
The consumers are urged to stop using the recalled shoes and return them to a Primark store for a full refund.
Source excerpt
The consumers are urged to stop using the recalled shoes and return them to a Primark store for a full refund.
The agency noted that the leather insock in the shoes has elevated levels of Chromium VI, which could result skin irritation.
Primark US Corp., affiliated to British retailer Primark Stores Ltd., is recalling Kitten Heel Court shoes citing high levels of Chromium, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.
2013
Rana Plaza supply-chain disaster
The Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh killed 1,134 people and involved production for Primark and other international brands. The event generated extensive scrutiny of garment sourcing and worker safety. Primark made a substantial contribution to compensation claims.
2009
Supplier labour-practice allegations
BBC and Observer reporting alleged that a supplier connected with Primark used illegal migrant labour and paid workers below the UK legal minimum. The Ethical Trading Initiative required the supplier's branding to be removed from Primark shops and websites.