The fast fashion retailer reports that 89% of materials used are recycled or sustainably sourced, nearing its 2025 targets ahead of schedule.
H&M Group has reported considerable progress in achieving its sustainability objectives, as outlined in the company’s 2024 sustainability report. The fast fashion retailer revealed that 89 percent of the materials used in its products for the year were either recycled or sourced sustainably. Notably, the company approached its 2025 target of 30 percent recycled materials, reporting a figure of 29.5 percent.
Leyla Ertur, the sustainability director for H&M Group, articulated the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “We remain fully committed to our ambitious sustainability agenda. We are on track to achieve our goal for all our materials to be either recycled or sustainably sourced no later than 2030, and we almost reached our 30 percent goal for recycled materials by 2025 a year ahead of schedule.”
Additionally, H&M Group detailed a 41 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions and a 24 percent reduction in Scope 3 emissions, utilizing 2019 figures as a baseline. In terms of water usage, the report highlighted a 9.5 percent decrease in freshwater consumption among garment suppliers compared to the previous year, nearing the company’s target of a 10 percent reduction a year ahead of schedule.
The number of tier 1 and 2 factories utilizing on-site coal boilers was cut down to 27, a substantial reduction from 46 in 2023 and 118 in 2022. H&M Group indicated that it would expand its focus to include tier 3 suppliers in its sustainability initiatives, with an aim to completely phase out coal usage in its factories by 2026.
Ertur emphasized the effectiveness of these initiatives, noting, “Our efforts to use less and cleaner energy across our supply chain are also delivering strong results in our decarbonization journey, aligned with our science-based targets.” While acknowledging the challenges ahead, she expressed confidence in the company’s ability to meet its sustainability goals.
The fast fashion sector has faced mounting criticism for contributing to garment waste and environmental degradation through the mass production of inexpensive, often disposable clothing. In response, H&M Group has launched resale programs that enable consumers to purchase gently used items at reduced prices. Currently, the report states, 26 markets have access to pre-owned items available in 38 selected H&M Group stores globally.
Furthermore, the company reported significant reductions in packaging waste, achieving a 54 percent decrease in plastic packaging since 2018, surpassing its own target of 25 percent by 2025. The sustainability report also noted the renewal of its Global Framework Agreement with IndustriALL Global Union and the Swedish trade union IF Metall, which safeguards the interests of over one million workers.
Daniel Ervér, CEO of H&M Group, expressed pride in the progress made, stating, “I am proud of the steps we have taken to demonstrate that exceptional design and sustainable solutions go hand-in-hand with our purpose to liberate fashion for the many. Sustainability is a key priority for us, fundamental to how we operate and essential for our long-term success.” He remarked that the report reflects the contributions of “thousands of passionate colleagues around the world,” united in their commitment to advancing sustainability in the fashion industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
