H&M has released its 2024 Annual and Sustainability Report, revealing that an impressive 89 percent of the materials utilized in its products over the past year were either recycled or sourced sustainably. Notably, the portion of recycled materials reached 29.5 percent, positioning the company just shy of its 30 percent target for 2025—achieving this milestone a year early.
The fashion powerhouse also made headway in minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, reporting a 41 percent reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions, alongside a 24 percent cut in scope 3 emissions, using 2019 as a baseline for comparison.
In a significant move towards reducing plastic, H&M Group announced a remarkable 54 percent decline in plastic packaging since 2018—more than double its initial target of 25 percent reduction set for 2025, as stated in a press release.
Additionally, progress was noted in energy transformation across its supply chain. The number of garment factories (tiers 1 and 2) using on-site coal boilers fell to 27, a decrease from 46 in 2023 and 118 in 2022. The company revealed plans to extend its monitoring to tier 3 suppliers, with the goal of completely phasing out on-site coal use by 2026.
Regarding water conservation efforts, H&M Group achieved a 9.5 percent reduction in freshwater consumption at tier 1 and 2 garment suppliers, moving closer to its target of a 10 percent reduction based on 2022 figures.
The company’s second-hand initiatives have also seen expansion, with 26 markets now offering circular fashion solutions. This includes 38 H&M Group stores and the Sellpy platform, which curates a collection of pre-loved items.
On the social responsibility front, H&M renewed its Global Framework Agreement with IndustriALL Global Union and the Swedish trade union IF Metall, ensuring the rights and working conditions of over one million workers throughout its supply chain.
“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,” commented Daniel Ervér, CEO of H&M Group.
“Our efforts to use less and cleaner energy across our supply chain are also delivering strong results in our decarbonisation journey, aligned with our science-based targets. We are aware of the challenges ahead of us and we remain confident that we are on course to fulfill our sustainability agenda in the years to come,” added Leyla Ertur, sustainability director of H&M Group.
