Fashion retailer H&M has said that it is ‘on course’ to fulfil its sustainability agenda, as it published its 2024 annual and sustainability report.
The retailer said that 89% of its materials used are now recycled or sustainably sourced, with the share of recycled materials alone accounting for 29.5%, and the group achieving its 30% target for recycled materials a year ahead of schedule.
Elsewhere, scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by two fifths (41.2%), while scope 3 emissions were down 24%, against a 2019 baseline.
Plastic packaging saw a 54% reduction compared to a 2018 baseline, far surpassing the company’s 2025 target of 25%, it added.
‘Exceptional design and sustainable solutions’
“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,” commented Daniel Ervér, CEO, H&M Group.
“Sustainability is a key priority for us, fundamental to how we operate and essential for our long-term success. This report shows the result of the work of thousands of passionate colleagues around the world, united not only by our love for fashion and design, but also by our deep commitment to using our power and scale to push the fashion industry towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
Progress was also made in the decarbonisation of the supply chain, H&M noted, with the number of garment supplier factories using on-site coal boilers decreased from 118 in 2022 to 27 in 2024, with a full phase-out expected by 2026.
Elsewhere, efforts to reduce water use saw a 9.5% reduction in freshwater consumption across garment suppliers, with the company in line to achieve its 10% target ahead of schedule.
Some 26 markets in which the company has a presence now have second-hand options, with circular fashion now available in 38 stores worldwide.
‘Fully committed’
“We remain fully committed to our ambitious sustainability agenda,” added Leyla Ertur, sustainability director, H&M Group. “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% goal for recycled materials by 2025 a year ahead of schedule.
“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.”
Finally, H&M renewed its global framework agreement with IndustriALL Global Union and Swedish union IF Metall, strengthening protections for workers throughout its supply chain. Read more here.
Read more: Fashion brands and retailers embracing sustainable packaging, study finds
