Use natural resources responsibly

From using cotton to transporting finished garments and lighting our stores, H&M is a consumer of natural resources. We depend on them throughout our value chain to do business and meet the needs of our customers. However, increasing scarcity of some resources globally, like oil and minerals, and regionally, like water or agricultural land, means that access to these vital inputs for our business cannot be taken for granted.

At H&M, we recognise how important it is for all of us to use natural resources responsibly, considering the needs of both present and future generations. Growing scarcity tends to mean rising costs, so resource efficiency will increasingly be seen as a source of competitive advantage in our industry.

To operate as a sustainable business, we are committed to conserving water, soil, air and species. We also try to influence our customers and other stakeholders to help them use natural resources responsibly as well.

Conscious Actions

Read about the Conscious Actions that we are taking to fulfil our commitment to use natural resources responsibly here.

Raw materials

H&M’s aim is for all cotton in our range to come from more sustainable sources by 2020 at the latest. In addition H&M uses many other conscious materials. Read more.

Water

Water plays an important part in various stages of our products’ lives. We want to improve the way water is used and treated from cotton to customer. Read more.

Chemicals management

It can take a lot of chemicals to make clothes. We are working hard to ensure that our products are safe and to eliminate discharges to water, soil and air. Read more.

Paper

We use a lot of paper at H&M, ranging from transport cartons to office paper. Our ambition is to increase our use of FSC certified paper globally. Read more.

Environmental requirements for suppliers

We set high standards for ourselves in terms of environmental responsibility and we expect our business partners to adopt equally high standards. Read more.