Raw materials

What part of H&M’s operations uses the most natural resources?

Our biggest natural resource use is in the use of raw materials for the production of our garments. Cotton is the raw material we use the most. It is a renewable resource, but it comes with a number of challenges, including the use of chemicals and water intensive processes. We also use some synthetic fabrics. These fabrics are usually derived from oil, which is a non-renewable resource; but these are well-suited to recycling.

What do you do to use natural resources more responsibly?

We started our work to improve resource use in the cotton supply chain several years ago. For some years we have been using more and more certified organic cotton, and we have introduced products made from recycled materials. Since 2010, we have been the biggest user of certified organic cotton worldwide. We have also been very actively involved in the Better Cotton Initiative. Now we have set the firm target that all our cotton should come from more sustainable sources by 2020 at the latest. Additionally, we will continue to increase the use of other conscious materials, like recycled polyester and wool.

Where do you see the greatest potential for future resource savings?

We have just started scaling-up our use of recycled fabrics. I believe that this will drive further innovations and the future will bring many more opportunities for recycling. This is likelyto mean less waste and less use of natural resources; and it makes perfect business sense.