Case studies

Examples of our sustainability work

Read how we work with sustainability at H&M

Continue to promote improved fire safety in Bangladesh

Fire safety is a major issue in Bangladeshi garment factories. Poor electrical installations and bad maintenance often create significant fire hazards. In order to make a safe workplace the norm throughout the sector, we think that it is essential to involve all stakeholders such as the government, industry organisations, trade unions and other brands. Read more.

H&M Incentive Program

In order to show our appreciation of our employees, H&M has started an incentive programme for all employees. The programme was initiated in 2011 with a donation from Stefan Persson Family, of approximately 4 million H&M shares with a value of approximately SEK 1 billion (based on the share price on 6 September 2010) to the Swedish foundation Stiftelsen H&M Incentive Program. Read more.

Joint ban on sandblasting

Sandblasting is a technique used to give garments, in particular denim, a used or worn-out look. Media reports drew attention to studies that highlighted serious health risks to workers from unprotected use of this technique. In 2010 H&M together with Levi Strauss & Co. enforced a ban on sandblasting for all products and we encourage others to do the same. Read more.

Workers’ awareness films in Bangladesh and India

We want our suppliers to be in charge of their own sustainability in the long run. To achieve this, their employees must be involved. Employees need to know their rights and how to claim them. Ultimately, we want them to be able to influence their situation through dialogue with their employers. Through short films, more than 300,000 workers in Bangladesh have received training on their rights at work since 2008. Read more.

Joining forces with others

The sustainability challenges within the global retail business affect everyone in the industry. These challenges are often universal issues that no company can solve on its own. We also often share suppliers with other retail brands. Collaborating with industry peers can therefore help to increase the level of influence we have on a particular issue where working alone we would have less influence. Read more here.

Towards higher wages in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, the government does not review minimum wage levels regularly and systems for employees to negotiate directly with their employers are generally not sufficient. That’s why in 2010 H&M took the initiative to address this issue with the Bangladeshi government. Read more.

All for Children

All for Children is a unique collaboration between H&M and UNICEF. Together we work to protect the rights of some of the poorest children in the world. Read more.

H&M Training Centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh

For many young people in Bangladesh, a job and an income of their own is not something they can take for granted. Since 1999 H&M has been running a sewing training centre for young people in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka. Each year 100 young people are given an opportunity to train as industrial sewing machinists, and each is guaranteed a job with one of H&M's suppliers when they have finished their training. Read more.

Carrier bags made from recycled material

Our studies showed that recycled plastic is the best material for carrier bags from an environmental perspective. That’s why in 2010 we switched to recycled material for all of our standard plastic consumer bags. Surprised? Find out more.

Intensified efforts for a better Bangladesh

H&M wants to contribute to lasting improvements for people working in the clothing industry in Bangladesh. Now efforts are being stepped up, with the goal of supporting social development in the long term. Read more.