Vision and strategy - H&M Group (2024)

From our very first day in 1947, our business has been about making fashion and the joy it can bring accessible to everyone — democratising what had previously been a privilege of the few.

Vision and strategy - H&M Group (1)

Lead the change

  • Scale innovation
  • Promote transparency
  • Collaborate for industrywide progress

Vision and strategy - H&M Group (2)

Support a circular fashion industry with net-zero climate impact

  • Become net-zero across our value chain by 2040, operating within planetary boundaries
  • Have a net-positive impact on biodiversity
  • Scale circular models and systems for our products, supply chains and customer journeys

Vision and strategy - H&M Group (3)

Be a fair and equal company

  • Have a positive impact on people across our value chain
  • Support and promote inclusion and diversity in everything we do

Respect human rights

Today, the world looks different, but one thing remains the same – people want to enjoy fashion and we want to make fashion accessible for all. Our sustainability work brings us opportunities to grow in innovative ways and to develop our customer offering so we keep meeting and exceeding their expectations.

To make the most of these opportunities, we challenge ourselves, question oldassumptions and look for new ways to do business that decouples our growth from the use of finite natural resources. Weinvest in new materials, technology and business models to drive change in the way we make and remake our products, and how our customers can experience fashion and design.

From the resources we use and reuse,to how we work with people and the expectations we set for our suppliers, everything we do forms part of the social and environmental story of our products. We want to enable our customers to understand and be part of that story, so they can make informed choices and ultimately see more sustainable choices as the most desirable and attractive ones.

Our industry is redefining itself and evolving, and so are we. We’ve been working on the sustainability of our business for more than 20 years, refining and reiterating our approach to address new challenges and take on board new knowledge. And we’re committed to keep learning, investing and taking action.

Embracing sustainability

Meet Leyla Ertur, our Head of Sustainability, who explains how we work to achieve our goals.

Vision and strategy - H&M Group (4)

Vision and strategy - H&M Group (5)

I am an avid sustainability enthusiast and expert with a deep understanding of the intersection between fashion and environmental responsibility. My extensive knowledge is rooted in a broad spectrum of topics ranging from circular economy models to corporate sustainability strategies. As someone deeply engaged in the field, I am well-versed in the key concepts and principles that drive the transformation of industries towards more sustainable practices.

Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article:

  1. Leading the Change: The company emphasizes a commitment to leading the change in the fashion industry, with a historical perspective dating back to 1947. This implies a proactive stance in shaping the future of fashion, not merely following trends but setting new standards.

  2. Scale Innovation: The focus on scaling innovation suggests a dedication to implementing new technologies, materials, and business models at a significant and impactful level. This commitment likely involves investments in research and development to drive transformative changes.

  3. Promote Transparency: The call for transparency signals a commitment to openness about the company's practices, processes, and their impact on the environment. This can include disclosing information about the supply chain, sourcing of materials, and manufacturing processes.

  4. Collaborate for Industrywide Progress: Acknowledging the need for collaboration indicates an understanding that systemic change in the fashion industry requires collective efforts. This involves working with other stakeholders, competitors, and partners to drive positive industry-wide transformations.

  5. Circular Fashion Industry with Net-Zero Climate Impact: The commitment to a circular fashion industry aligns with the principles of a circular economy, emphasizing recycling, reusing, and reducing waste. Achieving a net-zero climate impact indicates a commitment to mitigating environmental harm.

  6. Net-Zero Across Value Chain by 2040: This is a specific, time-bound goal that reflects a commitment to achieving carbon neutrality across the entire value chain by the year 2040. This involves assessing and minimizing carbon emissions in all aspects of the business.

  7. Net-Positive Impact on Biodiversity: The goal of having a net-positive impact on biodiversity implies a commitment to not only minimizing harm but actively contributing to the restoration and preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.

  8. Scale Circular Models and Systems: Scaling circular models indicates a commitment to expanding the adoption of sustainable practices not only within the company's operations but throughout the industry. This could involve influencing suppliers, partners, and customers.

  9. Be a Fair and Equal Company: The commitment to fairness and equality suggests a dedication to ethical business practices, encompassing fair treatment of workers, just wages, and equal opportunities for all employees.

  10. Positive Impact on People Across Value Chain: Beyond environmental concerns, there is a focus on the well-being of individuals involved in the entire value chain, from sourcing materials to manufacturing and beyond.

  11. Support and Promote Inclusion and Diversity: The company aims to foster an inclusive and diverse environment, reflecting a commitment to social responsibility and recognizing the importance of diversity in all aspects of the business.

  12. Respect Human Rights: The acknowledgment of human rights underscores a commitment to ensuring that the company's operations do not infringe upon or contribute to human rights violations.

In conclusion, the outlined sustainability vision and strategy reflect a holistic and comprehensive approach to making the fashion industry more responsible and ethical, touching upon environmental, social, and economic aspects.

Vision and strategy - H&M Group (2024)
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