H&M

H&M claims to use majority low impact materials in its garments, but it is unclear how it defines a sustainable fiber. There is evidence that it uses some low impact materials, such as recycled cotton, organic cotton, and TENCEL Lyocell. However, H&M does still use high impact fibers, such as virgin polyester, viscose, rayon, and spandex. H&M has targets to reduce its reliance on these high impact fibers by 2030.

H&M procures majority renewable electricity for its stores and offices. It aims to expand renewable electricity procurement to the rest of its supply chain by 2030. It has not reported on its progress against this target. H&M has installed energy efficient measures at some of its production sits, stores, and offices. H&M sources and manufactures its materials globally, which is standard practice in the fashion industry.

H&M has made efforts to reduce the amount of plastc in its packaging, but has yet to eliminate it. It incorporates eco-friendly packaging materials, including FSC-certified materials and partially recycled paper. H&M has undergone specific efforts to minimize their packaging. H&M has efforts to reduce the impact of shipping emissions by using EVs and alternative fuels for a small portion of its last mile deliveries.

H&M offers a repair program in select stores. H&M does not offer a warranty. It gives detailed and environmentally conscious care instructions for its garments.

H&M has a take back program that accepts its own brand's clothing for resale. It reports on the impact of this program.

H&M is a fast fashion brand that has frequent new releases.

Commons is currently evaluating H&M's marketing emails.

H&M has a sustainability page with information about materials, circularity, current initiatives and progress, energy use, emissions reduction. However, the page is not prominent. Larger brands have a greater responsibility to make this information clearly available due to its outsized impact. H&M has a detailed annual report, with a clear strategy and progress reporting.

H&M internally measures and publicly reports its company-level emissions, including a detailed breakdown. H&M has one of the top 10 largest absolute carbon footprints among fashion brands. Its 2023 estimated emissions were 8,586,805 tCO2e.

H&M has SBTI-approved medium and long-term targets. It has shared progress on these targets in the last year and it is on track. Commons could not find verification that it offsets any emissions, and it has been outspoken in the media about avoiding offsets.

H&M publishes the names and locations of some of its supply chain partners. It has a supplier code of conduct, which includes provisions allowing collective bargaining and prohibiting forced labor. It does not mention a living wage or restrictions on subcontracting.