Sustainable

Development
with H&M’s Aid
 Table of contents
Sustainable H&M -
01 Development 02 context

Contributions Reflection
03 of H&M 04
 01
Sustainable
Development
What is Sustainable Development?
Sustainable development is defined as a
principle economic growth that aims to fulfill
human development while preserving natural
components of the economy.

The goal of sustainable development is to strike

a balance between social progress,
environmental preservation, and economic
growth.
 02
H&M - context
 Where it all started for H&M
H&M is a global apparel retailer founded in 1947 by
Swedish entrepreneur Erling Persson. The brand was
rebranded as ‘Hennes and Mauritz’ in 1968 after
originally being known as Hennes (meaning “hers” in
Swedish), a store specializing in women’s clothing. The
company was able to expand by including men’s and
children’s items.

As of now, H&M has established around 5000 stores in

74 countries. H&M is highly popular in the fashion
industry as they provide customers with stylish and
affordable clothing.
 03
Contributions
of H&M
 “I am convinced that brands placing
sustainability at their core will be better
prepared to meet the evolving requirements of
customers and legislators, as well as making
vital contributions to a better future for the
people and the planet”

—Leyla Ertur, Head of

Sustainability, H&M Group

(Letter From Head of Sustainability - H&M Group, 2022)

Contributions of H&M to Sustainable Development
Reducing
Most importantly, H&M is
focusing on reducing
greenhouse gas emissions by
56% in 2030. They introduced
an absolute 44% decrease in
plastic packaging and intend to
reduce impacts on water
resources, biodiversity, and land
use.
Reusing Recycling
H&M brings used products By using 84% percent of
and production waste back sustainably sourced materials in
into circulation as either their commercial goods, including
second-hand products or 23% recycled materials such as
valuable resources. certified organic cotton and
recycled polyester. H&M are
getting closer to their target of
30% by 2025.
How does this help sustainable development?
H&M heavily focuses on recycling, reusing, and reducing to
provide aid for sustainable development of the world and
apparel industry.

By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, H&M is contributing to

the protection of water, air and soil by avoiding dangerous
chemicals, fossil fuel-based energy sources, and single-use
packaging.

By using recycled materials and reusing waste products, H&M

is reducing the need to grow, extract and process raw materials
from nature. (Lu, 2022)
Summary
H&M has been specifically focusing on sustainability in
recent years. The company aims to achieve net-zero
greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

To achieve these objectives, H&M has implemented various

initiatives, including the use of recycled materials, the
reusing of waste products, and the gradual reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions within their production.

Business of Fashion has officially given H&M fourth place

in recognition of their impeccable sustainability efforts.
H&M has worked hard to fulfil numerous sustainable (Ro, 2022)
development aims within the apparel industry.
 04
Reflection
By researching and vastly expanding our knowledge
about how H&M aids in sustainable development, our
perspectives on sustainable development have
changed significantly.

Initially, we did not fully understand the concept of

sustainable development and how different methods
in the apparel industry can help mitigate global risks
like climate change, but after collaboration and
communication our views have become much more
insightful and professional.

We now understand how significant initiatives in the

apparel industry (with the help of companies like
H&M) can provide sustainable development.
References:
Sustainability Reporting - H&M Group. (2023, August 7). H&M Group. https://hmgroup.com/sustainability/sustainability-reporting/

Let’s close the loop | Repair & recycle | H&M. (n.d.). H&M. https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/sustainability-at-hm/our-work/close-the-loop.html

H&M - fashionabc. (2023, November 2). Fashionabc. https://www.fashionabc.org/wiki/hm

What Is Sustainable Development? (2023, October 18). Monash Sustainable Development Institute.
https://www.monash.edu/msdi/about/sustainable-development/what-is-it

Sustainable Develop
ment. (n.d.). International Institute for Sustainable Development.
https://www.iisd.org/mission-and-goals/sustainable-development#:~:text=Sustainable%20development%20is%20development%20that,to%20meet%20th
eir%20own%20needs

Beevers, A. (2023, August 4). H&M | Retail Bulletin. Retail Bulletin | Daily UK Retail News.
https://www.theretailbulletin.com/retailers/hm-news/#:~:text=With%20its%20clothing%20stores%20focusing,his%20grandson%20Karl%2DJohan%20Per
sson

History - H&M Group. (2023, November 1). H&M Group. https://hmgroup.com/about-us/history/

In-Text Citation: (History - H&Amp;M Group, 2023)

Awards and recognitions - H&M Group. (2023, July 26). H&M Group.
https://hmgroup.com/sustainability/leading-the-change/awards-and-recognitions/#:~:text=Business%20of%20Fashion%20placed%20us,joint%20third%2
0for%20workers%20rights

H&M | LinkedIn. (2018, April 27). Se.linkedin.com. https://www.linkedin.com/company/h&m

Thank you!