Environment
Environmental concern in the supply chain
H&M requires its suppliers to comply with local environmental legislation and to have all the necessary permits and licences for their activities. However, the greatest environmental impact comes from the dyeing of fabrics and processing of fibres – production steps that take place before any stitching of H&M garments begin. H&M is therefore working with certain suppliers, for example to improve water treatment in various types of wet processes. We have started a programme to encourage factories to switch to cleaner production processes involving reduced energy and water consumption and limiting the use of chemicals. We have worked with an independent consultant and the Wuppertal Institute in Germany to create tools for identifying areas for potential resource savings.