Anna Gedda, Head of Sustainability, quoted, “Big change requires bold actions and the courage to aim high. At the same time, we have to be humble to the challenges our planet is facing. So if we want to make a real change, we have to be brave, push the boundaries and not be afraid to fail.”

H&M has always stood by this statement. Over the years, it has set an example for many other leading companies with its astonishing sustainability plans and projects.

In June 2018, H&M launched Afound. Afound works towards giving unsold products across 300+ brands, including H&M, a new life cycle. You can find past and present season products inclusive of used and vintage commodities possessing the range of discount of 25-70% on their platform. Currently, Afound is only available in Sweden and the Netherlands.

H&M also started the take care concept. The take care concept offers direction on how to do small repairs and fixes by yourself, which prolongs the product’s life. Through the H&M’s app, users can access methods and advice like how to remove lipstick stains or how to reattach buttons and many more. They also offer a variety of products, for instance, sewing kits, environmental-friendly detergents, washing bags that collect microfibres, plus more.

H&M has its recycling service too. Customers can return products they no longer want to the store. About 50-60% of the second-hand items are resold. The next 35-45% of the collected items are remade into something new. The remaining proportion of 3-7% is used as combustibles for energy production. 

The company is also experimenting with new and productive ideas. For example, H&M built one of its stores in Stockholm, Sweden, primarily out of existing store materials or previous purchase leftovers. This maximized the utilization of resources and minimized the environmental impact.

More than 57% of its supply chain consists of recycled materials. In addition to recycling materials like cotton, polyester, nylon, wool, cashmere, and numerous other things, they also are collaborating with people to tackle the problem of recycling blended fibers. 95% of the cotton in their products is sustainable or recycled.

H&M’s value chain is connected to innumerable people and businesses around the globe, who together are creating a positive impact on the world.

Quick pointers:

• H&M was launched in 1947 in Sweden.
• In June 2018, H&M launched Afound. Afound works towards giving unsold products across 300+ brands, including H&M, a new life cycle, at a discount of 25-70% on their platform. Currently, Afound is only available in Sweden and the Netherlands.
• H&M also started the take care concept. The take care concept offers an app that gives direction to users on how to do small repairs and DIY fixes, which prolongs the product’s life.
• H&M has its recycling service too. Customers can return products they no longer want to the store. About 50-60% of the second-hand items are resold. The next 35-45% of the collected items are remade into something new. The remaining proportion of 3-7% is used as combustibles for energy production.
• The company is also experimenting with new and productive ideas. H&M built one of its stores in Stockholm, Sweden, primarily out of existing store materials or previous purchase leftovers. This maximized the utilization of resources and minimized the environmental impact.
• More than 57% of its supply chain consists of recycled materials. In addition to recycling materials like cotton, polyester, nylon, wool, cashmere, and numerous other things, they also are collaborating with people to tackle the problem of recycling blended fibers.
• 95% of the cotton in their products is sustainable or recycled.
• Their vision is to lead the change towards circular and renewable fashion while being a fair and equal company.