Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) has not always had the best reputation amongst the CSR community. I have been critical of the company in the past, but the company often known for “disposable”
fashion has turned a corner. In the past year, H&M has ended the
sandblasting of its jeans, and worked on improving its recycling and reuse initiatives. This week the company
released its 2010 sustainability report. Some of the
highlights include:
- The rollout of more eco-conscious clothing, and a reduction in the the use of chemicals
- Educating H&M’s workers in factories abroad on their rights, and improving factory compliance throughout the company’s supply chain
- Tinkering with solar power, purchased carbon offsets, and reduced emissions from business travel
- Reduced packaging, improved the reuse of clothing hangars, and introduced a recycled clothing line
- A push for more sourcing of organic cotton and improved water efficiency
- Donations of garments to charities, while supporting work related to HIV/AIDS and UNICEF’s initiatives
Obviously more can be done, but H&M is its way. Triple Pundit’s Gina-Marie Cheeseman also provides a good
overview of the company’s efforts. Personally, I always feel the “S” in
corporate social responsibility (CSR) is overlooked, so I welcome the move towards more attention on workers rights, ethical sourcing, and improved factory conditions.
What do you think about H&M’s sustainability report? Please share your thoughts.
