IKEA, Google, Netflix, and Volvo Cars were among the distinguished speakers at the d&i Leaders (Diversity and Inclusion Leaders) Global Forum 2023. One of the notable speakers was Annie Wu, the Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, who emphasized the importance of transparency in diversity and inclusion (I&D) efforts as a business imperative.
According to Annie, I&D strategies should go beyond mere dialogue and focus on actionable steps. She highlighted that transparency is crucial in holding organizations accountable and ensuring that their actions lead to real progress rather than just superficial activity.
In line with the theme of transparency, the H&M Group released its Sustainability Disclosure 2022. The report provides comprehensive details about the company’s sustainability strategy, goals, performance data, and policies over the past year.
H&M Group, led by Head of Sustainability Leyla Ertur, believes that brands prioritizing sustainability will be better equipped to meet the evolving demands of customers and legislators while making significant contributions to a better future for people and the planet.
Transparency is a core value for H&M Group, as it promotes comparability and accountability. The company aims to empower customers and businesses to make better-informed decisions by openly sharing its progress based on the best available data and continuously improving its level of disclosure.
The Sustainability Disclosure 2022 highlights key sustainability figures achieved by H&M Group in 2022. These include a 7% absolute reduction in scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions and an 8% absolute reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions compared to a 2019 baseline. The company also launched a new Water Strategy 2030, resulting in a 38% reduction in relative water consumption per product compared to a 2017 baseline.
In terms of materials, H&M Group achieved significant milestones, with 84% of its commercial goods made from recycled or more sustainably sourced materials. The company also made strides in promoting workers’ rights, with 42% of its tier 1 supplier factories having trade union representation and 34% having collective bargaining agreements in place.
H&M Group also focused on addressing gender-based violence and sexual harassment (GBVH) in its supply chain, reaching over 414,000 supply chain workers with activities and training on these issues. The company achieved a 44% absolute reduction in plastic packaging compared to a 2018 baseline, surpassing its plastic reduction target ahead of schedule.
Furthermore, H&M Group contributed SEK 114.2 million to community investment initiatives, benefiting 745,517 individuals. The company continues to prioritize sustainability, with a focus on decreasing use-phase emissions, improving water efficiency, and increasing the use of recycled materials.
In addition to these achievements, H&M Group’s brands have implemented various sustainability initiatives. These include creating collections using the Circulator product development tool, following the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Jeans Redesign guidelines, using recycled and reused materials, promoting second-hand initiatives, offering rental services, and encouraging customers to give garments a longer life.
H&M Group’s Sustainability Disclosure 2022 is part of its commitment to transparently report progress and drive sustainable change in the fashion industry. By sharing its sustainability efforts and achievements, the company aims to inspire other businesses and consumers to make more sustainable choices.
With transparency as a guiding principle, H&M Group strives to create a more sustainable future, where businesses and individuals can contribute to a healthier planet and society. By openly sharing its sustainability journey, the company hopes to encourage others to join the movement towards a greener and more inclusive world.
