Amid the global push for sustainability, H&M takes the lead in emissions reduction, while Patagonia emphasizes cutting emissions across supply chain rather than simply pursuing carbon neutrality. (Image: Wikipedia Commons)
The global push for sustainability has reached the fashion industry, with Swedish fashion giant H&M leading emissions reduction rankings. The company has been particularly recognized for its transparency in data reporting. While some experts caution that H&M may face bottlenecks in its carbon reduction, its performance so far remains strong.
Meanwhile, American outdoor brand Patagonia, known for its environmental advocacy, argues that achieving carbon neutrality is not enough. It stresses the need to cut emissions throughout the supply chain to mitigate climate risks.
H&M leads the industry in net-zero through green energy procurement and supply chain emissions cuts
Starting with its emissions reduction targets, H&M outlined clear targets and action plans in its 2025 sustainability report, aligned with global ambition to limit warming to 1.5°C. The company aims to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 56% by 2030 compared to the 2019 levels, and to cut absolute Scope 3 emissions by 90% by 2040 while achieving net-zero commitment.
H&M aims to achieve its net-zero target by 2040, ten years ahead of the fashion industry’s general 2050 goal. According to a report by Fashion Revolution, a global fashion activism movement, H&M is among the few brands whose carbon reduction targets align with United Nations standards. Other brands recognized in the report include Patagonia, Japanese sportswear company ASICS, and UK retailer Market & Spencer.
