Cotton
Cotton is the raw material we use the most. Our aim is for all cotton in our range to come from more sustainable sources by 2020.
H&M is one of the leading users of organic cotton in the world
Cotton is an incredibly valuable resource that improves the lives of millions – from the farmers who grow it, to the spinners who turn it into thread, to you – who might well be wearing it right now.
However, it takes a lot of water to grow cotton, and many farmers rely on chemicals and pesticides to improve their harvest. According to WWF, the cotton in one pair of jeans needs 8,500 litres of water to grow.
The good news is there’s a lot we can do to make cotton better for our world. By 2020, our goal is to get all of our cotton from more ‘sustainable sources’ – which means it’s either organic, better or recycled.
Organic cotton
We are one of the leading users of organic cotton in the world. We’re willing to pay more for it because it’s grown without chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and contains no genetically modified organisms (GMOs). That’s good news for farmers, the environment, and for you.
Whenever you see an H&M product that’s made using organic cotton, it means it’s been grown according to a strict standard and checked by an independent certification body.
Why we love organic cotton
It’s as high quality and versatile as regular cotton
It’s grown without chemical pesticides or fertilizers
It doesn’t contain any genetically modified fibres
Recycled cotton
We’re using more and more recycled cotton in our clothes. Recycled cotton comes from old garments and textile leftovers, which are grinded into fibre, spun into new yarns and weaved into new fabrics.
We make sure that everything we label as ‘made from recycled cotton’ is certified by a third party.
Why we love recycled cotton
It saves raw materials
It stops old clothes and material going to waste
It means we need to use fewer resources – including chemicals, water and land
Better Cotton Initiative
H&M is an active member of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). BCI develops and promotes good farm practices. A BCI farmer uses less water and chemicals, cares for the soil and natural habitats, and promotes good working conditions on his land.
By working with partners WWF and Solidaridad, BCI has already provided 680,000 farmers with the knowledge and support they need to grow better cotton. The goal is to reach one million by 2015.
Why we love Better Cotton
It needs less water and fewer chemicals
It improves the livelihoods of cotton producers