H&M vs Levi’s: Sustainable Fashion Showdown 2025

As the fashion industry continues to evolve, sustainability has become a central focus for many brands. In 2025, two prominent players, H&M and Levi’s, are at the forefront of this movement, each taking unique approaches to eco-friendly fashion. This article explores the sustainability practices and ethical ratings of both brands, helping consumers make informed choices.

Overview of H&M and Levi’s

H&M, a Swedish multinational clothing retail company, is known for its fast-fashion model that offers trendy clothing at affordable prices. However, in recent years, the brand has shifted its focus towards sustainability, aiming to reduce its environmental impact and promote ethical practices.

Levi’s, on the other hand, has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality denim. The brand has embraced sustainability as part of its identity, implementing various initiatives to minimize its ecological footprint and enhance social responsibility.

Sustainability Practices of H&M

H&M has made significant strides in sustainability, particularly in the following areas:

1. Sourcing Materials

H&M has committed to using 100% sustainable cotton by 2025. This includes organic cotton, recycled cotton, and cotton sourced from the Better Cotton Initiative. The brand is also increasing its use of recycled polyester and other sustainable materials in its collections.

2. Circular Fashion Initiatives

In 2025, H&M continues to promote circular fashion through its Garment Collecting program, encouraging customers to recycle their old clothes. The collected garments are either resold, reused, or recycled into new products, reducing waste in landfills.

3. Transparency and Reporting

H&M publishes an annual sustainability report that details its progress towards environmental goals. The brand is committed to transparency, allowing consumers to track its initiatives and understand its impact on the planet.

4. Energy Efficiency

The company aims to use 100% renewable energy in its operations by 2030. As of 2025, H&M has made considerable progress towards this goal, with many of its stores and production facilities already powered by renewable sources.

Sustainability Practices of Levi’s

Levi’s has also established itself as a leader in sustainable fashion, focusing on the following key areas:

1. Water Conservation

Levi’s has implemented its Water<Less® technique, which reduces water usage in the production of denim. By 2025, the brand has reported a significant reduction in water consumption across its manufacturing processes, saving billions of liters of water annually.

2. Sustainable Materials

Similar to H&M, Levi’s is committed to using sustainable materials. The brand aims for 100% of its cotton to be sourced from sustainable sources by 2025. This includes organic cotton and recycled materials, aligning with global sustainability goals.

3. Social Responsibility

Levi’s emphasizes fair labor practices and has implemented programs to ensure worker rights and safety in its supply chain. The brand actively engages in initiatives that support workers' rights, making it a socially responsible choice for consumers.

4. End-of-Life Solutions

Levi’s encourages customers to recycle their jeans through its WellThread™ collection, which is designed for easy recycling. The brand also promotes repair and resale, extending the life of its products and minimizing waste.

Ethical Ratings and Certifications

When comparing the ethical ratings of H&M and Levi’s, various organizations assess brands based on their sustainability practices, labor policies, and environmental impact.

H&M Ratings

H&M has received mixed ratings across different sustainability platforms. The brand has made progress in transparency and material sourcing but still faces challenges related to fast fashion practices. Organizations like Good On You rate H&M as