Sustainability in Fashion: H&M vs. Tommy Hilfiger 2025

As the fashion industry continues to face scrutiny over its environmental impact, brands are increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their operations and products. In 2025, two prominent brands—H&M and Tommy Hilfiger—have made significant strides in their sustainability efforts. This article aims to compare their initiatives, practices, and overall commitment to eco-friendliness.

Overview of Sustainability in Fashion

Sustainability in fashion refers to the practices that aim to reduce the environmental impact of clothing production and consumption. This includes the use of sustainable materials, ethical labor practices, waste reduction, and transparency in supply chains. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, brands are responding with various initiatives to improve their sustainability credentials.

H&M’s Sustainability Efforts in 2025

H&M, one of the largest fast-fashion retailers globally, has been actively working on its sustainability goals for several years. As of 2025, the brand has made notable advancements in several areas:

1. Sustainable Materials

H&M has committed to using 100% sustainably sourced materials by 2030. In 2025, the brand has already made significant progress, with more than 70% of its materials being either organic, recycled, or otherwise sustainably sourced. This includes cotton sourced from the Better Cotton Initiative and recycled polyester from plastic bottles.

2. Circular Fashion Initiatives

The concept of circular fashion is central to H&M’s sustainability strategy. The brand has expanded its garment collection program, encouraging customers to return old clothes for recycling. This initiative aims to reduce textile waste and promote the reuse of materials. H&M has also launched a range of products made from recycled materials, further supporting the circular economy.

3. Transparency and Reporting

H&M has made strides in transparency by publishing annual sustainability reports that outline their progress and challenges. The brand has also been involved in various collaborations aimed at improving sustainability across the fashion industry, showing a commitment to collective action.

4. Sustainable Production Practices

H&M is focusing on reducing its carbon footprint by implementing more sustainable production practices. This includes using renewable energy in its factories and striving for water-efficient manufacturing processes. By 2025, H&M aims to have all of its production facilities powered by renewable energy.

Tommy Hilfiger’s Sustainability Efforts in 2025

Tommy Hilfiger, a leading premium fashion brand, has also made significant progress in its sustainability journey. In 2025, the brand’s efforts include:

1. Sustainable Materials

Tommy Hilfiger has set ambitious goals to use 100% sustainable cotton and linen by 2025. The brand has also focused on increasing its use of recycled polyester and has introduced collections that feature sustainable materials prominently. This aligns with its broader commitment to sustainability across product lines.

2. The “Make It Possible” Initiative

In 2025, Tommy Hilfiger continues to promote its “Make It Possible” initiative, which emphasizes sustainability in design, production, and retail. This initiative aims to create a more sustainable future by integrating eco-friendly practices throughout the supply chain. The brand is also committed to reducing its overall environmental impact by 2025, including a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Circular Fashion and Recycling Programs

Tommy Hilfiger has launched several programs to promote circular fashion. The brand encourages customers to recycle their old clothes through various partnerships and has introduced a repair service to extend the life of its products. This initiative reflects a growing trend in the industry to combat fast fashion’s wasteful practices.

4. Transparency in Supply Chains

Tommy Hilfiger emphasizes transparency in its supply chain by providing information about its sourcing and production practices. The brand has made efforts to ensure ethical labor practices and improve working conditions in its factories, which is a crucial aspect of sustainable fashion.

Comparative Analysis

1. Sustainable Material Usage

Both H&M and Tommy Hilfiger have made commitments to sustainable materials, but their approaches differ slightly. H&M leads with a higher percentage of sustainably sourced materials in its collections. However, Tommy Hilfiger’s focus on premium materials and design may appeal to a different consumer base.

2. Circular Fashion Initiatives

H&M has a more established garment collection program, while Tommy Hilfiger is still expanding its recycling initiatives. H&M’s focus on circular fashion is more pronounced, which is crucial for reducing textile waste.

3. Transparency and Ethical Practices

Both brands are committed to transparency, but H&M has been more proactive in publishing detailed sustainability reports. Tommy Hilfiger’s emphasis on ethical labor practices is commendable and aligns with growing consumer expectations for corporate responsibility.

Conclusion

In 2025, both H&M and Tommy Hilfiger are making commendable efforts toward sustainability in the fashion industry. H&M appears to be leading in terms of sustainable material usage and circular fashion initiatives, while Tommy Hilfiger excels in premium product offerings and ethical labor practices. Ultimately, consumers can choose based on their values, whether prioritizing sustainability in materials or ethical production practices. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, both brands are setting examples for others to follow in the pursuit of a more sustainable future.