Cotton
Use at HUGO BOSS
As a natural material, cotton is especially breathable and durable, making it ideal for use in numerous products, including shirts and suits, knitwear and jerseys, bodywear and jeans. In 2023, cotton comprised around 53% of all our materials used, of which 98% came from more sustainable sources.
Impacts*
Cotton plants need a lot of water to grow. Especially in dry areas, the water requirement often has to be supplemented by artificial irrigation.
In conventional cotton cultivation, synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers are also used to protect the valuable crop from pest infestation and to promote its cultivation. In addition, fertilizers are also used. This can lead to drinking water pollution and affect human health.
Cotton workers are also a potentially vulnerable social group whose rights must be protected.
* Summary of internal research
Targets
The HUGO BOSS Cotton Commitment describes all the requirements of more sustainable cotton cultivation. It considers environmental aspects such the use of land, water, and chemicals as well as socio-economic factors. HUGO BOSS has set targets: 100 % of purchased cotton should be sourced from sustainable production, as described in the criteria of the Cotton Guideline. Cotton from regenerative agriculture will play a crucial role here.
Measures
The greatest challenge at present is the availability of sustainable, especially regenerative cotton that meets the high quality standards of HUGO BOSS. Currently, 93% of our purchased cotton already meets the target criteria of more sustainable cotton.
Together with initiatives such as Raddis® Cotton BOSS works toward continuously increasing its share of our procurement. We also support the cultivation of organically grown cotton .In addition, the company also collaborates with local initiatives and cotton experts to achieve effective improvements to sustainability.
The origin of the cotton used is also important at HUGO BOSS and is traced back to its country of origin. For further information, please have a look at our Sustainability Report.