We deeply care
for our planet

Future generations will only be able to live on a healthy, intact, and biodiversity-rich planet, if we actively take care of our environment now. We are aware that the fashion industry leaves an ecological footprint . However, we want to reduce this step-by-step. Therefore, it is our goal to cut CO₂ emissions to net zero, conserve resources by offering CIRCULAR products and services and  protect biodiversity by fighting microplastic and leveraging nature-positive materials.

The 1.5-degree target of the Paris Agreement can only be achieved with a reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions. As part of our contribution, we are also working on reducing our emissions in our own area of responsibility and along our entire value chain. To meet our ambitious climate protection goals, we are following an effective and efficient strategy. We follow scientifically based knowledge guiding us in the sustainable reduction of greenhouse gas emissions along our value chain.

Environmental protection is incorporated in all stages of the value chain by HUGO BOSS, particularly in the supply chain, where the majority of emissions take place. Clearly defined standards in relation to environmental protection and chemical and waste-water management also apply to our suppliers. When we decide to work with a supplier, we place a strong emphasis on ecological aspects and continue to monitor them during our collaboration. If it becomes clear that the agreed standards are no longer being complied with, we work together with the supplier on a corrective action plan (CAP).

We have set ourselves ambitious targets for reducing our CO₂ emissions, but with our current measures we are not yet at the level we would like to be: Instead of a reduction in emissions, we are currently seeing an increase. Compared to 2021, emissions across the value chain have increased by 54%. Despite extensive measures, our emissions have only decreased in our own area of responsibility (-6% compared to 2019, Scope 1 and 2). In the entire value chain, our indirect emissions have increased in connection with the strong business development (+45% compared to 2019, Scope 3). This is related to the strong business development overall. We will therefore intensify our measures even further. This includes working even more closely with our suppliers, as most CO₂ ​​​​​​​ emissions are generated in the supply chain. But we also need to adapt our own processes, for example by reducing transportation by air.

The more energy we save along our entire value chain, the less CO₂ we produce. With the GREENBUDGET program, we are encouraging energy saving measures and environmental projects in our own area of responsibility at HUGO BOSS, such as the complete conversion to LED lighting. Six internal photovoltaic systems, future-orientated energy management of our buildings and the constant increase of green power usage across the company make an additional contribution to the reduction of our ecological footprint.

Clearly defined standards apply to our suppliers with regard to environmental protection which, among other things, we have laid down as mandatory in the Supplier Code of Conduct. They are covered by the environmental module of our Supply Chain Sustainability program.   The principles of environmental protection set out in the HUGO BOSS Environmental Policy, which is publicly available, also apply to all of the Company's suppliers. It also takes into account current developments in the area of climate protection, for example. Components of these frameworks include, for example, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, chemicals and wastewater management, waste management and other aspects related to the environment. The most far-reaching requirements apply to suppliers whose production processes have the highest environmental and climate impact.

We check our requirements in dealing with waste, water and wastewater, energy, transportation, greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants in audits. Our foundation for analysis and and improvement of environmental protection in our supply chain forms the environmental module of the Global Social Compliance Program (GSCP) HUGO BOSS has worked on optimizing the GSCP Open Source environmental program for many years, in collaboration with the GSCP and other experts. Particular attention is paid to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), as well as prevention of pollution and compliance with wastewater guidelines in accordance with the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) initiative. Other aspects checked at suppliers include water consumption, waste generation, other environmental protection measures and the environmental management systems in place.

If a partner fails to satisfy the demands of HUGO BOSS, the company draws up corrective action plans, aimed at rectifying the insufficiencies. Extensive information about the audits conducted and their results is available in the HUGO BOSS Sustainability Report.

If we want to safeguard our planet, we must conserve its resources. This is why we are, among other measures, reducing our water consumption with efficient water management. For instance, in our Izmir (Turkey) location, we catch rainwater in underground water tanks. The water is then used for irrigation and for the sanitation facilities on the site. It is equally important to reduce waste and recycle. This already begins in the design process: intelligent cutting programmes calculate the optimal distribution of product parts on each piece of fabric to conserve raw materials. We opt for reusable packaging with a high proportion of recyclable materials for shipping goods, and we are also reducing the volume and use of plastic in product packaging, wherever possible.

Our business depends on the resources provided by our planet. We have an impact on biodiversity through the consumption and processing of these resources. Since it is important for us to protect the diversity of species on our planet, our actions are strictly governed by recognised standards in animal welfare, and environmental and climate protection.

The future of the fashion industry is closely linked to the future of agriculture. By working towards ensuring 100% of our natural materials originate from regenerative agriculture or closed-loop recycling by 2030, we are making a commitment to soil conservation, to ensuring this important basis of life remains healthy.

We source and process our materials as sustainably as possible. One example is our collaboration with the environmental organization Canopy, through which we are working on the sustainable sourcing of paper and cellulose fibres like viscose, modal, and lyocell. The goal is to protect old and endangered forests.

We also have a special responsibility for animal welfare, in the processing of materials with animal origins, such as leather, wool and down in our products. Our own animal welfare guidelines state our commitment to the recognized standards for protected species and animal protection.

We also give due consideration to the protection of biodiversity in our manufacturing processes at all times, for example in the use of chemicals or in energy management. And we also consider the use phase: since microplastics are released into our environment, including our oceans, when synthetic clothing is washed, we aim to reduce the use of polyester and nylon to 0% by 2030.

As an international company, we manufacture in many locations and supply customers all over the world with goods.

Examples of how we reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in our business include environmentally friendly transportation routes, with a focus on more CO₂-efficient transport such as rail and sea freight. Door-to-door transportation, avoiding detours via centralised logistics hubs, also shortens transport routes.

We use packaging to ensure our goods arrive safely at their destination. For this we choose more responsible materials, reduce the overall amount of packaging and reuse, wherever possible. This means that cartons are used multiple times in our logistics operations, and we are increasing the share of recycled plastics and FSC® certified paper in product packaging.

Environmental Policy

Energy Policy

Certifications