Regenerative Farming

Our commitment to regenerative farming

From cotton to wool, and everything in between, the foundation of fashion, and of what we do at HUGO BOSS is deeply connected to the Earth – it all begins on the farm and comes from the soil.
In this regard, we want to draw your attention to one of the most promising methods of material sourcing when it comes to reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry and the preservation of biodiversity: regenerative agriculture.
Though agriculture has had a negative impact on soil health, biodiversity, and the climate in the past, it can be transformed into a powerful nature-based solution. That’s why, after taking a close look at our supply chain, we are investing in our partners, who develop more resilient systems for the future through regenerative farming. But what's so special about this practice?

POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE ENVIROMENT

The future of the fashion industry is closely connected to the future of agriculture. Furthermore, as responsible citizens, we need to care for our soil, which has been deeply impacted by the use of chemicals in farming. By using materials sourced from regenerative farming, we are taking strong steps to protect our soil and biodiversity, so the foundation of life, remains healthy. In the future, we aim to leverage nature-positive materials: by 2030 we will source 100% of our natural materials in accordance to regenerative farming principles or through closed-loop recycling.

Regenerative farming is an approach to farming that is centered on giving more than what we take from the Earth. It is not about completely refraining from the use of pesticides and fertilizers but about building a holistic ecosystem, where soil health, biodiversity and carbon neutrality play an essential role. It is about working in harmony with nature rather than trying to exercise control. It can be practiced in different ways depending on theclimatic conditions, soil, crops or livestock. It also has other benefits ranging from better animal welfare to the provision of fair working conditions for farmers.

What is regenerative farming to us?

Soil health

Soil is one of the major CO2 absorbents on our planet, that is why regenerative agriculture puts a special focus on restoring and maintaining soil health. Farming techniques like crop rotation, covering the soil and dispensing heavy machinery, play an important role in this process. There is very low to no tilling used when it comes to regenerative farming.

Biodiversity

Farming in a regenerative way means the natural environment for all kind of plants, animals and microspecies is being respected. Regenerative farming methods when it comes to biodiversity include using insects as natural pesticides and composting as natural fertilitzers. There is also no monoculture on regenerative farms.

Animal Welfare

Sheep are held according to the five freedoms of animal welfare. That menas they are mulesing free and have suitable shelters. Besides, they are grass fed and experience limited transport.

Fair working conditions

All our regenerative farming products can be trailed back to the farmer organisations which are farming our raw materials, meaning we are in direct contact with the farmers. By committing long term to the farmers, crops can be planned in a more sufficient manner and lead to a fair and safe income.

OUR PARTNERS

We have been working with various partners to drive the practice of regenerative farming forward for several years: SEKEM with Naturetex, an Egyptian sustainable development initiative that grows regenerative cotton with its network of small-scale farmers; ZQRX, a New Zealand-based regenerative wool fiber platform; and Raddis®Cotton, a cooperative of small and tribal farmers in South India using the highest level of regenerative agriculture methods for growing cotton in the holistic food & fiber Raddis®system.