Can you discuss your or your company’s efforts relating to renewability, sustainability, or other environmentally friendly activities?

As we are aware, every human activity impacts society and leaves an environmental footprint, especially in pollution-heavy industries like fashion. It is essential to adopt a genuine focus on social and environmental welfare, beyond merely responding to external pressures such as governmental regulations, market demands, or NGO pressures. At H&M, sustainability has long been a fundamental commitment, increasingly central to our policies and activities. 

Our sustainability agenda is comprehensive, involving ongoing development, promotion, and innovation of circular practices. This includes selecting sustainable materials, recycling fibres during production, and encouraging innovative fashion approaches, such as using materials derived from pineapple peel. We support designers through scholarships, invest in tools for creating sustainable fibres, and run programs promoting responsible consumption, like using recyclable shopping bags to reduce single-use plastics and initiatives that encourage clothing recycling by offering discounts. This approach extends to our product offerings, with items like dresses made from 80% recycled plastic bottles and T-shirts produced entirely from organic cotton.

As a multinational corporation, fostering a sustainable chain involving companies, manufacturers, suppliers, and partners is crucial to our mission. This collaborative effort ensures that our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our immediate operations, influencing the broader industry and contributing to a more sustainable future in fashion.

Why are in-house lawyers well-placed to drive change in their organisations?

In today’s corporate environment, where the push towards sustainability is not just a trend but a necessity, the role of in-house lawyers has become crucial. As organisations strive to align their operations with sustainable practices, these legal professionals stand at the forefront, adeptly balancing the intricacies of legal compliance with business innovation. Their work involves not just navigating the maze of current regulations but also preparing for the impact of future legislation, making their expertise indispensable. 

The unique position of in-house lawyers allows them to act as a bridge between the operational and legal aspects of a business. They possess a dual knowledge that combines a deep understanding of legal requirements with insights into the company’s operational dynamics. This blend of skills enables them to guide strategic decision-making, ensuring that the organisation adheres to legal standards while also pursuing ethical and sustainable practices.

Their role is essential in shaping policies and strategies that are both legally compliant and aligned with the company’s commitment to sustainability. By doing so, in-house lawyers ensure that their organisations are not only prepared to meet the challenges of the current legal landscape but are also positioned to adapt to future changes. This makes them key players in driving their companies towards practices that are sustainable, responsible, and forward-thinking, highlighting their invaluable contribution to the corporate world.