In a year defined by growing scrutiny of climate commitments and the urgency to decarbonise, transparency has emerged as one of fashion’s most powerful accelerators for change. Last month, H&M Group, a Strategic Partner of Global Fashion Agenda, was ranked first among 200 global fashion brands in Fashion Revolution’s What Fuels Fashion? 2025 report, which assesses the public disclosure of climate and energy-related actions across the industry. Scoring 71% across five categories — accountability, decarbonisation, energy procurement, financing decarbonisation, and transparency and advocacy — the company’s performance reflects a broader momentum toward openness in how fashion communicates progress.
“This ranking shows we are moving in the right direction, but it also reminds us that action must go further and faster. No brand can tackle this challenge alone. By working together and sharing more openly, we can lift the entire industry and drive meaningful change,” comments Leyla Ertur Genç, Chief Sustainability Officer, H&M Group.
As the report demonstrates, transparency has become more than a compliance measure. It is a foundation for trust and accountability, and a reflection of the courage it takes for companies to share their progress and challenges openly. Yet, as sustainability reporting becomes more regulated, many brands are disclosing less voluntarily. True transparency now lies in showing proof of progress and how words translate into measurable change.
H&M Group’s latest Sustainability Progress Report 2024 outlines substantial verified progress across climate, circularity, and human rights. The company achieved a 41% reduction in absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 24% reduction in scope 3 emissions (excluding use-phase emissions) compared to its 2019 baseline, with 96% renewable electricity in operations and ongoing efforts to phase out coal in its supply chain by 2026. It also reported a 9.5% absolute reduction in freshwater consumption in its key garment supplier tiers (tiers 1 and 2) from a 2022 baseline, and 89% of materials are now sourced as recycled or sustainably produced. These actions illustrate a move beyond disclosure toward proof of progress.