H&M Group adopts science-based targets for land, following the Science Based Targets Network framework (SBTN)

H&M Group’s SBTN Land Targets

H&M Group has adopted the three core land targets defined by the Science Based Targets Network:

• No Conversion of Natural Ecosystems targets: H&M has set a target for their upstream impacts, with low exposure to conversion of natural ecosystems in its direct operations. Action: Target 100% sustainably sourced material 2030 and strengthen risk management processes.
• Land Footprint Reduction target: H&M Group commits to reduce absolute agricultural land footprint from upstream impacts 3.85% by 2030 from a 2019 base year. Action: increase the share of recycled materials to 50% by 2030.
• Landscape Engagement target: H&M Group is engaged in the Regenerative, Ecologically and Economically viable agriculture (REEVA) project in Central India and in the Regenerative Wool Project in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg Grasslands of South Africa. Action: Continue to financially support H&M Group and WWF’s partnership projects.

For decades, H&M Group has worked to reduce environmental impact through materials transition and decarbonisation initiatives. The group’s ambition is for all its materials to either be recycled or sustainably sourced by 2030, with biodiversity and agricultural practices that improve soil health playing an important role.

In this work, H&M Group follows SBTN’s ARRRT framework (Avoid, Reduce, Restore, Regenerate, Transform). Preventing the conversion of ecosystems from their natural state is a key priority, and the group invests in agriculture projects to counteract biodiversity loss and protect nature, while strengthening communities, supply chains, and its business to become more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

By aligning with SBTN’s rigorous, framework and validating its work through the Accountability Accelerator, H&M Group aims to clarify its agenda on biodiversity and ecosystems and strengthen the long-term resilience of its materials sourcing and production processes.

The threats and depletion of nature also impact the resources our industry relies on —soil health, water cycles, biodiversity. By committing to SBTN’s land targets, we anchor our decisions in science and strengthen our ability to safeguard ecosystems together with our supply chain, farmers, and communities.

Leyla Ertur, Chief Sustainability Officer, H&M Group

The establishment of nature-focused science-based targets follows H&M Group’s participation in SBTN’s pilot program in 2023 and 2024. H&M Group piloted the target setting process for land and water and provided feedback from the fashion industry perspective.

By adopting land science-based targets, H&M Group is taking a measurable, science-driven step toward addressing global nature loss. By engaging with a rigorous framework to reduce land-related pressures and support improved outcomes in priority sourcing landscapes, H&M Group is demonstrating how companies in complex global value chains can translate ambition into a clear, accountable pathway for action.

Erin Billman, CEO of the Science Based Targets Network

Following SBTN’s guidance, H&M Group confirmed priority landscapes, with a focus on cotton and wool, where it is a priority to support the transition to agricultural practices that aim to improve soil health, water retention and biodiversity. Two projects in which the group is already engaged through its partnership with WWF have been identified through the SBTN assessment (Steps 1 and 2) and validated as part of H&M’s suite of land targets (Step 3).

Through our long-standing partnership, WWF and H&M Group have pushed the boundaries for corporate environmental leadership – they are proof that companies can—and must—become agents of regeneration. By adopting SBTN-validated land targets, H&M Group’s commitment raises the bar for the entire fashion sector and sends a strong signal to all companies to accelerate their own journey toward a nature‑positive future.

Cris Close, Deputy Chief Conservation Officer, WWF International and SBTN Advisory Board Member

By working towards these targets, H&M Group aims to contribute to ecosystem regeneration through the adoption of alternative agricultural practices and improved grazing management planning – enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services in prioritised landscapes

Furthermore, H&M Group will continue to strengthen requirements for its suppliers to ensure deforestation- and conversion-free material sourcing. The group will continue to reduce its agricultural footprint by increasing the share of recycled content in its products and will continue its work with local organisations to restore degraded land and increase the use of regenerative agriculture practices in selected sourcing regions.

More information about the Science Based Targets Network and the exact target claims are available here:​ SBTN Target Tracker.