Sustainability
- Sustainability an integral part of business activities
- Focus on six fields of action: We, Environment, Employees, Partners, Products and Society
- Renewed inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index World
HUGO BOSS is conscious of the economic, ecological, and social impacts of its business activities. The guiding principle “We act responsibly” seeks to generate added value for the Company, its employees, shareholders, customers, business partners, and society, and thus securing the Company’s long-term success. Accordingly, ambitious sustainability principles are firmly anchored in the Group strategy of HUGO BOSS. The Company considers sustainability to be a combination of quality, innovation, and responsibility. Besides high-quality, innovative products, customers today increasingly demand compliance with high social and ecological standards. The variety of sustainability activities carried out by HUGO BOSS contribute to increasing customer satisfaction and supporting the Company’s vision of being the most desirable fashion and lifestyle brand in the premium segment.
The six fields of action, We, Environment, Employees, Partners, Products, and Society provide the framework for the Company’s sustainability program, “Today. Tomorrow. Always.”. All of the Group’s sustainability activities are managed strategically by the central department Global Sustainability, which reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.
We – “Creating Values Together”: With its variety of sustainability activities, HUGO BOSS is oriented towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the implementation and development of its sustainability strategy, HUGO BOSS relies on regular dialog with its stakeholders and close collaboration with businesses and organizations alike. This, in turn, will help to drive forward sustainability in the textile value chain. The findings gained are also incorporated into the Company’s risk and opportunity management and help HUGO BOSS to enhance its own ethical standards and Code of Conduct.
Environment – “Preserving Natural Resources”: The aim of environmental management at HUGO BOSS is to reduce the environmental impacts of its own business activities as far as possible. This commitment begins at its own administration and production sites, and extends through the supply chain to the Company’s global store network. Through sustainable building concepts and technologies, electricity from renewable energy sources and a continuous optimization of transport routes, the Company is working to reduce its CO2 emissions, making a direct contribution to protecting the environment. Together with other businesses, HUGO BOSS is pursuing the vision of a climate-neutral fashion industry by 2050. The Environmental Policy of HUGO BOSS published on the Company’s website describes its principles and ambitions for environmental protection in all relevant parts of the Company. Combined Non-Financial Statement, Environmental Matters
Employees – “Fostering a Fair and Responsible Culture”: Corporate values and the Code of Conduct form the basis for day-to-day collaboration at HUGO BOSS. The Code of Conduct forms the basis for legally and ethically correct conduct in day-to-day business. This also entails appreciating diversity and ensuring equal opportunities, which is a high priority at HUGO BOSS. At the same time, HUGO BOSS aims at further strengthening its position in the international competition for the most qualified employees. To increase its attractiveness as an employer, the Company is focusing on a fair, value-based corporate structure, opportunities for individual development, and a wide range of flexible working models to better combine work and family life. In addition to further developing mobile working, the Company has implemented extensive measures to ensure the health and safety of its employees at work within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees, Combined Non-Financial Statement, Employee Matters
Partners – “Achieving Joint Responsibility”: Complying with social and environmental standards throughout its global supply chain is crucially important for HUGO BOSS and its partners and forms an integral part of contractual agreements. The standards are based on internationally acknowledged frameworks and include, among others, rules governing working hours, humane and safe working conditions, bans on child labor and forced labor, the payment of appropriate salaries and freedom of association. HUGO BOSS attaches great importance to the careful selection of its partners, on cooperation based on a spirit of mutual trust and on the maintenance of long-term strategic relationships. Sourcing and Production, Combined Non-Financial Statement, Respect for Human Rights
Products – “Ideas for Tomorrow”: HUGO BOSS puts strong focus on the design and quality of its products. The Company puts a strong emphasis on innovative, sustainable materials and production techniques in product development, which is becoming increasingly digital. At the same time, HUGO BOSS takes care to observe strict standards on the safety and environmental compatibility of its products and their manufacture. The Company works closely together with its suppliers and other stakeholders on environmental and animal protection solutions. Through the expansion of sustainable products in the collections of its brands, BOSS and HUGO, the continuous optimization of material efficiency, and the responsible use of chemicals in production, the Company aims to make a significant contribution to protecting the environment while meeting the increased demands of its customers.
Society – “Promoting Perspectives”: The overarching aim of the HUGO BOSS corporate citizenship strategy is to unleash individual potential for success. It is based on three pillars: access to education, equal opportunities, and providing support in times of crisis. In implementing projects and activities along the value chain, the Company also takes account of regional needs at individual locations.
The Group aims to continuously improve in all six fields of action and so has set itself ambitious targets. Sustainability ratings act as an objective indicator of the progress achieved. In 2020, HUGO BOSS was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) World for the fourth time in a row. Among others, the Company was ranked “best in class” in the categories of brand management, environmental and social reporting, product stewardship, and risk and crisis management. This makes HUGO BOSS one of the top three companies in the global apparel industry. Additionally, the Company was added to the DJSI Europe in 2020.
