Conserving resources

Water & waste

Our aim is to promote responsible water management and reduce waste not only across the entire group but also throughout our supply chain. In our own area of responsibility, we are getting closer to this goal for example through optimized systems and automated garden irrigation systems. To reduce waste, we continuously optimize processes and focus on reuse and recycling.

Responsible handling of water

Within our own area of responsibility, we identify sites located in regions with increased water scarcity based on a water risk analysis conducted for 2025 using the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas of the World Resources Institute. The Water Risk Atlas considers baseline water stress, defined as the ratio between water demand and available renewable water resources, as well as the three risk dimensions of access, availability, and water quality.

This provides clear guidance on which sites we should focus our measures on. At the same time, we analyze where the greatest potential for savings lies, in particular with regard to potable water.

One example is our production site in Izmir. The site is located in Turkey, a region with limited water availability, and we have identified potential for surface water collection there. For several years, we have been collecting water in underground storage tanks, which is used for irrigating green areas and for sanitary facilities, thereby reducing the use of potable water.

In addition, projects to reduce water consumption have been implemented at other sites. These include efficient irrigation systems at our headquarters in Metzingen (Germany) and at the Savannah distribution center (USA), as well as the use of water‑saving fixtures and sensor‑controlled water supply at many locations. The removal of combined heat and power units in various buildings and the installation of heat pumps have also contributed to water savings. As part of our sustainable store concepts, solutions for more efficient water use are also considered in new store openings and renovations. Read more about this topic here.

Compared to the base year 2023, absolute water consumption relative to Group revenue increased by 9% by 2025 despite implemented projects, mainly due to company growth. We continue to work on measures to reduce water consumption.

Also in the supply chain, we are dedicated to responsible water management. It is particularly important to us to constantly increase transparency regarding wastewater values and chemical inventories. HUGO BOSS therefore requires its suppliers to handle chemicals responsibly and helps them to reduce their use and replace harmful substances. Moreover, we have been working with Cascale and Worldly to improve, among other things, the tracking and transparency of water consumption at direct supply chain partners’ sites. This collaboration increases visibility on water use and enables us to design effective strategies for reducing water consumption going forward.

Our targets in the area of water

>50%

of Tier 1 and direct Tier 2 suppliers with wet processes produce in compliance with the ZDHC MRSL or comparable standards measured by wastewater tests (74%) and chemical inventory (50%)

Target by 2030: 100% of Tier 1 and direct Tier 2 suppliers with wet processes produce in compliance with ZDHC MSRL or comparable standards

Increase of own water consumption in relation to group sales*

Target by 2030: Reduction of own water consumption* in relation to group sales compared to 2023 (*external water supply)

Reduce and recycle waste

HUGO BOSS strives to reduce waste along the entire value chain. At our sites, waste is generated by production and logistics, as well as by retail stores and administration buildings. Wherever possible, the waste generated by our business activities is reused or recycled. In doing so, we pay attention to optimized processes – this is particularly relevant at our own production facilities. For example, we focus on the efficient use of fabrics and trimmings. Intelligent cutting programs calculate the best possible distribution of product components across the fabric – with the aim of using as much raw material as possible.

Handling of product and transport packaging

In addition, we at HUGO BOSS are working on further reducing packaging waste. For example, we are continuously assessing the need for certain product packaging components and removing parts wherever possible. In addition, we continue innovating and optimizing in the use of transport packaging by reusing cartons and reducing the empty space. At the same time, we are focusing on bringing products to the customer intact and in line with the brand’s premium claim.

In the area of transport packaging, we were able to reuse 867 tons of cardboard packaging in our own distribution centers in 2025, which means that almost 46% percent of the transport packaging used in shipping goods was reused. Since 2017, all newly sourced cardboard boxes used in our distribution centers are also certified and consist of 80% recycled material on average.