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

Our measures in our own area of responsibility focus primarily on those areas where we have identified the greatest potential for reducing water consumption at our own locations. The availability of drinking water plays a key role in the analysis of the savings potential. Especially in water-scarce regions such as Turkey, water consumption is to be reduced as much as possible. For example, we collect water at the largest company-owned production site with the help of groundwater tanks and use it for green area irrigation as well as the sanitary installation on site.

In the past, we have implemented the following projects: In addition to an efficient irrigation system at the company's headquarters in Metzingen (Germany), we use an automated garden irrigation system at the Savannah distribution center (USA). In addition, we have installed water-saving fittings, so-called aerators, at several locations, which reduce water consumption by mixing air into the water jet. Motion sensors also adapt the water supply to the current demand. Besides, we managed to save water by demounting heat and power units at several buildings and installing heat pumps instead.

Within the framework of our sustainable store concepts, appropriate solutions for the efficient use of fresh water are also taken into account for new openings and renovations as well. You can find further information on the concepts here.

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.