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HUGO BOSS Logo

Conserving resources

Water & waste
Our aim is to reduce water consumption and waste volumes not only throughout the Group but also in our value 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

We are committed to conserving water resources, not only in our own area of responsibility, but also at our suppliers.

In doing so, our measures in our own area of responsibility focus primarily on those areas where we have identified the greatest potential for reducing consumption at our own locations. In 2023, our total net fresh water consumption amounted to approximately 46,000 m³. 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 systemat 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. The demounting of the combined heat and power unit and the cooling tower at the corporate headquarters contributes to saving more than 2,000 m³ of water per year.

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.

We also attach importance to the responsible use of water in our supply chain. For example, we support our suppliers with tools for implementing resource efficiency projects and we set them clear standards and targets. 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.

How we save and keep water in our supply chain clean

>20%
of suppliers with wet processes produce in compliance with our standards measured by wastewater tests (26%) and chemical inventory (27%)
Target: 100% of suppliers with wet processes produce in compliance with our standards* (ZDHC MRSL) by 2030 measured by their wastewater tests and chemical inventory

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. The waste generated because of our business activities is reused or recycled wherever possible. 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 waste in terms of product and transport packaging. For example, we are reviewing the need for plastic packaging and reducing the volume of waste by switching to reusable product packaging. The Company is specifically reducing product packaging to an absolute minimum. At the same time, we are focusing on bringing products to the customer intact and in line with the brand’s premium claim. You can find out more here.

In the area of transport packaging, we were able to reuse 1,200  tonnes of cardboard packaging in our own distribution centers in 2023 , which means that almost 50% 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 FSC®-certified and consist of 80% recycled material on average. You can find out more here.

Further targets in the field of water & waste