Synthetic Materials

Synthetic materials

Synthetic materials are used at HUGO BOSS in various clothing products, in particular due to their functional properties.

Use at HUGO BOSS

At HUGO BOSS, polyester and polyamides are primarily used in functional products such as jackets and sportswear, due to properties like moisture resistance and flexibility. In 2025, polyester and polyamides accounted for around 18% of all materials used at HUGO BOSS. We are continuously working to reduce their share.

Impacts*

Synthetic materials such as polyester and polyamide are based on the extraction of non renewable resources like crude oil and natural gas. Furthermore, the fibre production uses additional resources and energy for which, depending on the respective energy source, they can contribute to high CO2 emissions. Another important aspect is that during production and use, microplastics can be released, which can pollute water and thereby put pressure on ecosystems.

*Summary of our own analyses of available studies and scientific literature

Target

Our target is to source 100% of our polyester and polyamide from preferred sources* (*according to the HUGO BOSS Material Strategy) by 2030. This includes, in particular, textile‑to‑textile recycled polyester and polyamides to reduce the use of non‑renewable resources. In 2025, 14% of our polyester and polyamide came from preferred sources. In addition, we are continuously working to reduce overall usage.

Measures

For our textile-to-textile recycled materials, we request in addition certificates such as the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS).

One example of this is our recycled polyester yarn NovaPoly, which we developed together with Jiaren Chemical Recycling and NBC LLC. NovaPoly is made from textile waste and contains an additive that can accelerate the breakdown of the fiber in certain actively anaerobic microbial environments. The effectiveness of this approach is assessed using standardized test methods under clearly defined conditions (e.g. ASTM D5511 or ASTM D6691-17).

In addition, we are continuously searching for innovative, alternative materials. One example is our strategic partnership with AeoniQ. To produce AeoniQ, cellulosic fibers are used, which represent an alternative to petroleum-based synthetic fibers. The use of such alternatives can help reduce the potential risk of microplastic fibers from synthetic materials. Partnerships like this are important for us to gradually reduce the share of conventional synthetic fibers in our product range.