Fashion giant H&M has introduced its inaugural garments crafted from regenerative cotton, marking a significant step towards sustainable fashion. The six-piece H&M Studio mini summer capsule collection, presented yesterday, captures the essence of a holiday spirit with its selection of two maxi dresses, two kaftans, and a bralette with a matching flared skirt.

A Commitment to Regenerative Agriculture

H&M’s latest collection is crafted using Regenerative Organic Certified cotton, ensuring that the cotton is grown without artificial pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This approach not only benefits the environment but also prioritizes animal welfare, soil health, and the well-being of farmers. While H&M has assured that each piece in the collection utilizes this certified cotton, the exact percentage of certified organic cotton in each garment remains undisclosed.

Regenerative Organic Certified agriculture focuses on rejuvenating the soil and improving the livelihoods of farmers. This method supports a holistic approach to farming, emphasizing sustainability and ecological balance.

Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Farming

Over the past two years, H&M has been an active participant in the Regenerative Production Landscape Collaborative (RPL Collaborative), which it joined in May 2022. This initiative, a public-private partnership, includes 140,000 smallholder farmers in India and is co-founded by the Laudes Foundation, IDH The Sustainable Trade Initiative, and WWF India. The collaboration brings together brands such as H&M, Inditex, Ikea, and PepsiCo India, along with governments, farmers, and civil society, to advocate for regenerative agriculture and sustainable sourcing.

In the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, H&M is working closely with smallholder farmers to help them transition to regenerative farming practices. The initiative aims to develop a multi-commodity supply chain and foster community resilience through systemic change, driven by local ownership and governance.

Protecting Wildlife and Farmer Livelihoods

H&M’s partnership with WWF extends to supporting cotton farmers in Madhya Pradesh’s Satpura Pench region. This collaboration focuses on introducing regenerative farming methods, securing farmer livelihoods, and protecting wildlife corridors for tigers and other species. Initial results from the project indicate a reduction in pest populations and lower farming costs compared to conventional methods.

Additionally, H&M is involved in a project with the Better Cotton Growth & Innovation Fund and WWF India, aiming to create a replicable regenerative agricultural model for smallholder farms. This initiative prioritizes practices that can be easily adopted and have an immediate positive impact on soil health, such as using organic compost and biological alternatives to synthetic fungicides.

 

H&M’s introduction of garments made from regenerative cotton underscores the brand’s commitment to sustainable fashion and environmental stewardship. By collaborating with various organizations and supporting regenerative agriculture, H&M is not only enhancing the quality of its products but also contributing to the well-being of farmers and the protection of the ecosystem. This new collection represents a significant milestone in H&M’s journey towards a more sustainable and responsible future in fashion.

The mini capsule will be available from 4th July via the H&M website.