BIG PICTURE

Inside H&M’s supplier factory Seduno, Cambodia

Traditionally, fashion has followed a linear business model – take, make, waste.

But, as consumers have become increasingly aware of the impact this model has on the environment, more have begun to adopt circular business models (CBMs). Fashion giant H&M is just one example of a business working to adopt a CBM by committing to limited environmental impact. To do so, the brand focuses on five key areas: chemicals, energy, production waste, water, and of course, people.

Consequently, the brand’s seen a 44% absolute reduction in plastic packaging compared to 2018; 42% of tier 1 supplier factories now have trade union representation; and 414,000 supply chain workers have received training on genderbased violence and sexual harassment.