The latest global fashion industry climate report highlights a widening gap between leaders and laggards, with H&M Group topping the rankings for the second year in a row while Shein and others face criticism for surging emissions and weak climate action.
Non-government group Stand.earth has released its latest ranking of fashion companies’ climate action, with Swedish brand H&M Group claiming the top spot for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, rapidly growing Chinese fast fashion brand Shein ranked third
from the bottom, alongside U.S. sportswear brand Under Armour and others. H&M Tops Fashion Climate Ranking Again According to the report , fashion production accounted for 4% of global carbon emissions in 2024, more than the entire aviation industry.
Most emissions across the fashion supply chain come from fossil fuel use, particularly during fabric manufacturing, which alone makes up over half of the sector’s total emissions. The study evaluated 42 major global fashion brands across four categories: fast fashion, mass market/retailers, sportswear and outdoor, and luxury.
Brands were scored in five key areas: climate commitments and transparency, renewable energy transition, climate advocacy, use of low-carbon and deforestation-free materials, and green shipping. H&M Group received a B+ overall, the highest grade awarded since the survey began.
The report praised H&M Group for its strong performance in climate commitment and transparency, as well as its advocacy work. It also highlighted the group’s financial support and assistance for decarbonizing its supply chain in Bangladesh…
