Tommy Hilfiger: “My Green Commitment”

Make it Possible. A statement encapsulating an ambitious strategy in terms of sustainability: the achievement of 24 goals, based on 4 pillars, by 2030. Circularity in production, putting life at the centre, i.e. working with an attention on climate change, land consumption, drinking water and chemical pollution, inclusion and accessibility and, finally, offering opportunities for everyone, without boundaries. These are the elements outlining Tommy Hilfiger's green future, the result of the homonymous founder’s commitment.

«I have always cared about sustainability,» the designer explained to MFF. «Today, people want to be more sustainable in everything they do, and this does not change when it comes to the clothes they wear. Even though a brand cannot make a change on its own, we can improve the way we work and design clothes for a better future».

The Waste Nothing and Welcome All philosophy is the core of the brand's strategy. «Fashion is creating a space in which everyone can express themselves,» Tommy Hilfiger added. «We keep looking for ways to share that vision, including initiatives such as our People's Place Program or Harlem Fashion Row's New Legacy Challenge. By educating today’s people and the future generations, we can pave the way for a better and more inclusive industry». A commitment supported by an ad hoc team. MFF talked about it with Martijn Hagman, CEO Tommy Hilfiger Global & PVH Europe, and Esther Verburg, EVP of Sustainable Business and Innovation at Tommy Hilfiger Global & PVH Europe.

How did Make it Possible become the company's focus strategy?

Martijn Hagman. We have been working on it for several years and it prevails on everything we do as an organization as we work to build a better fashion industry. The Program’s goals were established from the inside out, by our own team members on a global scale, and today can be seen in our products and processes. As we move forward, it is important that we not only remain committed to these goals, but also that we rely on them to understand the industry’s evolving nature.

How can sustainability be better communicated?

M.H. Consumers evaluate our products and processes and purchase because of them. We are progressively improving transparency with programs such as Higg Index Pilot, providing consumers with information about the environmental impact of our products on our website.

How is inclusion part of this strategy?

M.H. It is the core of the brand. One of our priorities is to keep finding ways to support all the underrepresented talent in the industry.

What does ethical manufacturing mean?

M.H. Corporate responsibility has always been central to our business. As we keep adjusting to the changing retail landscape and establish ourselves for long-term success, we realize that we have a responsibility, as well as an opportunity, to play a key role in sustainable development and supporting human rights.

What is the connection between sustainability and the metaverse?

M.H. We look closely at how the metaverse is developing this aspect and see how it is acting as a catalyst for different initiatives, while challenging the way we work. The metaverse is bringing some of the flaws in the global value chain to light and pushing players to accelerate improvements. These changes will positively contribute to our ambitions to be more sustainable.

How are collections sustainable?

M.H. One of our main goals is to increase the use of sustainable materials and processes each season. Take denim, for example: we have made great strides in terms of sustainability and innovation, from using 100% recycled cotton to taking advantage of low-impact technologies. Through the right partnerships, our teams are accessing more modern technologies, design principles and innovative materials.

How do you make sure a product is both sustainable and desirable?

M.H. Our consumers expect both and we are committed to offering that. We continue to make sustainable choices in the value chain, from sourcing to manufacturing. They are not always easy choices but, by staying consumer-focused, we make bold decisions in order to build a better industry.

Are you experimenting with textile innovations?

Esther Verburg. We focus on innovation by working on alternatives to traditional materials. Vega, for example, is a fabric made from grape scraps that simulates leather, plus we use vegetable oils and natural fibres. We have also introduced Desserto, an alternative material made from cactus and mycelium, based on mushrooms. Innovation is essential to achieve the ambitious sustainability goals we have in place. The next milestone is a new type of recycled cotton.

How do you prevent greenwashing and what is your level of transparency towards your customers?

E.V. Transparency is a crucial steppingstone to a more ethical fashion industry. A key component to avoiding greenwashing is ensuring accurate statements when we classify something as sustainable. We are working to implement new tools, such as Higg Index, a pilot project in Europe. This spring, we will be launching sustainability messages on product composition in our physical stores as well, as we aim to empower all of our consumers.

Are there any organizations or projects you support to fight climate change?

E.V. We cannot reach our targets by ourselves. We work with many high-level partners who have the technologies to support us in creating more sustainable products and processes. We continue to make progress through We Are Still In, RE100, G7 Fashion Pact, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, corporate sourcing of renewables and Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Change. (All rights reserved)