Sustainability
Hugo Boss Advances Sustainability with Launch of Material Recycling Company Eightyards
By Marybeth Collins: environmentenergyleader.com
Hugo Boss continues to make significant strides in sustainability with the launch of Eightyards, a new material recycling company designed to propel the brand’s dedication to environmentally conscious and resource-efficient production methodologies. Fully owned by Hugo Boss, Eightyards is set to begin operations in January 2025, serving as a cornerstone in the company’s strategy to achieve climate neutrality and advance circularity across its value chain.
Leadership and MissionThe new venture will be led by Marketa Miltenberger, who will serve as director, alongside Placido Klitzke as co-director. Both leaders bring extensive expertise and a deep understanding of Hugo Boss’ operations, having been promoted from within the company. Miltenberger, with over 15 years of experience in operations and supply chain management, previously served as vice president of product excellence for outerwear, coats, and leather garments at Boss.
Klitzke, meanwhile, has a strong background in product management, having served as team leader for global brand management at Hugo Menswear.The primary mission of Eightyards is to establish itself as a key facilitator for recycling and reusing surplus materials, such as fabrics, into industries beyond fashion. This initiative represents a critical step in Hugo Boss’ broader sustainability agenda, which aims to integrate circular practices into its operations and foster innovations that extend beyond traditional fashion applications.
Sustainability Commitments and Circularity GoalsBy 2030, the company aims for 80% of its apparel products to be circular, ensuring that materials are recycled and reused at the end of their lifecycle. Additionally, more than 90% of product development is expected to be conducted digitally by 2025, reducing waste and streamlining production processes.
Hugo Boss also plans to source all natural materials from regenerative agricultural practices or closed-loop recycling systems by 2030. To achieve this, the company has committed to eliminating polyester and polyamide from its products and replacing them with innovative, sustainable alternatives such as HeiQ and AeoniQ yarn. AeoniQ, made from renewable cellulose sources, has already been used to create two polo shirts under the BOSS brand, showcasing the company’s ability to integrate cutting-edge solutions into its offerings.
Marketa Miltenberger, Director, and Placido Klitzke, Co-Director, HUGO BOSS, Photo Credit: HUGO BOSS
Advancing Climate Neutrality and Global ImpactAs part of its climate strategy, Hugo Boss is targeting a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, compared to 2019 levels. The company’s commitment to full climate neutrality extends across its entire value chain, with a goal of achieving this milestone by 2045. Eightyards will play a pivotal role in supporting these objectives, particularly by addressing the environmental impact of surplus materials and fostering sustainable practices within and beyond the fashion industry.
In collaboration with Swiss firm HeiQ, Hugo Boss has developed advanced solutions to combat microplastic pollution, demonstrating leadership in tackling one of the fashion industry’s most pressing challenges.
In October 2024, the Hugo Boss Foundation pledged $524,000 over three years to support a regenerative food and cotton fiber project in the tribal villages of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh, South India.
Current Challenges and Market PositionDespite these achievements, Hugo Boss faces ongoing challenges in maintaining growth amid shifting global market conditions. The company reported a modest 1% revenue increase in Q3 2024, with earnings before tax (EBIT) declining 7% to $99.69 million. Subdued demand in China has posed a significant hurdle, though Hugo Boss has mitigated these impacts through stringent cost management strategies.
The inception of Eightyards marks a significant milestone in Hugo Boss’ sustainability journey, reinforcing its position as a leader in environmentally conscious fashion. By integrating innovative recycling practices and prioritizing circularity, the company is addressing industry challenges.
In collaboration with Swiss firm HeiQ, Hugo Boss has developed advanced solutions to combat microplastic pollution, demonstrating leadership in tackling one of the fashion industry’s most pressing challenges.
In October 2024, the Hugo Boss Foundation pledged $524,000 over three years to support a regenerative food and cotton fiber project in the tribal villages of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh, South India.
Current Challenges and Market PositionDespite these achievements, Hugo Boss faces ongoing challenges in maintaining growth amid shifting global market conditions. The company reported a modest 1% revenue increase in Q3 2024, with earnings before tax (EBIT) declining 7% to $99.69 million. Subdued demand in China has posed a significant hurdle, though Hugo Boss has mitigated these impacts through stringent cost management strategies.
The inception of Eightyards marks a significant milestone in Hugo Boss’ sustainability journey, reinforcing its position as a leader in environmentally conscious fashion. By integrating innovative recycling practices and prioritizing circularity, the company is addressing industry challenges.