Products. “Ideas for tomorrow”

HUGO BOSS takes very seriously its responsibility for developing collections which not only meet the highest standards in premium materials, quality standards and product innovation but also pose no ecological or health risks. In this way, HUGO BOSS is able to generate value for the Group, its customers and society as a whole through innovative products. As a basic prerequisite for collaboration, HUGO BOSS asks its suppliers to sign a guarantee of compliance with the Restricted Substances List (RSL). The RSL governs the observance of relevant local legislation on the use of chemicals and other potentially harmful substances in products as well as of the Group’s internal guidelines, which are often more stringent than these legislative minimum standards. These requirements apply to all materials used and substances relevant to the production process. HUGO BOSS supports such preventive measures actively with extensive tests for hazardous substances performed in accredited laboratories that ensure the safety and quality of the products.

Increasing attention is already being paid to selecting sustainable materials in the development of new collections. A further key principle of product responsibility is animal welfare and the protection of biodiversity, e.g. when selecting animal products such as leather, fur and wool. The collections use only a very small quantity of fur products, for example for appliqués and trimmings on collars, hoods and sleeves. HUGO BOSS is opposed to animal testing and inappropriate animal breeding and rearing methods. In line with this, HUGO BOSS will source hides originating solely from sheep, goats, cows or buffaloes in the future. In addition, HUGO BOSS is working on innovative processing methods. In this connection, it has been in dialog with animal welfare and consumer rights organizations for many years about animal welfare issues of relevance for the apparel industry.

The focus in 2015 was on the implementation of a product sustainability strategy with clear goals with respect to animal welfare. These include the procurement of merino and angora wool, fur and down. The corresponding goals are described in the sustainability report.