The summit, which was held at The Forum Embassy Hill in Cape Town, was centered on encouraging innovation and teamwork, with a particular focus on developing a circular economy within the apparel and textile industry in South Africa.
The objective is to create jobs in the nation and establish it as a lucrative, sustainable sourcing market for domestic and foreign retailers.
The event was opened by Caroline Nelson, the country manager of H&M South Africa, who highlighted the industry's advancements toward sustainability. She cited H&M's contribution to conversation facilitation and the growth of a resilient, sustainable apparel and textile sector that propels job creation and economic expansion in South Africa.
International speakers from H&M's production team spoke at the summit, in line with the company's vision to use its size and resources to lead the change in sustainable fashion production. They shared their knowledge on how to secure the future of sustainable production and create a globally competitive sourcing market.
H&M's head of sustainable production, Josef El Natour, presented the company's sustainability objectives, emphasizing circularity and decarbonization.
He mentioned H&M's pledge to run its business entirely on renewable energy by 2030 and to cut its net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, with a target of 56% reduction by 2030.
"Manufacturing in the future needs to be energy- and fossil-free, with waterless and chemical-free production processes. El Natour added, "We also need to make sure that workers' rights are upheld.
He echoed H&M's position that the industry's long-term viability depends on separating economic growth from the consumption of limited natural resources.