Swedish clothing group H&M has achieved Cradle to Cradle Gold certification for a new newborn collection. This consists of twelve parts that can be composted at the end of their life.
The garments and accessories such as long-sleeved tops, bottoms, a jacket and blankets are made from 100 percent organic cotton and are made with adjustable waist ties and roll-up sleeves and pant legs so the garments grow with them.
The colors chosen were warm shades of beige, light green and light yellow, as well as splashes of orange and pink, and the motifs were drawings of fruit and vegetables.
“Reaching the Cradle-to-Cradle Certified Gold level for this newborn collection gives new parents the assurance that the items are not only comfortable and timeless, but also as sustainable as they are adorable. We’re proud to have achieved one of the highest levels of certification and to share our progress in sustainability with our customers,” said Sofia Löfstedt, head of kidswear design at H&M, in a statement.
In order to receive the Cradle to Cradle certification, which is available in four levels (bronze, silver, gold and platinum), each product in the newborn collection was evaluated in five sustainability categories according to the Cradle to Cradle certified product standard. These include material health, product recyclability, clean air and climate protection, water and soil protection as well as social fairness.
H&M says it has worked closely with its supply chain partners to ensure each product in the collection is made from materials that are free of chemicals harmful to people and the environment, and that there are no plastic or metal parts.
The items are also made with 100 percent recycled water and renewable energy and each piece is 100 percent biodegradable, including the printing pigments, so the entire collection can be composted.
The newborn collection will be available exclusively through the H&M website from April. The prices are 9.99 euros for an upper part or a lower part.