Sustainability Comparison

H&M vs Inditex (Zara) Sustainability: SINK Score Comparison

H&M scores 8 points higher than Inditex (Zara) on SINK's sustainability index.

Question-by-question

How each category compares

Category
H&M
Inditex
Carbon Footprint — Operations
8/10
8/10
Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain
7/10
7/10
Emissions Trajectory
4/10
2/10
Energy Source
8/10
7/10
Nature & Biodiversity Impact
6/10
5/10
Resource Use & Waste
5/10
5/10
Water Impact
6/10
6/10
Targets & Commitments
8/10
7/10
Transparency & Accountability
7/10
7/10
Controversies & Red Flags
5/10
4/10
Frequently asked

H&M vs Inditex (Zara), answered.

Which is more sustainable, H&M or Inditex (Zara)?

H&M is more sustainable according to SINK's open sustainability index, scoring 40/100 vs Inditex (Zara)'s 32/100 — a difference of 8 points.

What is H&M's SINK sustainability score?

H&M scores 40/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Below expectations). H&M reports comprehensive climate data with verified Scope 1+2 reductions, but Scope 3 emissions rose 3% year-on-year in 2024 despite headline 24% baseline improvement. Fast fashion fundamentals remain linear: 1.5 billion items produced annually, circular sales at 0.6%. Multiple credible reports document greenwashing and supply chain deforestation linked to the company's cotton sourcing.

What is Inditex (Zara)'s SINK sustainability score?

Inditex (Zara) scores 32/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Below expectations). Inditex reports strong operational emissions reductions but masks a critical failure: Scope 3 emissions—99% of its total footprint—have barely moved in six years despite aggressive net-zero targets. Fast fashion volume growth outpaces decarbonisation efforts. Multiple NGOs document greenwashing, labour abuses, and supply chain opacity.

How does SINK compare H&M and Inditex (Zara)?

Both companies are rated on the same 10-question SINK rubric: Scope 1/2/3 carbon footprint, energy source, nature and biodiversity, resource use, water, emissions trajectory, science-based targets, transparency, and controversies. Scores are 0–100, based on public data, and fully reproducible.

See the full leaderboard — 500+ companies ranked.

View full leaderboard →