Sweden

Sweden-based fashion retailer H&M is denying claims that it uses cotton from areas in Ethiopia that are vulnerable to land grabbing, which is the buying or leasing of land in developing nations, often by foreign interests, without the consent of the local communities. The allegations were made by the Swedish channel TV4. In a statement, H&M officials said that the company makes every effort to ensure that its cotton does not come from these areas, but fell short of making an absolute guarantee. (Reuters)