Robin Driver
Apr 21, 2021
Just short of a year after his appointment as Austrian crystal maker Swarovski’s CEO, Robert
Buchbauer has reaffirmed the 126-year old company’s dedication to sustainability with the announcement of six new key commitments.
“More than ever, it is important that we take stock of our business’s place in society and evaluate the contribution we make to it. We cannot return to business as usual,” said Buchbauer in a letter shared with the press on Tuesday, highlighting the challenges posed by Covid-19 and the social and environmental issues highlighted by the events of the last year.
“Since our founding in 1895, a love of people and the environment have been integral parts of our DNA,” added the executive. “While over the years we have achieved notable process in addressing the world’s most pressing issues, we recognize this is no longer enough.”
In line with this renewed sense of urgency, Buchbauer revealed three new environmental commitments and three people-focused social initiatives being undertaken by Swarovski.
On the environmental front, the company is committing to significantly reducing its greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2030, a process which will involve participating in the Science Based Targets initiative.
The company also said that it is dedicated to constantly improving the sustainability of its products, through the use of responsibly sourced and recycled raw materials, for example. Finally, Swarovski is committing to reducing waste throughout its value chain and adopting circular business models.
In terms of social initiatives, the company has dedicated itself to championing diversity and celebrating individuality in order “to be recognized as a brand that is built on a foundation of equality and inclusivity.”
Swarovski also intends to expand its educational initiatives, and work to ensure the health and safety of its working environments across the world, in compliance with global standards established by the International Labour Organization, the United Nations, and the Responsible Jewellery Council.
Buchbauer’s appointment as Swarovski CEO in April of last year coincided with an announcement that the company would be “realigned along one common vision, one strategy and one organization,” a process that involved a major simplification of the organization’s operations and a significant brand repositioning.
The announcement of the company’s sustainability initiatives comes on the heels of the opening of its new Instant Wonder concept store in Paris, a multicolored two-floor boutique embodying the brand’s new image.
According to a release from Swarovski, the company’s progress with its new sustainability commitments will continue to be documented across its digital channels and published in its sustainability reports. The crystal maker’s latest round of sustainability commitments are set to go live on April 22.