Chopard’s Journey to Sustainable Luxury
Chopard’s Journey to Sustainable Luxury began less than ten years ago, but the company has been consistently building momentum in this area. The company’s commitment to sustainable luxury was first demonstrated in the Green Carpet Collection of high jewellery, released in 2013, and later, in the L.U.C Tourbillon QF watch, which was launched in 2014. Here we hear from Caroline Scheufele, co-president and artistic director of Chopard, about how the company has been able to build its sustainable luxury efforts.
Sustainable sourcing and production are key components of Chopard’s sustainable practices. The company joined the Responsible Jewellery Council in 2010, which requires all manufacturers and suppliers to respect human rights and the environment. Each and every piece of jewelry produced by Chopard uses ethical gold. Ethical gold is a self-regulatory initiative that requires diamond suppliers to source from legitimate, non-conventional sources.
The brand’s commitment to social justice and sustainability is evident in its renowned Palme d’Or award. The emerald-shaped, circular-shaped crystal is inspired by a film and features a fair-trade label. It is also crafted using ethical gold and diamonds from RJC certified suppliers. Chopard is also committed to using responsibly-sourced materials wherever possible. Chopard’s Journey to Sustainable Luxury is a step in the right direction for the company.
In order to make its efforts even more sustainable, Chopard has created internal committees comprised of directors, Artisans, and workshop managers. These committees are charged with assessing current practices, proposing alternatives, and sharing their knowledge across the company. In 2015, the Fleurier Ebauches production site became the largest renovated building in Neuchatel to achieve Minergie certification. As more companies become aware of these initiatives, Chopard is increasingly focusing on sustainability.
Since 2013, Chopard has been making strides in the direction of sustainability. The company became the first luxury jewellery brand to use Fairmined gold in their collections. The company also pays tribute to nature by sourcing diamonds from Responsible Jewellery Council certified mines. Chopard is committed to sustainable luxury for the long-term future and for the sake of future generations. So far, the company has met all of its goals.
Sources of ethical gold
The philanthropic Swiss jewellery company Chopard has announced its commitment to sustainable luxury: starting in July, it will use 100 percent ethical gold in all its collections. The company sources its gold from responsible sources, focusing on small artisanal mines and traceable refineries. Chopard started developing vertically integrated in-house production in 1978 and invested in an exclusive in-house gold foundry, as well as in highly skilled artisans and watchmakers. The company managed the entire process from the artisanal mining of gold to its final form.
Chopard invested in artisanal gold mining in 2013 and provided technical and financial support to the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ASM). The ASM helped small-scale mining communities achieve the Fairmined gold standard, which guarantees that the gold was mined under strict conditions of economic development and environmental integrity. Chopard has also committed to sourcing a substantial portion of its gold from ASM mines.
Chopard USA is making major strides in the sustainability of its business, beginning with its 2013 commitment to use ethically sourced gold. The brand is one of the first luxury jewellery brands to make such a public commitment to ethical gold. Its ethical gold and responsibly mined diamonds are a testament to its commitment to environmental protection and human rights. Chopard’s commitment to sustainability is also a testament to its commitment to ethical fashion.
Since Chopard is a family-run business, it has long been committed to ethical practices and has made a series of special collections and models that feature ethical haute joaillerie. After 30 years, Chopard has finally finalized its sustainability process. The company will source its gold through two traceable routes, the SBGA and RJC Chain of Custody. The company’s commitment to ethical gold is the result of a decade-long process of research and testing.
RJC-certified refinery partners
Chopard USA is proud to announce its partnership with RJC-certified refineries. Its commitment to sustainability goes beyond just meeting current industry standards; it wants to measure its contributions to the UN Global Goals. Chopard USA is also committed to sourcing diamonds and gold from responsibly managed mines. The following are just a few of the companies that have been certified by RJC. Read on to learn more about each company’s environmental commitments and the benefits of using RJC-certified refineries.
The RJC standard covers gold and platinum. Diamonds are an exception, however. Companies that join the RJC have to undergo an audit to ensure they comply with their Code of Practices. Companies that choose to be certified must undergo a separate audit. Chopard USA’s partnership with RJC refinery partners has made its supply chain more transparent. Chopard USA’s commitment to ethically sourced materials is a strong endorsement for the company’s ethical standards.
The company has also pledged to use Fairmined gold by the end of July. This pledge was made in partnership with the Alliance for Responsible Mining (AMR). Chopard will source gold and diamonds from Fairmined mines, ensuring fair wages and premiums for miners. Chopard also supports independent mining cooperatives in South America, including Coodmilla in Narino, Colombia.
Cartier sources its gold and diamonds from companies certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council. However, it is unclear if the company is following its own code of conduct or simply relies on the RJC. However, Cartier’s Supplier Code of Conduct does require suppliers to submit remedial action plans for areas where they must improve. Further, Cartier reserves the right to terminate their business relationships with suppliers who don’t comply with RJC’s standards.
Chopard USA has also taken steps to help the community of barequeros in Elchoco, Colombia, where the gold is mined by artisanal miners. Using traditional alluvial mining techniques, these miners use no mercury. Additionally, 46 percent of these workers are women, making the process more sustainable. Chopard USA is committed to supporting a low-income community, thereby improving the quality of the products it sells.
Re-smelting of steel
Re-smelting of steel at Chopartd USA and its sustainability initiatives involves the re-use of scrap steel that was previously used for manufacturing. The company has made considerable strides over the past 50 years to reduce the energy required to produce one tonne of steel. It also works to recover waste energies, thereby creating new steel material. However, due to the lengthy lifespan of end products, re-smelting is limited to recycling only a small part of the entire steel. In addition, approximately 50 percent of all steel scrap is generated during the manufacturing process of consumer goods.
The company re-melts the steel to create a new alloy known as Lucent Steel A223. This alloy is 50 percent stronger than regular steel and has better scratch-resistance properties. Lucent Steel A223 also has properties similar to surgical steel and is dermo-compatible. The new alloy is a great addition to Chopard’s line of watches and jewelry, and it’s even better than the original steel!
The company has taken several steps toward sustainability. For instance, the company has launched several eco-friendly initiatives, including a dedicated website to track the amount of carbon dioxide released by its steel-based products. These initiatives will be key in keeping the company on track in its quest to make more ethical products. Chopard is committed to its Journey to Sustainable Luxury, which began with a partnership between Caroline Scheufele and BlueGreen Alliance Foundation. Unlike conventional steel, Lucent Steel A223 alloy is hypoallergenic and 50% stronger than conventional steel. Additionally, it has fewer impurities than conventional steel, and its brilliance is comparable to that of gold.
Among Chopard’s many sustainability efforts, the Alpine Eagle is one of its most impressive examples. Made of Lucent Steel A223, this steel alloy is durable, anti-allergenic, and boasts incomparable brilliance. Moreover, the watch is made from 70 percent recycled steel. Re-smelting of steel at Chopard USA and its sustainability initiatives