Kering bets on water positivity in sustainability pivot

Kering, the French luxury conglomerate behind brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga, has launched an ambitious water strategy aiming to achieve a net water-positive impact by 2050. This initiative positions Kering as a leader in integrating water stewardship into luxury fashion sustainability.Science Based Targets Network+4ESG Today+4Vogue Business+4https://sparklasphere.beauty/

Key Components of Kering’s Water Strategy

1. Science-Based Targets for Nature: Kering is among the first companies globally to adopt science-based targets for both land and freshwater, developed in collaboration with the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN). The initial focus is on the Arno River basin in Tuscany, Italy, where many of Kering’s tanneries and suppliers are located. The company aims to reduce water use in this region by 21% by 2030, encompassing both its direct operations and those of its suppliers .Vogue Business+8leathernews.org+8Kering: French Luxury Group+8Science Based Targets Network+1FashionUnited+1
2. Water Resilience Labs: Kering plans to establish water resilience labs in 10 global freshwater basins, including Tuscany, India, and Mongolia, by 2035. These labs will collaborate with local stakeholders to improve water quality, quantity, and accessibility, particularly in areas critical to Kering’s supply chain .Vogue Business+1LinkedIn+1LinkedIn
3. Regenerative Practices and Supplier Engagement: The strategy emphasizes promoting regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices among suppliers. This includes initiatives like supporting organic cotton production in India and regenerative cashmere practices in Mongolia .leathernews.org+5Science Based Targets Network+5Vogue Business+5FashionUnited
4. Technological Innovations: Kering is collaborating with partners to explore technologies that reduce water and carbon footprints in textile processing. For instance, the company is involved in the Fashion for Good initiative, which trials dry processing technologies that significantly cut water and energy use in fabric treatment .Trellis

Industry Impact and Recognition

Kering’s comprehensive approach has garnered attention as a model for integrating environmental stewardship into luxury fashion. By setting measurable and science-based targets, the company not only addresses its own environmental impact but also sets a precedent for the industry. Experts commend Kering’s detailed, location-specific approach and its integration with science-based environmental targets .FashionUnitedFashionUnited+2Vogue Business+2Science Based Targets Network+2

This strategic pivot reflects a broader industry trend towards sustainability, where companies are increasingly held accountable for their environmental footprints. Kering’s initiative underscores the importance of water as a critical resource in luxury production and environmental sustainability.Vogue Business

For more information on Kering’s sustainability efforts, you can visit their official sustainability page: Kering Sustainability.https://sparklasphere.beauty/