Responsible management of resources
Vacheron Constantin is committed to sustainable sourcing, ensuring that resources and materials that make up our products are managed as efficiently as possible.
Related engagements
Metallic alloys, gold, diamonds, platinum, enamel... materials are at the heart of our creations for their technical and aesthetic qualities. The use of sometimes rare resources and precious materials requires us, as a Maison, to use them carefully and sparingly.
We operate with an ecosystem of long-standing suppliers and partners, who comply with strict standards.
Our choices are made over the long term, with one objective in mind: to conduct our activities, from sourcing to internal processes, with a limited effect on the climate and natural ecosystems, and a positive influence on human activities.
Key figures:
Uncompromising sourcing for the environment and human rights, with greater traceability
The extraction of precious materials such as gold or diamonds has an impact on ecosystems and surrounding communities. To limit this impact, Vacheron Constantin uses a significant proportion of precious materials of recycled origin and meets the most stringent requirements in line with the Group's guidelines.
Vacheron Constantin is a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC - Link) since 2010 and certified Code of Practice (COP) since 2012. COP certification recognises and governs our practices in terms of professional ethics and responsible supply chains for diamonds, coloured stones, gold, silver and platinum group metals.
Our Supply Chain Policy follows the 5 steps of OECD due diligence guidance.
Today, over 95% of the gold we buy comes from suppliers certified COP and COC by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). This gold comes either from gold scraps or from old products containing gold. We do not buy ingots.
Our diamonds meet strict requirements regarding their origin and the conditions under which they are mined.
All the diamonds we buy comply with the World Diamond Council's system of guarantees, based on the Kimberley Process. This guarantees that the diamonds come from legitimate sources, are not involved in financing conflicts and comply with the United Nations resolution. The Kimberley Process is a joint initiative created in 2000 by governments, the international diamond industry and civil society to reduce the number of conflict diamonds.
Our Responsible Purchasing Charter brings together our environmental and social requirements applicable to our sourcing.
We promote initiatives applicable to companies (ISO 14001, ISO 26000, SBTi, CDP, SA8000, etc.) and labels specific to certain raw materials.
For example, all wood and paper products must be FSC-certified. We purchase leathers from LWG and ICFA certified suppliers. Natural fabrics shall be organically grown and certified under the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).
An ecosystem of local partners
Vacheron Constantin is privileged to be able to count on a group of partners and suppliers located close to our Manufactures in Switzerland.
Our Maison has a long tradition of working with suppliers of materials, components, cases, dials, etc., who are part of the local economic fabric, often for several generations. We are proud to be able to rely on their know-how and expertise.
We pay particular attention to maintaining an ongoing dialogue with our partners, through regular visits of their production sites. All our direct suppliers sign our Code of Conduct, which covers responsible sourcing principles, working conditions and human rights, environmental compliance and governance.
We also support them in their operational projects and their commitment to sustainable development. As part of our focus on continuous improvement, every two years our suppliers are invited to Vacheron Constantin for a dedicated event.
Well-aware of the great diversity and complexity of certifications, standards and labels, we prioritise them by sharing with our suppliers and partners the references that we feel are most relevant.
Our Responsible Purchasing Charter is shared with all our suppliers and partners.
It is aligned with and underpinned by Richemont policies.
KEY FACTS
Lightest possible effects on the climate and ecosystems
Vacheron Constantin is guided by the desire to offer timepieces that will endure over the years with the smallest possible effects on the climate and ecosystems.
To understand and manage these effects, we are engaged in the SBTi initiative and have made it our priority to measure and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
Each year we calculate our scopes 1-2-3 CO2eq emissions, consolidated in the annual carbon footprint of Richemont.
Our reduction targets are in line with the Group's trajectory for 2030, validated in 2021 by the Science Based Targets initiative:
Reduce scopes 1-2 emissions by 46% in absolute terms
Reduce Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services and business travel by 55% per dollar of added value generated.
We work on improving the quality of our carbon data, with the aim of measuring more accurately our main emissions categories: purchased goods and services, media activities and events.
Our initial efforts have already been recognised by the ISO 20121 certification obtained since 2023 on our stand at the annual Watches & Wonders trade fair in Geneva.
We are offering a multi-purpose watch storage set, which is easy to carry, practical and adaptable to various needs.
The full set is lighter, leveraging a plant-based material, while offering the opportunity to personalise the packaging.
With regards to our direct footprint, our initial projects are located close to our manufacture in the Vallée de Joux, in the Monts du Jura natural reserve. This site is certified by the Nature & Economy Foundation since 2019 for our Maison's action in favour of surrounding biodiversity.
Our employees have carried out several additional projects to promote local biodiversity:
The installation of 5 beehives and beekeeping workshops for employees
A preservation campaign for the whinchat, a protected endemic species that nests in the site's meadow.