Jaeger-LeCoultre's path to sustainability

Keeping up with the times and innovating

Winter in the Swiss Jura Valley

Jaeger-LeCoultre, as a leader in fine watchmaking, has always been committed to the idea of integrating sustainability and environmental protection into its watchmaking and sales processes. It believes that sustainability is a journey that needs to be pursued continuously and that it is our responsibility to set watchmaking standards and to work tirelessly to build a better era.

Jarger-LeCoultre's sustainability strategy focuses on three pillars: Resources, Nature and Humanity.

Responsible for resources

In terms of resources, improving the traceability and transparency of our procurement supply chain is a primary responsibility of Jaeger-LeCoultre.

As an example, regarding the sourcing of strap leathers, Jaeger-LeCoultre, with the idea of insisting on minimising our carbon footprint, has adopted a new policy with regard to leather sourcing, starting with our desire to significantly increase the proportion of vegetable-tanned leather straps from certified European suppliers. At the same time, we have increased the supply of calfskin leather straps, which, as a by-product of the food supply chain, respects the principle of recyclability and therefore has a lower impact on the planet's environment.

Protecting nature

In terms of nature, Jaeger-LeCoultre is involved in the Carbon Disclosure Project, the UN Global Compact, the World Resource Institute and the WWF's joint project "Scientific Carbon Reduction Initiative". Based on available scientific calculations and our greenhouse gas emission levels, Jaeger-LeCoultre will achieve precise reduction targets within a limited time frame.

The "Plastics Transformation Initiative" is a Richemont Group initiative aimed at significantly reducing the use of single-use plastics in the supply chain. It applies to three areas: logistics, branded packaging and catering. Its key principles apply to all participating brands, including Jaeger-LeCoultre, such as the ban on single-use and primary plastic packaging.

Jaeger-LeCoultre has therefore decided to replace plastic bottles with reusable glass water bottles and to replace plastic coffee mugs with mugs in its large workshops. At the same time, we are currently working to replace plastic elements such as glues or adhesives used by dealers with additive-free materials, precisely because the addition of these materials increases the difficulty of recycling goods.

Caring for the humanity

On the human side, driven by the value of their work, Jaeger-LeCoultre has decided to allow our staffs to spend one working day do the volunteering during a year, although of course they can also work on a charity of their choice outside of work if they wish. Working with a corporate volunteering platform allows employees to help those in need by participating in person or by contributing in an indirect way.

Jaeger-LeCoultre team clearing the banks of the South Obi River near by the workshops

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Source: https://www.luxurysociety.com/en/articles/2013/07/luxury-watchmakers-focus-on-sustainability