The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has partnered with Cartier and Kering for the introduction of Watch and Jewellery Initiative 2030, a new sustainability programme covering the two adjacent industries.

Kering is a luxury goods multinational corporation based in France, owning brands Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta.

The cooperative agreement is formed on the belief that global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aspirations for a sustainable industry can only be achieved through collaborative initiatives.

The initiative welcomes all watch and jewellery brands with a national and international footprint willing to commit to a set of ambitious and common objectives in three areas: building climate resilience, preserving resources, and fostering inclusiveness.

Cyrille Vigneron, president and CEO of Cartier, said of the initiative: “As the watch and jewellery sector relies on the earth’s precious resources and people’s know-how around the world within its value chains, the imperative to act together in creating a more positive impact has become ever clearer.

“We are thrilled to join efforts towards a more sustainable industry together with Kering, in partnership with the Responsible Jewellery Council, and to invite other industry actors to join this initiative.

“More than ever, we remain committed to share our common vision of a future where all Maisons, their suppliers and business partners are empowered to collaborate on projects that deliver positive impact on the planet and its people.”

Meanwhile, Jean-François Palus, group managing director of Kering, commented: “At Kering, we believe that luxury is inseparable from the highest environmental and social standards, and that it is our responsibility, as leading luxury players, to initiate the changes that are needed to protect our planet.

“We have long been convinced that only collective action can make the difference to transform our industry for the better.

“For watch and jewellery just like for fashion, we believe that committing collectively to a common core of quantified environmental objectives focusing on a few themes is the best way to really have an impact.

“The changes we are fighting for are essential for the future not only of the planet but of our industry itself.”

Finally, Iris Van der Veken, executive director of the Responsible Jewellery Council, shared her vision for the joint initiative: “The 2030 Agenda is about leaving no one behind. Business can be a force for positive change and impact by supporting a global economy that protects people, the planet and the natural systems that sustain us. Business as usual is no longer an option.

“The RJC is determined to help business be a force for that change through transformative partnerships.

“By working together we can greatly contribute to the urgent change needed to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the Decade of Action, and create a better fairer world by 2030.

“As part of the RJC Roadmap 2030 strategy, designed to deliver immediate and long-term impacts, RJC will continue to seek innovative partnerships to accelerate change and enable action throughout the global jewellery and watch supply chain – this is our promise to future generations.”