KERING INTRODUCTION Four years ago the Kering group

KERING

INTRODUCTION Four years ago the Kering group set themselves a series of 2016 Sustainability Targets, pushing themselves beyond their limits, to drive their brands towards higher levels of economic, environmental, ethical and social performance.

Balenciaga is continuously trying to perfect its offering for its clients who are looking for responsible luxury. They have five priority actions that they like to follow, firstly offering products that have no damage on or to the environment. Secondly, they want to create a collective commitment and involve each employee on their journey through sustainability. The third point is that Balenciaga want to preserve natural resources. They also want to reduce the environmental impact of its activities and supply chain (greenhouse gas, water, waste). And finally preserve natural resources – that are at the heart of Balenciaga creativity and innovation - and source them in the protection of biodiversity, environment and respect of animal welfare.

Gucci portrays they are a sustainable band in many ways , a few examples being; when it comes to precious skins and furs, a long time promise of the Gucci brand, its goal is for 100% to be sourced from “verified captive-breeding operations or from wild, sustainably managed populations, ” where suppliers employ “accepted animal welfare practices and humane treatment in sourcing. ” In 2004, Gucci was one of the first companies in the industry to voluntarily introduce a Corporate Social Responsibility certification process for its complete production cycle. According to the brand “this certification – relating to the leather goods, jewellery, footwear and clothing supply chains and to the logistics hub – stands for values such as business ethics, respect for human rights, workers’ health and safety, and equal opportunities. ” Gucci are particularly compassionate towards women’s issues and girl’s education. The brand has contributed over $10 million to UNICEF during an eight-year partnership, through a mix of charitable donations and by creating ‘UNICEF’ products, where 25% of the retail earnings are passed on to the charity. In 2013 -2014, the House’s donations from sales of the Gucci Nice shopper bag benefit UNICEF’s “Schools for Africa” and “Schools for Asia” schemes, which aim to provide access to quality education for millions of vulnerable children.