Raw materials

The products developed by the Group’s Houses are the outcome of exceptional know-how and technical craftsmanship. They are designed and created from unique materials and are subject to rigorous quality control checks in order to ensure their durability and sustainability. Kering is fully aware of the interrelationship between natural resources and the environmental impact of its activities. To this end, Kering has established supplier-focused sourcing standards. The latter, which are regularly updated, provide a foundation for ensuring the compliance of supplier practices with the social and environmental criteria set out by the Group and its Houses. By 2025, Kering aims to leverage innovation in order to roll out sustainable sourcing and manufacturing that fully align with the Kering Standards.

Harnessing technology to drive material traceability

Material traceability is one of the major challenges for the fashion world, which is distinguished by complex supply chains. Kering aims to achieve full traceability in its key raw materials by 2025. With this in mind, the Group has already started to deploy a number of technologies. 

Another lever for reducing the Group’s footprint is organic cotton whose impact on the environment is 80% less than traditional cotton. Kering partnered with Albini Group, Supima and Oritain in the development of 100% traceable organic cotton. Crucially, the naturally-occurring chemical properties of the actual fiber are analyzed using forensic science and statistical analysis to create a unique chemical fingerprint that links the cotton back to the field in which it was grown.

Blockchain is another solution that is showing promising signs. In fact, some Houses have started to integrate it into their efforts to guarantee traceability. 

Working closely with Fashion for Good, a partner since 2017, the Group has also supported a pilot blockchain project in an effort to improve the traceability of viscose fiber. 

Developing new materials

Kering has capitalized on its partnerships with start-ups and labs to develop new sourcing solutions and innovative raw materials using biotechnologies, for instance. The Group is also exploring solutions in line with the principles of the circular economy, such as the use of recycled fibers to create new fabrics.

In 2013, Kering created the Material Innovation Lab (MIL), which is dedicated to the sourcing of sustainable materials and fabrics. As the Lab continues to develop, Kering’s Houses have access to more than 3,800 fabric samples. The Sustainable Innovation Lab (SIL) is a similar platform created for the Jewelry activities.