Kering extends innovative metal-free tanning process to crocodilian skins

∞ Following on the launch of metal-free luxury leather in its tanneries, Kering is extending its technique to crocodilian skins

 

∞ Kering’s France Croco tannery rolls out metal-free tanning across 100% of its watch straps

 

For the first time in the luxury sector, Kering has extended its metal-free tanning process from leather accessories to crocodilian skins used for watchstraps and produced by Kering’s tannery, France Croco.

This innovative tanning technique removes all metals traditionally used in the tanning process to decrease the use of water, energy and chemicals in manufacturing, thereby substantially improving the environmental performance of tanning. This process meets the longstanding quality standards set by Kering without increasing production costs. Kering monitors the environmental impact of tanning in detail across the supply chain through its Environmental Profit and Loss (EP&L) analysis, and will publicly share the results of a lifecycle analysis of the different tanning methods to help drive more sustainable tanning practices in the luxury sector.

“I’m proud of taking our metal-free tanning implementation even further. This is precisely the type of operational innovation on an industrial scale that is in line with Kering’s overall sustainability strategy while also providing the Group with a competitive advantage,” said Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of International Institutional Affairs at Kering.

In the coming months, this new tanning method will be applied to other product lines manufactured by France Croco.

About France Croco
Founded in 1974 and acquired by Kering in 2013, France Croco is one of the leading luxury tanneries. It is located in Normandy (France) and specialises in the sourcing, tanning and processing of crocodilian skins. France Croco supplies high quality crocodilian skins for watch straps, leather goods, ready-to-wear and shoes to most of the world’s best known Italian and French fashion and accessories houses, including Kering’s luxury houses.

About Kering
A world leader in apparel and accessories, Kering develops an ensemble of powerful Luxury and Sport & Lifestyle brands: Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Brioni, Christopher Kane, McQ, Stella McCartney, Tomas Maier, Boucheron, Dodo, Girard-Perregaux, JeanRichard, Pomellato, Qeelin, Ulysse Nardin, Puma, Volcom and Cobra. By ‘empowering imagination’ in the fullest sense, Kering encourages its brands to reach their potential in the most sustainable manner.
Present in more than 120 countries, the Group generated revenue of more than €11.5 billion in 2015 and had more than 38,000 employees at year end. The Kering (previously PPR) share is listed on Euronext Paris (FR 0000121485, KER.PA, KER.FP).

 

About Kering
A global Luxury group, Kering develops an ensemble of luxury houses in fashion, leather goods, jewelry and watches: Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Brioni, Christopher Kane, McQ, Stella McCartney, Tomas Maier, Boucheron, Dodo, Girard-Perregaux, Pomellato, Qeelin and Ulysse Nardin. Kering is also developing the Sport & Lifestyle brands Puma, Volcom and Cobra. By ‘empowering imagination’, Kering encourages its brands to reach their potential, in the most sustainable manner. The Group generated revenue of €12.385 billion in 2016 and had more than 40,000 employees at year end. The Kering share is listed on Euronext Paris (FR 0000121485, KER.PA, KER.FP).

 

Press Contacts
Emmanuelle Picard-Deyme + 33 (0)1 45 64 61 87 emmanuelle.picard-deyme@kering.com
Emer Hallahan + 33 (0)1 45 64 63 07 emer.hallahan@kering.com