Resource use and waste recycling

In a world of limited resources, companies are increasingly facing questions of how to manage better their use of natural resources and minimise waste. Our principal consideration in product design and development is to create high quality articles that people will want to keep for generations. This significantly reduces our product disposal impacts.

However we recognise that our operations and manufacturing processes generate waste. Our offices, distribution centres and shops generate paper, cans, plastics, toners, IT equipment, waste cardboard and other material. Our suppliers also use resources such as water and generate waste. More information on how we work with our suppliers is provided in our section on Supply chain.

Our commitment to monitoring the consumption of water, energy, oil, natural resources and other materials used in our operations with a view to optimising usage is set out in the Environmental Code of Conduct. We also encourage management and employees responsible for packing and transporting goods to adopt an energy efficiency strategy by careful planning and organisation of the shipments. We take particular care to ensure that, where they are used, hazardous materials are treated appropriately.

As a first step we have started to collate data on waste across all of our operations. The type and quality of data is still variable between sites and we will continue to work towards measuring waste management across our business.

Case Study: Cartier: training employees on paper purchasing

The environmental issues related to sourcing paper can be complex. Cartier believes in equipping their employees with the knowledge to be able to make informed decisions. In pursuit of this, Cartier implemented a comprehensive training programme to educate those within the company who are responsible for purchasing paper and paper based products about the key issues.

The training programme was held in the main office in Paris and drew together a diverse range of people from across the business, including central buyers and representatives from the press office and internal graphics. All were involved in paper purchasing for different areas within Cartier, for example product packaging, general office supplies and catalogues. An invitation was also extended to representatives from key external communications agencies.

The programme was structured as two half day sessions. The first gave attendees an understanding of the main environmental impacts of paper, guidance on the different types of paper pulps available and an understanding of industry labelling. The second session built on this to give attendees the tools to consider other issues, such as the inks used and paper treatments. The training programme has been successful in giving Cartier employees the knowledge and tools to be able to engage with their paper suppliers on key environmental issues.

Case Study: Cartier: Greening the red boxes

Mapping the full environmental impacts of a particular product is a useful first step to understanding the key environmental issues associated with that product and making recommendations for improvement. In 2007/08, Cartier performed life-cycle analyses for two of their iconic packaging products – the Cartier bag and the red gift boxes used for all Cartier products. Both items were selected as they are emblematic of the brand and transcend a single product – both are used frequently across all stores to package watches, jewellery and fragances.

The life cycle analysis encompassed an extensive information gathering exercise in areas such as raw materials usage, production processes and transportation for both products. The studies have highlighted areas for potential environmental improvements and the next step for Cartier will be to start working with various operational departments to act on these findings.

Case Study: Greening Chloé’s identity

During 2007/08 Chloé launched a new identity. As part of the relaunch the Maison reviewed its packaging materials and suppliers. Chloé is now working with a supplier that uses paper from sustainable, and where possible, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) -certified sources.

Chloé also launched new ‘foldable’ gift boxes. These boxes use less packaging material than rigid boxes and also have a lower volume for transportation, thereby reducing transport-related impacts.

Case Study: Alfred Dunhill – fostering a culture of environmental awareness

Reducing resource use and promoting recycling are important steps in fostering an environmentally-aware culture. At Alfred Dunhill, each floor and workstation has access to recycling facilities. Reuse of scrap paper and cardboard boxes is encouraged and Alfred Dunhill recycles its paper, cans and plastic. Last year saw 2,160 kg of material recycled. During 2008 new office furniture purchases were made from recyclable materials. This forms part of a wider commitment to employee engagement on environmental issues at Alfred Dunhill, which includes a switch-off campaign for electrical equipment.