Use of Resources and Recycling of waste

Product design for us is essentially a creative process. The primary consideration in the development of our product portfolio is to create watches, jewellery and other products that people will want to keep for generations. Disposal of our products is therefore not a major consideration for us.

Nevertheless, our operations all generate waste. Examples of waste generated in our offices includes paper, cans, plastic, toners and IT equipment. Our distribution centres and shops also generate waste cardboard, plastic and other material. Our Maisons have developed initiatives to capture and recycle waste. 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 business partners.

Case Study: Manufacturing Baume & Mercier
The watch manufacturing process generates a range of different types of waste from precious metals such as gold to paper. Baume & Mercier has established a range of initiatives to capture its diverse streams of waste material and has achieved an overall recycle rate in excess of 70%.

Case Study: Offices Alfred Dunhill

Reducing resource use and promoting recycling is an important step 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 Dunhill recycles its paper, can and plastic. This forms part of a wider commitment to employee engagement on environmental issues at Dunhill which includes a switch-off campaign for electrical equipment.

Case Study: Richemont - Offices

Following the relocation in January 2006 of the Richemont head office functions to new purpose-built premises in Bellevue, near Geneva, a comprehensive recycling strategy was put in place. Recycling covers paper, batteries, light bulbs, wood pallets, metal, cardboard, IT equipment, oil and catering waste. The example of recycling at Bellevue is used on the Richemont Intranet to stimulate interest and ideas in other company offices around the Group.

Case Study: Retail and Distribution Richemont Belgium

Richemont in

Belgium

is responsible for shipment of products to customers. Distribution for all Richemont Maisons has already been integrated into a single delivery. A recent innovation has been to consolidate new product distribution with repair returns. This approach reduces both cost and unnecessary use of packaging material. Cartons are made out of 100% recycled cardboard and the filler is void fill – a system that combines 1% biodegradable plastic and 99% air.