Companies

Kering leads the fashion industry with science-based targets for nature

Dec 4, 2024 France

The French group became the first fashion company to set measurable science-based goals for reducing water use and land footprint, including both its direct operations and supply chain

“If you are not talking about systemic transformation or collaborative transformation for our industry, it is very hard to reach your own ambitions as a single company. We think there is so much promise and huge value in these methods to scale nature protection and restoration”, shared Kering in a statement.

At COP16, the French group announced its adoption of science-based targets for nature, marking a milestone in its sustainability efforts. As the first group in the global fashion industry to implement science-based targets for both land and freshwater, according to the company, Kering builds on its commitment to biodiversity protection and restoration strategy, launched in 2020.

These targets, developed in collaboration with the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN), focus on reducing the group's environmental impact across its direct operations and supply chain, including its tanneries and factories.

The Pilot Program

During the SBTN pilot programme, from May 2023 to June 2024, Kering employed its Environmental Profit and Loss account to analyse environmental pressures and prioritise key areas for action. This data-driven approach allowed the company to set measurable, context-sensitive goals.

The group’s initial freshwater target centres on the Arno basin in Tuscany, where Kering’s and supplier's operations account for a substantial portion of its water use. The company has committed to a 21% decrease in water use by 2030, extending the target to include supplier operations.

The targets aim to prevent natural ecosystem conversion, reduce its land footprint and engage in initiatives that promote sustainable landscapes. Looking ahead, Kering plans to implement similar targets for other high-priority basins as part of an expanded water strategy and refining its land-use approach.

Image Credits: pragma.international

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