Production processes

The manufacturing standards aimed at reducing water and energy usage and waste generation are now firmly established in the fashion and luxury industry’s practices. Kering continues to challenge and develop its processes and practices in an endeavor to further reduce its environmental footprint and fundamentally transform the industry. 

In this respect, the Group has started several pilots focused on ecological, anti-pilling and waterless dyeing processes. Kering also conducts testing on silk, synthetics and regenerated cashmere with its suppliers.

In 2016, the Group developed a metal-free leather tanning process. This innovative technique aims to remove all metals traditionally used in the tanning process, significantly decreasing the use of water, energy, chemicals and pollutants. In 2020, 29% of the Kering Houses’ leather goods purchases were metal-free.
 

Respecting people and ecosystems

The Group strives to craft its products in compliance with the Kering Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) and the Kering Luxury Product Restricted Substances List (PRSL) in an effort to reduce toxic discharges into water and avoid workers’ exposure to hazardous chemical substances. 

The Kering Standards serve as a handbook for Group suppliers. They identify preferred methods of sourcing based on material type, whether recycled, bio-based or certified. This set of strict standards reflects the Group’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and supporting practices that create benefits. 

Where the use of virgin materials is unavoidable, Kering develops projects that promote regenerative, zero-impact production practices and ensure resource renewal.

Championing regenerative agriculture

Regenerative agriculture is a simple and very effective solution to preserving natural ecosystems. The practice, which is associated with grazing, protects ecosystems and reverses environmental degradation primarily caused by the fashion industry’s dependence on raw materials.
Kering has collaborated with The Savory Institute to implement verified regenerative sourcing solutions and expand the regenerative agriculture framework in fashion’s global supply chains.

In Mongolia, Kering has led the South Gobi Cashmere Project alongside the Wildlife Conservation Society and Stanford University with the goal of offsetting the environmental impact of cashmere production. Over the last five years, the Group’s teams have been working with herder communities and NGOs to improve fiber quality, pasture management and biodiversity conservation.

In 2020, Kering launched the Regenerative Fund for Nature aimed at transitioning 1,000,000 hectares of current crop and rangelands into regenerative farming practices over the next five years.