SWAROVSKI’s strict attitudes toward sustainability and the sparkling world of jewelry

SWAROVSKI is a brand that has been attracting people since its founding in 1895, and with the new creative director, Giovanna Engelbert, coming on board in 2020, SWAROVSKI will continue to be a popular brand for its genderless and ageless designs. Let’s have a look at SWAROVSKI’s sustainable vision and the challenges it faces as it continues to lead the jewelry world, while preserving the brand’s history and taking on new challenges.

The beautifully sparkling world of crystals

SWAROVSKI offers a variety of jewelry items in dazzling crystals, including rings and necklaces. From clear gemstones to playful pink and blue gemstones, SWAROVSKI offers a wide variety of jewelry items that can be worn from everyday to party wear. The appeal of the brand is not limited to jewelry, as it is often used in the dresses worn by celebrities on the red carpet.

On the red carpet of the 65th Grammy Awards, Harry Styles appeared in a jumpsuit made up of 250,000 pieces of crystals and in nine different colors. The jumpsuits, which fit his unique gender-fluid vibe, were all handmade and took over 150 hours to make.

Rihanna’s naked dress, covered in SWAROVSKI crystals, which she wore when she received the Fashion Icon Award from the CFDA in 2014, has become one of the most iconic dresses in fashion history. Such high design, glamour, and craftsmanship that captivates the viewer is an art to be admired.

Strictly controlled manufacturing process to face the earth

Founder Daniel Swarovski advocated “acting as a responsible global citizen,” and SWAROVSKI has been committed to an environmentally conscious business style for over 125 years.
By 2030, the company aims to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 (referring to greenhouse gases emitted directly and indirectly by the company) emissions by 40% and its Scope 3 (referring to greenhouse gases emitted when purchasing raw materials and after sales) emissions by 28%. In fact, since 2019, the company has succeeded in reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 12% by investing in renewable energy sources such as solar power generation. As for Scope 3, the company has reduced emissions by 26% by switching some metals to recycled metals and prioritizing ocean and rail freight over air freight.

It has declared that it will reuse more than 70% of its waste, eliminate 90% of landfill waste, and change its packaging to reused materials by 2030. In addition, 98% of the water used in the crystal polishing process and 88% of the water used in the grinding process is purified and reused.

In addition to reducing emissions and waste, the company has also reviewed the raw materials used in its jewelry, mandating that half of its products be produced according to sustainable guidelines by 2030. In 2021, they launched the Sustainable Materials Pipeline (SMP) to create beautiful, environmentally friendly creations.

The brand is doing everything it can to address environmental issues that continue to be a problem, and is achieving results. There is only so much each of us can do, but now is the time to follow in the spirit of SWAROVSKI’s initiative and rethink what we can do as individuals.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion!

SWAROVSKI, which places a high priority on human rights issues as well as environmental issues, looks not only at the human rights of those working for the brand, but also at minorities outside the company. Seventy-seven percent of its employees are women, and the entire group is committed to women’s empowerment, advocating equality between men and women. As a specific example, “eMpoWertogether” aims to improve the status of women in the workplace and provides education on equality issues. As an international initiative, a three-year internship program for 50 refugee women will be launched in 2022, giving them the chance to pursue careers and employment. A safe work environment is provided not only within SWAROVSKI, but also in cooperation with suppliers to ensure the best space for both parties.

Support for the LGBTQ+ community is also strong, with the use of transgender models and events to promote knowledge of gay rights. SWAROVSKI’s commitment to inclusivity, which is not “someone else’s problem” but applies to all of us, has a profound impact on society.

The jewelry is not only beautiful, but is the result of a thoroughly and strictly controlled manufacturing process, corporate efforts, and work environment. Knowing this background deepens one’s interest in SWAROVSKI. The company’s stance toward the earth and humanity gives us an opportunity to educate ourselves and to think about what we can do as individuals and as a company. What can we do as individuals and as a company? Wearing beautiful sparkling crystals, we shouldould express our own individuality and take a new step forward.