Naš planet

V sodelovanju s pobudo Science Based Targets smo si zastavili ambiciozne cilje zmanjšanja izpustov, vključno z zmanjševanjem naših izpustov obsega 1 in 2 za 47 % in obsega 3 za 28 % do leta 2030. Začeli smo z določitvijo področij svojega poslovanja, kjer smo najbolj pripravljeni skrčiti svoj ogljični odtis, in tako od leta 2019 že zmanjšali izpuste obsega 1 in 2 za 12 % ter obsega 3 za 26 %. Tukaj je opisano, kako to počnemo:

Načrti za zmanjšanje obsega 1 in 2:
•    vlaganje v svojo energetsko infrastrukturo, vključno z obnovljivimi viri, fotovoltaiko, toplotnimi črpalkami, vodno infrastrukturo in shranjevalnim potencialom za nadaljnje izboljševanje naše energijske učinkovitosti
•    vpeljava elektrifikacije, kjerkoli je to mogoče, vključno za svoje plavže za taljenje stakla
•    preseženje svoje porabe preostale energije z obnovljivimi energetskimi certifikati

Načrti za zmanjšanje obsega 3:
•    povečanje svoje učinkovitosti materialov za izdelke in prehod od primarnih k recikliranim kovinskim virom
•    poslovanje v skladu z globalno hibridno delovno politiko (vključno z nekaj dnevi dela od doma)
•    sodelovanje s svojimi dobavitelji za spodbujanje obnovljivejše energije v njihovih proizvodnih procesih
•    postopen prehod z zračnega na pomorski in železniški transport

Solar Power​

As part of our efforts to increase our energy efficiency, reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, and switch to renewable energy sources wherever possible, our aim is to expand the use of photovoltaics at our manufacturing sites and administrative offices. In Wattens, Austria, we have installed our second large-scale photovoltaic system, providing 300 Kilowatt peak (kWp) covering 1,600m2. We have previously installed a 1400kWp system at our crafting site in Thailand as well as a solar rooftop hot water system in India, and there are more photovoltaic installations in the pipeline.
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Glass-melting furnace design study

Together with a multinational glass company specializing in glass and glass-ceramics, we commenced a design study to test if our aggregates could be melted solely using electric power. The study showed that the aggregates can be melted using 90% electricity, meaning we can substantially reduce the use of gas during this process. We are close to implementing a concept to address the remaining 10% of energy used. Once we have achieved this, we will be able to melt large volumes of aggregates using 100% renewable energy, marking a big milestone in our journey towards reducing the carbon footprint of our crystal.

With more than 7,500 direct and indirect points of sale around the world, our retail distribution is clearly key to our greenhouse gas emissions-reduction roadmap. We have recently launched a new store concept as part of our brand transformation, which consumes considerably less energy than the one it replaced. Additionally, our new GLEAM Standard (Guidelines for Engineering, Architecture & Management) outlines our strengthened internal architecture protocol, ensuring that our new openings and refurbishments will be more energy efficient, use more sustainable materials, and incorporate inclusive design and smart IoT management to analyse data. As a general practice, all our flagships will continue to undergo a full LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

While much attention is paid to the materials stores are constructed from, and how much energy they consume, there is less focus on the significant volumes of waste material produced by store relocations, closures, and refurbishments. We have run multiple pilots to investigate the potential for recycling former elements of our store architecture, and we have so far recycled more than 100 metric tons of material via our commercial partners. We firmly believe it is our responsibility to act sustainably at the end of a store’s life and not just ahead of its grand opening or during daily operations.

We have mandated that, by 2030, 50% of our products must be created in line with our Sustainable Products Guiding Principles:​

•    Materials are derived from responsibly managed or recycled sources. 
•    Products are produced efficiently, without waste, and can be repurposed. 
•    Customers can easily return pre-loved items so we can extract the precious materials.
•    Products do not harm people or the environment. 
•    Product communications are honest, ethical, and promote responsible use.

​To help us achieve this challenging objective, we launched our Sustainable Materials Pipeline (SMP) in 2021. The SMP enables our Design, Product Development, Product Marketing, and Operations teams to work collaboratively introduce more sustainable materials. Plus, it provides us with the tools to rate the sustainability attributes of materials from the start of the process.

Swarovski Crystals are precious resources that we don’t want to waste. Our reignited crystals initiative allows us to give unused crystals another chance to be adored, instead of being discarded. We hold on to any unsold crystals for as long as possible and are committed to ensuring that they are used for their intended purpose. 

We believe in the positive, transformational power of collaboration, and through our conscious design projects and partnerships we donate reignited crystals to world renowned academic institutions, upcoming designers, and established names to use in their designs. Our aim is to encourage them to use this exquisite material creatively while also raising awareness of the importance of sustainable design and waste as a valuable resource.​

In 2021 we partnered with Viktor&Rolf, who integrated reignited crystals into their FW21 Haute Couture collection, and Kevin Germanier, who created his SS22 collection using reignited crystals and sustainable materials. We also collaborated with Germanier to design a recycled perfume bottle for Guerlain encrusted with reignited crystals.

We constantly invest in systems to improve our water usage and reduce chemical use in our crystal-cutting processes. In our main crafting facility in Wattens, Austria, our closed-loop wastewater treatment system cleans and recycles 98% of the water from our crystal polishing process, and 88% of the water from our crystal grinding process.

At our production facility, also located in Wattens, we use a cooling lubricant circuit to aid the cutting of crystals. The circuit holds 1,200 m3 of liquid and requires the careful addition of relevant chemicals to ensure its optimum performance and stability.​ From 2015 to 2021, we halved the amount of cooling lubricant used. We have also been able to completely, or partially, remove a number of chemicals from the process, including kit agent precipitant and defoamer, and we re-engineered our corrosion inhibitor to omit phosphorous. 

All of these improvements are a result of innovation rather than reduced production, and they have had safety benefits for our colleagues, too.

We are a company built on a foundation of equality and inclusivity