The Laings Journal
Combining precision engineering with exclusive design to produce finely crafted watches, IWC creates timepieces to last for generations. If treated well, a mechanical watch might tick forever and with IWC’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, the environmental impact of each timepiece will be reduced.
Manufacture
IWC is renowned for its state-of-the-art materials, which also comes through in its sustainability position. As members of the Responsible Jewellery Council and holders of the Chain of Custody certification, IWC creates products which are free from conflict, human rights abuses, child labour and significant environmental damage. This formidable stance gained the Swiss manufacture its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10% from 2017.
Maintaining a formidable stance in innovation, IWC’s development of new materials is ingrained in the DNA of the brand. Each invention is crafted with sustainability at the forefront of its design, underpinned with research on materials to greater understand the environmental and social impact at every stage of the lifecycle, and ensuring that its pioneering technology to solve one problem does not create an adverse impact on another. Responsibly sourced materials are crafted into each IWC timepiece in the Schaffhausen manufacture, which is powered by 100% renewable energy.
Packaging
In 2018, IWC excelled expectations and met the 2020 target of reducing the average volume and weight of primary packaging by 30 percent compared to 2017. With IWC’s clientele – as well as the environment – at the forefront of the design, smaller, higher-quality branded packaging proves that ‘luxury’ does not have to mean ‘excess’. The new boxes contain 90% less plastic than previously, and 80% of the plastic comes from recycled sources – a commitment which IWC aims to improve to 100% in the future.
Managing Deforestation
Making influential strides in recyclable packaging, IWC changed its logo on shopping bags from silver to black, ensuring a fully recyclable status. Each output requiring forestry products from IWC is sourced only through FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), championing for an end to illegal logging and deforestation – further enhancing IWC’s position on sustainability.
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