“We know systemic change requires investment, creative thinking and the will to change,” states Kering in their new “circularity ambition.” More so, systemic change in the fashion industry and a global shift towards a sustainable fashion industry requires all major players in fashion to get involved. That’s why the report is a game changer. In it, the global luxury group (which manages the development of a series of renowned Houses including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, and more) outlines the group's ambition for a holistic approach to circularity.

The report details a set of targets to move away from the conventional model of “take-make-waste” and rethink the way we produce, use and extend the life of resources and products. The targets include 100 per cent renewable energy by 2022, zero single-use plastics by 2025, 100 percent of raw materials to comply with the Kering Standards by 2025, and zero microfibre leakage by 2030.

 “Kering is aiming at driving change within the fashion industry through innovation, and part of our sustainability roadmap is focused on this challenge. As we are thriving to innovate in a 360° approach, we have launched our ‘Circularity Ambition’ earlier this year, with the ambition to transform our business model deeply.”  said Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer. 

Innovation Partner of Circular Fashion Summit 2021

Alongside the ambitious commitments, Kering has joined the world’s first virtual-reality fashion summit, Circular Fashion Summit, as an Innovation Partner, showcasing their continued commitment to sustainability and innovation. As part of this year’s innovation hub (1-3 October), the global luxury group will feature a selection of startups working on new circular and sustainable materials from their startup incubator in house, to pilot and bring them to market by committing to CFS goal n2, empowering the Impact Design Hub Honorees 2021, by providing materials to create next generation, connected (IoT) and digitized circular products powered by lablaco’s blockchain based circular retail technologies. 

Showcase of Materials Innovation Lab

 Through startups and academia, Kering develops new sourcing solutions and innovative raw materials with an emphasis on disruptive innovation, using biotechnologies and circular economy principles, such as using recycled fibers to create new garments. In order to take sustainable fashion from a buzzword into a practical solution, the group opened their Materials Innovation Lab in Italy in 2013, a hub with more than 3,000 sustainable fabric samples. Much of the focus is on encouraging change and traceability in the supply chain. The Group has also partnered with universities worldwide to design sustainability curriculums.

Together with CFS by lablaco and other 2021 Innovation Partners, Kering will present the future materials of the circular fashion revolution. With 85% of textiles ending up in landfills or incinerated, Circular Fashion Summit is advocating a new circular economy. Initiatives like Kering’s is how we’ll get there.