Paris, France – 28 April, 2025 – As the next pivotal stage in Kering’s science-backed sustainability approach, its Water-Positive Strategy has been built to decrease water-related risks in the Group’s value chain, leveraging a Climate-Nature-Water nexus in recognition that the underlying causes and consequences of climate change, biodiversity loss and water scarcity are intrinsically interlinked. This holistic approach will enable Kering to create positive synergies to regenerate the ensemble of ecosystems functions, foster collaborative opportunities, and increase resilience within the Group’s supply chain regions. As such, Kering is focusing on 10 priority water basins that are most critically associated with its activities, as defined by its science-based target for freshwater, and will work with local stakeholders to seriously improve the quality, quantity and accessibility of water in these areas.
To catalyze this on-the-ground transformation and deliver water-positive outcomes, Kering is setting up three key programs:
- Water-Positive Raw Materials: Centering the Group’s raw material sourcing on materials that alleviate pressures on nature and water, such as recycled fabrics and innovative alternatives, while simultaneously increasing the volume of materials from regenerative agriculture leading to pollution reduction and watershed replenishment.
- Water-Positive Stewardship Program: Elevating water stewardship in Kering’s direct operations and supply chain and collaborating with strategic suppliers to tackle shared challenges. Kering will leverage best practices and innovative technologies, such as chrome-free and low impact tanning agents, to promote water efficiency and improve the quality and quantity of water where the Group operates.
- Water Resilience Labs: Supporting the Water-Positive Stewardship Program, a dedicated Water Resilience Lab will be established in each of Kering’s 10 priority water basins by 2035 to drive water-positive impacts. Through collaboration and collective action with regional stakeholders, including suppliers, other companies and sectors, local communities, indigenous peoples, and public authorities, the Climate-Nature-Water nexus approach will be adopted to regenerate and replenish healthy freshwater ecosystems in water-stressed hotspots. The first Lab will be launched in autumn 2025 in the Arno Basin in Tuscany, home to many of the Group’s tanneries and supplier tanneries. As a key water basin globally, suppliers for other luxury and fashions brands, as well as for processing and manufacturing sectors, are also located there. Overall, the Labs will create momentum for a water-positive paradigm shift, from land to sea, consequently gaining resilience for all actors in these regions.
Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer at Kering said, “The need for responsible corporate water stewardship to stay within the planetary boundaries has never been more urgent. It is crucial that water commitments evolve from a reductions-only approach to become water-positive, regenerating and replenishing water and ecosystems associated with all business activities. Accordingly, Kering’s Water-Positive Strategy has been designed to be transformative, and we will collaborate with local stakeholders to deliver measurable water-positive outcomes to enhance social, environmental and economic resilience, and ultimately contribute to building up the availability of clean water for all.”
About Kering
Kering is a global, family-led luxury group, home to people whose passion and expertise nurture creative Houses across ready-to-wear and couture, leather goods, jewelry, eyewear and beauty: Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, McQueen, Brioni, Boucheron, Pomellato, Dodo, Qeelin, Ginori 1735, as well as Kering Eyewear and Kering Beauté. Inspired by their creative heritage, Kering’s Houses design and craft exceptional products and experiences that reflect the Group’s commitment to excellence, sustainability and culture. This vision is expressed in our signature: Creativity is our Legacy. In 2024, Kering employed 47,000 people and generated revenue of €17.2 billion.
