Marie-Claire Daveu, chief sustainability and institutional affairs officer at Kering, has spearheaded the group’s sustainability efforts since 2012. Daveu’s passion for animal welfare and public service led her to pursue a career in environmental matters, working with the French government before joining Kering. Under her leadership, Kering has implemented innovative initiatives such as the Environmental Profit And Loss (EP&L) account, a tool that measures the environmental impact of the group’s operations, and the Material Innovation Lab in Milan, dedicated to sourcing and creating sustainable materials. Daveu emphasizes the importance of nature for the fashion and luxury industry, as most raw materials come from natural sources, making positive impact on biodiversity crucial for ethical and business reasons. Singapore’s ability to harmoniously manage urban and natural environments makes it an ideal partner for Kering’s three-year research collaboration with the Centre of Governance and Sustainability at NUS Business School, which aims to address climate change and promote nature-related remedies. Kering’s partnership with NUS Business School highlights the need for collaboration and data to address sustainability challenges. Daveu stresses the importance of producing what you sell, ensuring full traceability in raw materials, and maximizing the use of recycled materials. She advocates for a holistic approach to sustainability, considering environmental and social aspects throughout the supply chain, from design and production to distribution and marketing. A clear framework and systematic approach are essential, with sustainability embedded into every decision, just as cost is considered. Daveu believes that impact means having positive benefits for people and the planet, and Kering’s sustainability journey serves as a testament to this commitment.
Kering’s Sustainability Journey: Driving Positive Impact Through Innovation
