Italian luxury brand Gucci has launched its Circular Hub, the first of its kind in Italy, as part of its efforts to promote sustainability in the fashion industry. The Circular Hub will play a crucial role in transforming the Italian fashion industry’s production model by redefining the entire value chain. It will serve as an open innovation platform for designing and manufacturing circular products and exploring new solutions.
Situated in Tuscany, the hub will leverage the expertise of Kering’s facilities, including the Kering Material Innovation Lab in Milan, to support the creation of luxury products following circular principles. These products will prioritize the use of recycled materials and will be designed to be durable, repairable, and easily recyclable at the end of their life cycle.
In addition to Kering’s involvement, more than 4,000 of Gucci’s Italian raw material suppliers and finished product manufacturers will participate in this initiative. The brand intends to expand the hub’s activities to other Kering labels in the future, further bolstering sustainability in the luxury fashion industry.
The Circular Hub is expected to enhance the environmental performance of both Kering and Gucci. It will focus on reducing natural resource consumption, minimizing waste and pollution, and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. Gucci estimates that by embracing a circular approach, it could reduce up to 60% of the current greenhouse gas emissions associated with handling production waste in its leather goods ecosystem.
Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer at Kering, stressed the need for urgent action in driving change in the fashion industry, emphasizing that the Circular Hub represents a significant step forward. Antonella Centra, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at Gucci, underlined the opportunities for the luxury industry to forge a sustainable pathway for the future. She emphasized the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders in the luxury supply chain, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, which are integral to Italy’s industry.
Gucci’s Circular Hub sets an example for sustainability within the Italian fashion industry, showcasing a dedication to a circular economy that incorporates eco-friendly practices. By reimagining the production process and promoting the use of recycled materials, Gucci and Kering aim to inspire other luxury brands to join the movement toward a more sustainable future.
Useful Links:
1. Kering’s Environmental Profit and Loss Account
2. Gucci’s Sustainability Initiatives
