Gucci is taking its next sustainability initiative. This time, the Italian fashion house has partnered with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a non-profit organisation that focuses on the circular model. This new partnership will be an add-on to the fashion house’s other initiatives for the planet and the environment.
This strategic partnership is built on three key principles — eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials, and regenerate nature. In 2021, Gucci introduced their Off The Grid collection, which was made up of recycled materials that were organic and bio-based. Apart from this, the fashion label has also been using its animal-free Demetra material, using manufacturing solutions to reduce scrap, upcycling with projects like, Gucci-Up and Gucci Scrap-less, and experimenting with the resale and customised vintage on the Gucci Vault collection.
Marco Bizzari, the President and CEO of Gucci explained that purpose and progress form the ethos of the brand. The Gucci Equilibrium Impact Report for 2021 is a testament to resolve to continue building a responsible and sustainable business. “It is in this spirit we are excited to announce our partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to further strengthen our commitments to circularity and regenerative agriculture, expanding on the many initiatives we have already established,” he said in a press release.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation will help Gucci to further scale and embed the principles of the circular economy. In the introductory phase, these collaborative efforts will include leading circular by design and advancing regenerative agriculture, and employ them across all its product categories and lifecycles. Here, the foundation will bring its expertise in circular design and guide the house while these changes get implemented. Speaking of advancing agriculture, in 2020, Gucci had been scaling its investment in regenerative projects, under its Natural Climate Solutions Portfolio, across key raw materials, which was again, underpinned by the circular economy approach. To this, the foundation will now provide insights that inform and enable the house to champion an industry commitment to source regeneratively.
Andrew Morlet, the CEO of The Ellen MacArthur Foundation added that the organisation is thrilled to be a part of this strategic partnership to redesign the future of fashion. He adds, “Through Gucci’s passion for people and the planet, and the Foundation’s circular economy expertise, we can innovate towards industry-led solutions.”
For the 2021 Gucci Equilibrium Impact Report, initiatives have been created to achieve tangible and measurable results such as meaningful progress on diversity and inclusivity, including gender equality and accessibility. Other initiatives that Gucci has undertaken for positive social change include, Chime For Change and Changemakers.
