The alliance of nature and creativity for a new vision of luxury: LVMH announces new objectives of LIFE 360 environmental strategy

Marking Earth Day 2021, LVMH presents a bold new vision of luxury by unveiling its LIFE 360 environmental strategy (LVMH Initiative For the Environment), relying on the alliance of nature and creativity. The first stage of this ambitious initiative is an in-depth review and precise measurement of the impact of the Group’s activities on biodiversity, water and the climate. This work has been carried out with input from science consultants, researchers and students, establishing a framework for the priorities of LIFE 360 for the coming years.

LIFE 360 is an initiative with precise targets and timeframes: products in harmony with nature that respect and preserve biodiversity and the climate, engaging and motivating all stakeholders. These three fundamental objectives are aligned with precise targets for 2023, 2026 and 2030. All LVMH Maisons will contribute to achieving these goals through their specific action plans.

1. Creating products in harmony with nature thanks to “creative circularity” and traceability

By 2030, 100% of the Group’s new products will result from ecodesign. And by 2026, packaging will contain zero plastic from virgin fossil oil. Inspired by a belief that luxury products should last forever, repair services, upcycling, reuse of precious materials and efforts to identify alternative materials will all be strengthened between now and 2023. Creative circularity is a source of inspiration for designers such as Stella McCartney. The Creative Director of her eponymous brand sums up this ethos: “We will continue questioning our approach and searching for better solutions to create the most sustainable clothing without ever sacrificing timeless luxury or dreamy desirability.” At Loewe, Creative Director Jonathan Anderson launched the Loewe Surplus Project, which creates bags with surplus leather from previous collections. As for Guerlain’s iconic Terracotta sun powder, it is now formulated with 96% naturally derived ingredients*.

*according to ISO 16128

From a traceability viewpoint, by 2030, 100% of the LVMH Group’s strategic supply chains will integrate dedicated systems. To ensure responsible practices, LVMH will also continue vertical integration of farming and tanning, particularly for precious leathers. The Group will ensure transparency for customers too by providing a dedicated information system with all new products by 2026. Guerlain’s Bee Respect platform, which enables customers to follow every step in product creation “from the flower field to boutiques”, is emblematic of this commitment to transparency.

2. Preserving ecosystems by limiting our impact and regenerating what we take from nature

By 2026 LVMH aims to have zero sourcing in areas where there is a very high risk of deforestation or desertification, and wants 100% of strategic raw materials certified to the highest standards guaranteeing the preservation of ecosystems and water resources. LVMH will support regenerative agriculture as well, targeting the preservation of 5 million hectares (50,000 sq. km.) of habitat for flora and fauna by 2030. LVMH Champagne houses, including Ruinart, are contributing to the regeneration of soils and the protection of biodiversity that are essential to quality grape harvests by taking part in reforestation projects. What’s more, the charter on animal well-being published in 2019 continues to be deployed for all suppliers.

To address climate priorities, LVMH is pursuing a carbon trajectory in line with the Paris Agreement. The aggregate carbon footprint of the LVMH Group currently amounts to 4.8 million tons of CO2 equivalent. Thanks to a policy of 100 renewable energy for it sites and stores, LVMH aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions from energy consumption by 50% by 2026. And emissions from raw materials and transport will be reduced or avoided by 55% per unit of added value by 2030, in particular by placing priority on recycled materials and by opting for maritime transport over air transport.

3. Engaging all stakeholders to drive the success of LIFE 360

People in all roles and responsibilities will receive environmental training by 2023 and an environmental management system will be in place at all production and logistic sites by 2026. A partnership approach will be pursued with suppliers to elevate their environmental performance, emphasizing responsible practices.