Chopard & the Future of Responsible Luxury
With a contribution by Simona Zito, CEO Italy – Chopard
Sustainability is no longer an option — it is a strategic imperative.
In the luxury industry, where materials, craftsmanship, and global reputation define value, leading this transformation requires vision, courage, and the ability to integrate operational excellence with ethical responsibility.
Chopard was one of the first luxury maisons to take this step, setting a new standard for the entire industry and becoming a global reference in Responsible Luxury and Sustainability Transformation.
Project Overview
Since 2013, Chopard has been driving its pioneering initiative Journey to Sustainable Luxury, aimed at redefining the entire value chain from sourcing precious metals to production with full respect for ethical, social, and environmental standards.
In 2018, Chopard became one of the first global jewelry and watchmaking houses to use 100% ethical gold, sourced through:
– artisanal mines supported by Fairmined initiatives;
– certified, traceable supply chains;
– international partnerships designed to create long-term social and environmental value.
This choice reshaped the definition of luxury itself:
not just craftsmanship and beauty, but transparency, values, and responsibility.
The Challenge
Putting sustainability at the heart of the business model required Chopard to:
- redesign its global supply chain;
- guarantee full traceability of precious metals;
- engage suppliers, artisans, and partners worldwide;
- communicate ethical value without compromising brand identity;
maintain the highest standards of technical excellence.
A deep transformation — cultural as well as operational.
The Contribution of Simona Zito
In Lean for Green, Simona Zito, CEO Italy of Chopard, provided an essential perspective: sustainability is not a marketing message — it is a leadership vision.
Her contribution highlights a key concept:
The luxury of the future is responsible luxury. Sustainability begins with people and processes.
Through her experience, she shows how Lean Thinking, innovation, and sustainability can reinforce each other — even in a sector as complex and iconic as high-end jewelry.
