WHAT SUSTAINABILITY MEANS FOR THE ARMANI GROUP
For the Armani Group, being a brand that symbolises fashion and luxury means knowing how to create unique products, combining aesthetics, quality and innovation with a strong system of values.
Not only is the Group known for the inimitable hallmark style of its products, but also for the principles guiding its actions, which are laid down in its Code of Ethics. These principles are inspired by the concept of substance and the conviction that sustainability means, first and foremost, creating a system capable of enduring through time, with respect for all the resources that the Group draws on and with the awareness that the future of generations to come depends on the choices of today.
Not only is a change in the fashion industry desirable, it is necessary. The Armani Group intends to make a concrete contribution, both directly, by taking action within its value chain, and collectively, by making its experience available to initiatives promoted by institutions and business groups in the sector.
The Armani Group's commitment to sustainability is expressed in five different areas, overseen on a daily basis and sustained by concrete initiatives: customers, the supply chain, the environment, human resources and community.
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
It is only through close cooperation with those involved in the entire value chain that an Armani product can be created and stand the test of time, becoming the perfect expression of fusion between creativity, style and innovation.
This requires lasting, solid relationships of mutual trust to be built with the Group's suppliers, established and maintained with care over a period of time on the basis of common values and a shared vision of the future.
The new supplier selection process takes place in accordance with quality and reliability criteria that include the sustainability requirements specified in the Group's Code of Ethics and its Environmental and Social Codes of Conduct. The circulation of these policies is the subject of supplier awareness-raising and training programmes in various parts of the world.
CODE OF ETHICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CODES OF CONDUCT
In order to create lasting collaborations with suppliers, the first step is to share the fundamental values expressed in the Group's Code of Ethics and Environmental and Social Codes of Conduct.
The Codes of Conduct are shared with suppliers when each contract is concluded and they define the rules of ethical and social conduct that suppliers commit to adhere to in order to guarantee that products are manufactured in compliance with the highest standards of quality and safety.
Specifically, the Environmental Code of Conduct is aimed at reducing the environmental impact caused by production activities, with particular reference to the control and management of pollutant emissions and substances, waste management, the efficient use of resources and personnel training.
The Social Code of Conduct, on the other hand, sets the goal of guaranteeing dignified and safe working conditions for all workers involved in the Group's value chain.
MONITORING THE SUPPLY CHAIN
In 2013, the Group launched a process for monitoring the supply chain in terms of conforming with the ethical and social principles of protecting the environment and safety defined by the Group and existing legislation. A social and environmental audit system was launched for suppliers for this purpose, aimed at both identifying any critical aspects and directing the supplier towards the necessary corrective action to take in order to continue to be a qualified supplier.
This evaluation and involvement process has made it possible to share good environmental and social practices with suppliers, increasing the level of awareness in the sector.
PRODUCT SAFETY
he safety of chemicals used in product manufacture and production processes has become a central theme in the fashion industry.
The Armani Group, which dedicates the utmost attention to the products introduced onto the market in terms of consumer safety and minimising the environmental impact, does not restrict itself to complying with the requirements laid down by EU legislation but has, for some time, formulated more stringent restrictions.
Additionally, since 2013 and based on international research and protocols, the Group has set itself the 'Zero Discharge 2020' goal, committing to gradually reducing chemical substances that are harmful to the environment, and to health, from the production chain, until they are eliminated completely.
he journey consists of three interconnected phases: regularly updating the restricted substances list (RSL), carrying out tests on large samples of the collections and preparing a report on the outcomes of the tests conducted by the Group.
The Group's constant commitment to research, the work of the Chamber of Fashion's Sustainability Committee, in which the Armani Group has played an active role since its creation, and its collaboration with the main players in the supply chain have all enabled the Armani Group to come very close to the targets set and to adopt an increasingly stringent RSL.
Moving forward, the Group's RSLs will be constantly updated on the basis of solutions it will continue to research, in conjunction with the entire chain.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND THE EFFICIENT USE OF RESOURCES
Creating a good product requires creativity, artisanship, experience and the finest materials, with a strong awareness that each type of process has an impact on the surrounding environment.
Therefore, the Armani Group is committed to monitoring the processes involved in creating its products and selecting materials according to precise sustainability criteria.
This requires investments in the search for innovative solutions and partnerships to pursue a process of continuous improvement.
Creating a good product requires creativity, artisanship, experience and the finest materials, with a strong awareness that each type of process has an impact on the surrounding environment.
Therefore, the Armani Group is committed to monitoring the processes involved in creating its products and selecting materials according to precise sustainability criteria.
This requires investments in the search for innovative solutions and partnerships to pursue a process of continuous improvement.
THE FASHION PACT
The Armani Group is one of the signatories to the Fashion Pact, the document signed by leading international fashion houses to protect the planet, promoted by the French president Emmanuel Macron and presented at the G7 summit in August 2019. This important initiative demonstrates the serious, practical commitment of the Armani Group and the fashion industry to tackle the issue of climate and environmental protection with the shared understanding that this is an urgent matter.
The goals of the Fashion Pact are concentrated in three main areas: stopping global warming, with an action plan for zero greenhouse gas emissions; restoring biodiversity to re-establish natural ecosystems and protect species; and protecting the oceans by reducing the negative impact that the fashion industry has on them.