In a groundbreaking move, Pandora, the globe’s preeminent jewellery manufacturer, has announced a significant shift in its procurement strategy, transitioning entirely to recycled silver and gold for its creations. This pivot not only places Pandora at the forefront of sustainable practice within the jewellery sector but also surpasses its own ambitious goal to fully embrace recycled precious metals by 2025.
The Science of Sustainability
Mining for new silver and gold is significantly more energy-intensive and environmentally detrimental compared to the recycling process. Recycled silver boasts a carbon footprint that is merely a third of its mined counterpart. Even more striking, the process of recycling gold produces less than 1% of the carbon emissions associated with mining fresh gold. Pandora’s strategic shift to recycled metals is a substantial step towards minimizing the jewellery industry’s climate footprint.
A Milestone Achieved: Early Target Realization
Pandora set a visionary target in 2020 to transition to 100% recycled silver and gold by 2025. Remarkably, the company has achieved this goal ahead of schedule, by the end of 2023, owing to the unwavering dedication of its suppliers and a robust commitment to sustainability.
Raising Industry Standards
To ensure the integrity of its eco-friendly mission, Pandora mandates that all its suppliers adhere to the Responsible Jewellery Council’s Chain of Custody standards, among the most stringent in the industry. This transition has necessitated the adoption of new processes and equipment to guarantee the exclusive use of certified recycled materials, from collection through to the final product creation.
The Road Ahead
While Pandora will start crafting all new jewellery pieces with 100% recycled silver and gold from the second half of 2024, it’s noteworthy that 97% of the metals used in 2023 were already recycled. This initiative not only demonstrates Pandora’s leadership in sustainability but also sets a precedent for the entire jewellery industry to follow.
In a world where less than 20% of silver is currently sourced from recycled materials, Pandora’s commitment shines a light on the potential for the jewellery industry to significantly reduce its environmental impact. Through innovation and dedication, Pandora is crafting a future where luxury and sustainability go hand in hand.
