IWC Schaffhausen has improved its sourcing or precious metals and other environmental and social standards to the point where it has met a new 2019 Code of Practices set by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC).
Since it was founded in 2005, the RJC has provided a clear Code of Practices (COP) for members within the watch and jewellery sector, from mining to retail, to ensure ethical, social and environmental responsibility.
IWC first joined the leading global standards organisation in 2012, gaining the 2013 COP certification in both 2014 and 2017.
Last year, the RJC unveiled a revised version of their COP standard, which included stronger provisions for responsible business practices, activities and supply chain management.
As soon as these revised standards came into force, IWC, due for re-certification and eligible to choose either Code, asked to be re-certified to the more stringent 2019 COP standard.
Opening the business to be verified by independent third-party auditors, the company was judged to be compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
The audit also recognised IWC’s adoption of good practices beyond what is legally required, including in sourcing, employer responsibility, customer interactions and our investment in our local communities.
“IWC is honoured to become the first Swiss luxury watch brand to receive this more stringent level of certification. Being a member of the RJC allows us to examine every aspect of our business through their well-respected lens to ensure we are meeting the rising ethical demands of our consumers and employees. Our product is designed to last for generations, and becomes truly sustainable when it is made responsibly,” says Franziska Gsell, CMO IWC Schaffhausen.
