IWC Schaffhausen scooped the Walpole Award for Excellence this week, having impressed an illustrious team of 60 judges with its efforts in corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The 2012 Walpole Awards for Excellence took place on Monday in London, with individuals and companies who have, in the views of the renowned team of judges, members and industry representatives, “achieved the pinnacle of excellence across ten categories”.
Edwin Colella, associate director of communication at IWC Schaffhausen as well as Simon Chambers, IWC’s UK brand director, attended the award to accept the award for the brand’s CSR.
Chamber said: “The annual Walpole Awards are undoubtedly a highlight of the British luxury calendar and to have been recognised within the UK for this prestigious award is a testament to our CSR commitment.”
IWC’s work under the banner of CSR has included ecological responsibility and social commitment on both a global and local level. It has supported various projects of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, the Fondation Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – d’Agay, the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Cousteau Society.
The brand has also launched timepieces tailored to specific projects, with proceeds put towards key initiatives, while at a local level it has lowered and offset its carbon dioxide emissions with modern building technology and has been certified as a carbon-neutral enterprise since the summer of 2007.
The company is also member of the RJC (Responsible Jewellery Council) and sources all its materials according to their rules.
Colella added: “Every company has a responsibility towards the environment and we are proud to have established CSR as an inherent part of the business ethic of IWC Schaffhausen.
“Our responsibility to the environment incorporates product design and development, supplier and employee relations-hips as well as the need to nurture the communities and environments in which our company operates. This way of thinking has also resulted in several long-term partnerships and commitments worldwide.”
