Sustainability strategy
GRI disclosure 2–12
Corporate responsibility
Swatch Group is committed to safeguarding its continued development, while also protecting the environment and guaranteeing the health and safety of individuals. The company endeavors to do the best it can in all areas and at all levels of the company to fulfill this responsibility. The Group’s aim is to create value for its stakeholders, the environment and society as a whole.
Environmental, ethical and social criteria have therefore always been an integral part of its corporate culture and its sourcing policy. The Executive Group Management Board, the Extended Group Management Board and the management teams at the individual units continually ensure that they demonstrate what this culture of responsibility looks like and that all employees at all levels continually share and practice this approach. Swatch Group strives to ensure that resources are used efficiently and sparingly to guarantee that its products are manufactured and marketed in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner, and thereby secure its long-term success. The use of recycled, recyclable, certified and / or environmentally friendly materials, consumer goods and production methods are the basis for all product development.
In 2001, Swatch Group began to set clear climate and efficiency targets and implement effective measures throughout the Group in order to play its part in preserving the environment. A further stage was completed in 2022, with the development and release of a roadmap for achieving Group-wide carbon neutrality in Scopes 1 and 2 by 2050.
Alongside this important progress, the Group is working to up - date its materiality concept and has introduced an opportunity and risk management system for this purpose. Increased measurement of Scope 3 emissions and a stronger operational risk management approach in the area of human rights are two further significant areas of work on the long list of projects and activities that the Group’s sustainability officers are pursuing in their various units.
Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Swatch Group seeks to meet the needs of the current generation without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own. The company’s sustainability management approach is based on the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, which was adopted by the UN Member States. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the core of the 2030 Agenda form the international and universally applicable framework for sustainable development. Every SDG is essential to securing the prosperity of people and the planet. Swatch Group has identified 13 SDGs which are particularly relevant for the company and its stakeholders and which it can and aims to help achieve. It has defined its commitments, and it will continue to refine them on an ongoing basis, by adding goals, actions and performance indicators.
GRI DISCLOSURE 2–6
VALUE CHAIN
Value Chain (simplified visual representation)
Production Facilities
Why SWISS MADE
Nature protection. One-seventh of Switzerland’s land is protected by its 20 nature parks. In addition, around 30% of the country is made up of forested areas, and this percentage is increasing.
Water protection. Around 6% of Europe’s freshwater reserves are found in Switzerland, and a large number of major rivers have their sources in the Swiss mountains. Thanks to exemplary water pollution control, the water quality is excellent.
Renewable energy. Around 80% of Switzerland’s power comes from renewable energy sources. The country has one of the world’s lowest-emission electricity mixes.
Public transport. One of the world’s densest railway networks enables low-emission transportation of passengers and goods.
Social welfare. Switzerland has an extensive network of social security providers, which offer people who live and work in the country and their dependents a broad protection.
Political stability and co-determination. One of the distinguishing features of Switzerland’s democracy is that citizens are not merely represented by Parliament, but can also have a direct impact on legislation.
Innovation. With a highly skilled workforce and outstanding scientific research institutions, Switzerland is one of the most innovative countries in the world.
A full overview on the Swatch Group's commitments to the SDGs can be found on the pages 13 and 14 of the 2023 Sustainability Report.