Boucheron
Rating: It's a start
Price: $ $ $ $
Location: France
Owned by Kering, Boucheron is a brand that strives to make a positive impact on the environment and society. In terms of environmental sustainability, Boucheron has been rated as “Good” in our “Planet” rating. This rating evaluates brands based on their environmental policies, including their carbon emissions, wastewater management, business models, and product circularity.
Boucheron uses a medium proportion of lower-impact materials, such as recycled materials, in its products. It has also set a science-based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both its direct operations and supply chain. The brand claims to be on track to achieve this target. Additionally, Boucheron takes measures to reduce water use in its supply chain.
However, there is no evidence that Boucheron takes action to minimize its packaging, which is a significant driver of plastic waste. This aspect could be an area where the brand can further improve its sustainability efforts.
In terms of workers’ rights, which is a crucial aspect of our “People” rating, Boucheron has been rated as “It’s a Start.” This rating assesses brands’ policies and practices related to child labor, living wages, and gender equality.
While Boucheron has a comprehensive policy to support diversity and inclusion in its direct operations, it does not extend the same level of commitment to its supply chain. This means that there may be a lack of diversity and inclusion in the brand’s extended network of partners and suppliers.
Boucheron claims to have a program in place to improve wages, but there is no evidence to suggest that the brand ensures its workers are paid living wages in most of its supply chain. This is an area where Boucheron could focus on making a more significant impact.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Boucheron disclosed adequate policies to protect workers in its supply chain from the virus. This demonstrates a level of responsibility and care towards its workers during challenging times.
Animal welfare is another important aspect of sustainability, and in our “Animals” rating, Boucheron has been rated as “Not Good Enough.” This rating takes into account the brand’s animal welfare policies and its ability to trace animal-derived products.
Boucheron has a formal policy aligned with the Five Domains of animal welfare, which is a positive step. However, the brand does appear to use leather and exotic animal skin in its products. On the positive side, it does not appear to use materials such as wool, down, fur, angora, or exotic animal hair.
The brand is able to trace most of its animal-derived materials back to the first production stage, indicating a level of transparency in its supply chain.
Based on the overall assessment of Boucheron, incorporating its environmental practices, workers’ rights, and animal welfare policies, we rate the brand as “It’s a Start.” While Boucheron has made progress in certain areas, there is still room for improvement to become a more sustainable and socially responsible brand.
