The Italian fashion house Gucci has joined the Ellen MacArthur Foundation as a strategic partner. The company announced this in a statement on Tuesday.
“The new strategic partnership complements the House’s ongoing commitment to bringing about positive change for people and the planet, as set out in the 2021 Gucci Equilibrium Impact Report, published today at equilibrium.gucci.com,” the statement reads .
The strategic partnership will build on Gucci’s existing circular economy strategy, which is built on three core principles: avoiding waste and pollution, developing circular products and materials, and regenerating nature.
“The second edition of our 2021 Gucci Equilibrium Impact Report is a testament to our determination to continue to build a responsible and sustainable business. With that in mind, we are pleased to announce our partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to increase our commitment to circular economy and regenerative agriculture, and to build on the many initiatives we have already established,” commented Gucci CEO Marco Bizzari.
Initiatives cited by Bizzari include the use of recycled materials, animal-free materials like Gucci’s Demetra, collections like Gucci Off The Grid, the use of recycled and upcycled solutions by Gucci-Up and Gucci Scrap-less
and resale by Gucci Vintage.
As part of the partnership, Gucci is committed to expanding circular collections throughout the product lifecycle. In addition, the fashion house wants to develop products whose design already takes reuse into account and which are made from recycled or renewable raw materials. In return, the foundation will contribute its expertise in circular design. Educational resources and courses will also be offered to increase knowledge and operational know-how of circular economy principles and practices.
In terms of promoting regenerative agriculture, Gucci will continue to invest in regenerative projects as part of its Natural Climate Solutions portfolio. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation will provide insights that will enable the House to commit to regenerative procurement.
“We are excited to be collaborating with Gucci to reshape the future of fashion. Gucci’s passion for people and planet and the Foundation’s circular economy expertise enable us to create innovative, industry-leading solutions for fashion that is reusable and made from safe, recycled or renewable raw materials. By transitioning to a regenerative, circular economy for fashion, we can help tackle global challenges such as pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss,” said Andrew Morlet, CEO of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Gucci’s Equilibrium 2021 Impact Report can be viewed on the fashion house’s website and details progress on diversity and inclusion, positive social change in local communities through initiatives such as Chime for Change and the Gucci Changemakers program, and minimizing environmental impact while at the same time Protecting and restoring nature and innovation, and incorporating circular economy principles into design and manufacturing.