Introduction
Aurelia Figueroa, Breitling’s Global Head of Sustainability since 2020, has played a crucial role in driving sustainability initiatives within the Swiss watch industry. Her efforts are transforming how Breitling operates, ensuring that the brand remains a leader in both luxury and environmental stewardship.
Key Sustainability Initiatives
Figueroa has spearheaded several impactful initiatives at Breitling, aligning the company’s operations with ambitious environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. One of her significant achievements is aligning Breitling’s emissions reduction plan with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), targeting significant reductions in carbon emissions across its supply chain by 2032 and 2050 (Europa Star).
Responsible Sourcing
A central aspect of Breitling’s sustainability strategy under Figueroa’s leadership is responsible sourcing. The brand has committed to using only accredited and traceable gold from artisanal and small-scale mines (ASM) by 2025. This approach not only supports ethical mining practices but also helps improve the livelihoods of local communities involved in the supply chain. For example, Breitling’s gold for the Super Chronomat Automatic 38 Origins is sourced from the Touchstone mine in Colombia, which meets the criteria of the Swiss Better Gold Association (Europa Star) (Europa Star).
In addition to gold, Breitling has also shifted to using lab-grown diamonds for its watches, aiming to eliminate the environmental and social impacts associated with traditional diamond mining. The brand’s lab-grown diamonds are produced using renewable energy, significantly reducing their carbon footprint compared to mined diamonds (India Today).
Community and Environmental Impact
Figueroa’s initiatives extend beyond environmental impact to include social responsibility. Breitling supports gold-sourcing communities in Latin America by funding health and education projects. In Gujarat, India, the company collaborates with lab-grown diamond producers to empower women through economic development programs (Ethos Watches).
Challenges and Future Outlook
One of the significant challenges Figueroa faces is engaging all stakeholders—shareholders, employees, and partners—in Breitling’s sustainability mission. To address this, Breitling organizes events such as beach clean-up days and vegetarian cooking classes to foster a culture of sustainability within the company and its supply chain (Europa Star).
Despite these challenges, Breitling has made significant strides under Figueroa’s leadership. The company’s commitment to sustainability has not hindered its growth; in fact, Breitling’s turnover increased by almost 30% in 2023, while it achieved a 6.6% reduction in global emissions (Europa Star).
Partnerships and Innovations
Breitling’s partnership with Climeworks is a notable example of how the brand is leading in sustainability. This 12-year agreement involves using Climeworks’ carbon removal technology to achieve net-zero emissions. Breitling is the first watchmaker to integrate such high-quality carbon removal into its sustainability strategy, setting a new standard for the industry (Climeworks).
Conclusion
Aurelia Figueroa’s leadership has positioned Breitling as a frontrunner in sustainable luxury. By implementing comprehensive ESG strategies, promoting ethical sourcing, and engaging with local communities, Figueroa ensures that Breitling not only meets its environmental goals but also contributes positively to global sustainability efforts. Her work exemplifies how luxury brands can integrate sustainability into their core operations, setting a benchmark for the Swiss watch industry.
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