How Luxury Brands Like Celine Are Embracing Sustainability

Celine SS25 Campaign

Sustainability is no longer a niche concern in luxury fashion—it has become a core business imperative.

Driven by increasing consumer demand for responsible production, regulatory pressures, and the urgent need for environmental action, luxury brands are making bold commitments toward sustainability.

While brands like Chanel, Celine, Bottega Veneta, and Loewe have each adopted unique approaches, the broader industry is also shifting towards circular fashion, eco-friendly materials, and carbon reduction strategies. This article provides a comprehensive view of how high-end fashion is embracing sustainability and what this means for professionals navigating this evolving landscape.

Global Sustainability Push in Luxury Fashion

Luxury brands are adopting sustainability initiatives at an accelerated pace. The industry faces scrutiny from both regulators and consumers, with growing expectations for transparency and accountability in environmental and social governance (ESG). Key drivers shaping the industry’s sustainability shift include:

• Regulatory Pressure: The European Union’s Green Deal and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) require fashion companies to disclose their sustainability efforts with quantifiable metrics.

• Consumer Demand: Research shows that Gen Z and millennial shoppers prioritize sustainable luxury purchases, driving brands to rethink sourcing, packaging, and carbon footprints.

• Investor Influence: Luxury conglomerates, including LVMH and Kering, are increasingly incorporating ESG benchmarks into their business strategies, impacting long-term financial performance.

• Technological Innovations: AI-driven materials research, blockchain-based supply chain tracking, and new textile innovations are transforming sustainable production in luxury.

Chanel's Commitment to Sustainable Practices

Chanel has demonstrated a strong dedication to sustainability through substantial investments and strategic initiatives:

• Sustainability-Linked Bond: In September 2020, Chanel issued a €600 million sustainability-linked bond to support its climate strategy, Mission 1.5°, which includes targets such as reducing its own (scope 1 and 2) emissions by 50% by 2030 and shifting to 100% renewable electricity by 2025. Read more.

• Mission 1.5° Climate Strategy: Launched in 2020, this strategy outlines Chanel's commitment to tackling climate change in line with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Read more.

• Supply Chain & Materials: Chanel is increasing the use of responsibly sourced raw materials and investing in carbon reduction across its production network.

• Progress and Challenges: By 2021, Chanel had achieved 92% renewable electricity usage, falling short of its interim target of 97%. Read more.

Celine's Approach to Eco-Friendly Fashion

As part of the LVMH group, Celine aligns with the conglomerate’s comprehensive environmental policies:

• Environmental Targets: LVMH aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. These commitments extend to Celine and all its brands. Read more.

• Sustainable Materials: Celine has started incorporating responsible materials in its collections, including leather sourced from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group. Read more.

• Biodiversity Commitments: Celine, through LVMH’s LIFE 360 program, is committed to protecting biodiversity and ensuring sustainable sourcing of raw materials. Read more.

Bottega Veneta's Sustainable Innovations

Bottega Veneta has taken notable steps to incorporate sustainability into its operations:

• Material Sourcing: The brand utilizes organic cotton and eco-conscious materials to lessen environmental impact. Read more.

• Circular Initiatives: The brand launched the Certificate of Craft, offering a lifetime warranty on its handbags to promote product longevity and reduce waste. Read more.

• Carbon Reduction: Bottega Veneta is working toward reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and increasing supply chain traceability. Read more.

Loewe's Environmental Initiatives

Loewe has embedded sustainability into its brand ethos through various initiatives:

• The Surplus Project: This initiative, launched in 2021, repurposes leftover leather and materials from previous collections to create new designs, reducing textile waste. Read more.

• Sustainable Store Practices: Loewe has implemented sustainable practices in its retail locations, including LED lighting and air-conditioning systems that reduce energy consumption. Read more.

• LEED Certification: Casa Loewe Madrid, the brand’s flagship, received LEED Platinum certification for sustainable construction, showcasing Loewe’s commitment to eco-conscious store development. Read more.

Future Trends in Sustainable Luxury

Beyond individual brand efforts, the luxury sector is moving toward more holistic sustainability strategies:

• Resale & Circular Fashion: The secondhand luxury market, led by platforms like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective, continues to expand, prompting brands to integrate resale and rental models.

• Alternative Materials: Brands are experimenting with bio-fabricated leather, plant-based dyes, and lab-grown diamonds to reduce environmental impact.

• Blockchain Transparency: More luxury brands are leveraging blockchain for supply chain transparency, allowing consumers to trace product origins and sustainability credentials.

• Water & Waste Reduction: Industry-wide efforts to minimize water consumption and reduce chemical pollution are becoming standard practices, especially in textile and leather production.

For Professionals

Sustainability in luxury is no longer just about ethical responsibility—it’s a business imperative. Brands must integrate sustainability into core business strategies, improve traceability, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. Companies investing in circular business models, carbon reduction, and material innovation will lead the industry’s future.

For Consumers

With greater awareness of sustainability in luxury fashion, consumers are encouraged to support brands that show measurable commitment to environmental responsibility. Purchasing from brands that offer transparency in sourcing and responsible production practices can help push the industry toward a more sustainable future.