Gucci, one of the world’s leading luxury brands, has joined the Responsible Jewellery Council.
Announcing the Italian company’s decision to join the Council, RJC chief executive officer Michael Rae said Gucci’s membership will “reinforce the Council’s message of responsible business practices amongst large and small industry players”.
Meanwhile Gucci president and CEO Patrizio di Marco said the company was extremely proud to join the Council.
“We strongly believe in the role of this association,” he said.
“Gucci has taken a leadership position in the industry by strongly stating and demonstrating its commitment to corporate social responsibility.
“Our participation in RJC is a further step into an even more responsible path, which Gucci started in 2004 and has allowed us to align the whole supply chains of leather goods, jewellery and shoes to the CSR principles and SA8000 certification system.”
According to Rae, the RJC now has more than 140 members, representing all sectors of the diamond and gold supply chain, trade associations and service providers.
“Under the RJC System, all commercial members of the RJC will be required to be audited by accredited, third party auditors to verify their conformance with the RJC’s Code of Practices to become certified,” he said.
“This unique system builds on recognised international initiatives like the Kimberley Process and ISO standards, such as SA8000 and ISO 14001.”
