LVMH celebrates 20 years of environmental responsibility

During two hours of panel discussions, the Group presented the remarkable progress it has achieved over the past two decades. The presentations also included a look at future initiatives to protect the environment.

LVMH Managing Director Toni Belloni welcomed participants in a packed auditorium, noting that “luxury is by definition intimately interlinked with the environment, and LVMH has long embedded environmental responsibility in all its activities.” This approach was illustrated during three panel discussions which reviewed some of the many initiatives deployed by the Group and its companies.

Speakers frequently cited the “LIFE—LVMH Indicators For the Environment” program, which is based on nine key drivers of environmental performance: eco-design;  responsibly sourced raw materials and supply chains;  material traceability and compliance;  supplier relationships;  know-how and expertise;  reduction of greenhouse gas emissions;  environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes;  lifespan of products; and  customer information.

Several LVMH companies shared emblematic examples of their environmental commitment. Laurent Boillot (President of Guerlain) and Jacques Mantz (CFO of Moët Hennessy) talked about the importance of sustainable sourcing.

They were followed by Claude Martinez (President of Parfums Christian Dior) and Chris de Lapuente (President of Sephora), who addressed the subjects of environmental innovation and creativity. For the final panel, Lisa Montague (President of Loewe) and Eric Pradon (CFO of Louis Vuitton) shared their vision of the impact of sustainable development on company management and the corporate culture.

Among the guest speakers, model Eva Herzigova, the face of Parfums Christian Dior, talked about her strong personal engagement with environment responsibility and the importance of raising public awareness.

Gilles Boeuf, Director of the French National Museum of Natural History and holder of the chair in sustainable development at the Collège de France, concluded the discussions. He noted that “dialogue among researchers, the public sector and businesses is essential to drive progress in environmental issues, and this is something that LVMH has clearly understood.”

Wrapping up the conference, Toni Belloni promised that these wide-ranging initiatives were only a start. The LIFE program will be rolled out at all LVMH companies from summer 2014. This powerful commitment will ensure that LVMH retains its bold leadership vision.

LVMH