The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) hosted a panel discussion on the sidelines of   Baselworld 2018, as it had done last year too. At this edition of the show, the RJC chose to focus on the future of sustainability and CSR in the jewellery industry.

RJC’s Director of Business Development, Edward Johnson, opening the session, presented to those attending, RJC’s latest brand video. He also provided a brief update on the work and progress of the RJC since Baselworld 2017. The highlight of the last year, Johnson said, was   a 25% increase in membership and a significant increase in the number of employees covered and protected under RJC certification globally. He noted that this “demonstrated the demand and increasing need for the RJC’s work towards a responsible worldwide supply chain in the jewellery industry”.

Andrew Bone, RJC’s Executive Director, then welcomed the various industry experts participating on the panel:  Diana Cullilas, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at RJC certified member company, Chopard; and Rachael Taylor, a jewellery industry journalist and regular contributor to a wealth of titles including The Financial Times, Retail Jeweller and Rapaport.

The discussion explored “the growing increase in expectation from consumers, NGOs and civil society for the industry to be more transparent about their sustainability practices in relation to people, planet and profits”, RJC reported.

Rachael began by explaining how businesses in the jewellery industry are currently communicating their sustainability efforts. She highlighted the thinking of the millennial consumer, who increasingly encourages businesses to be more transparent about their responsible business practices. She also highlighted the challenges some businesses face “in setting the tone” for their sustainability communications. Finally, she explained how brands  such as Chopard are helping to pave the way on formulating a viable approach to conversations with various stakeholders on CSR and sustainability issues.

Diana provided an insight into the workings of her own Company in this area and described how a 160-year-old brand such as Chopard is approaching sustainability communications. She highlighted the importance of “actively engaging employees in these initiatives to improve morale and retention rates”. 

She pointed out that there is an increasing desire amongst employees to be able to identify with an employer who shares their “views and values on sustainability”. Diana went on to confirm that  RJC certification has contributed to Chopard being able “to assess and ensure that the brand and its suppliers remain aligned with the highest ethical, environmental and social standards as set by the RJC”.

Their talks were followed by an active interaction with the audience, with several pertinent questions being raised from the floor. 

The session was streamed live on the RJC’s YouTube channel.