Talking about Sustainability at Oroarezzo
The Arezzo district event which has been taking stock of a key theme for the industry, closes tomorrow, Tuesday 10th May
Sustainability as a common strategy for the gold and jewelry industry, the search for a single certification as a mutual objective. During these recent days of Oroarezzo, which opened on Saturday 7th May and will be closing its doors tomorrow May 10th, the picture that emerged at the workshop organized by Federorafi in collaboration with Consulta Provinciale dei Produttori Orafi e Argentieri di Arezzo (Provincial Council of Gold and Silverware Manufacturers) at Arezzo Fiere e Congressi, took stock of a highly topical theme. The event, entitled “Sustainability as a passport to the future” and moderated by Stefano de Pascale, General Manager of Federorafi, was attended by Silvia Bezzone, Bulgari, Egidio Chini, F.lli Chini, Raul Sapora, auditor, CSR expert and gemologist, Cristina Squarcialupi, Unoaerre Industries and Vice President of Federorafi in charge of sustainability, and Damiano Zito, Progold, with the participation of Luca Parrini, Arezzo Goldsmith Council Coordinator. The conference was introduced by Marco Carniello, Global Exhibition Director for Jewellery & Fashion at IEG, while Simone Chierici, Councilor for Production Activities for the Municipality of Arezzo, delivered greetings from the Mayor, Alessandro Ghinelli, with a message that highlighted the “great interest and topicality of the theme, which is particularly dear to our administration. Talking today about future scenarios is also a clear sign of the sector’s farsightedness.”
«Italian jewelry manufacturing is in an advantageous position in terms of producing sustainable jewelry and nurturing a well-established circular economy of precious metals,» said Cristina Squarcialupi. «Added to these aspects is the talent of Italians as high-quality craftsmen and creative designers, whose artistic excellence and workmanship is recognized the world over. All these factors, together with certifications guaranteeing the reference market, make a great team for creating jewelry that is both beautiful and sustainable.» According to Egidio Chini, «Social responsibility and sustainability are key issues for end buyers and are therefore becoming more and more of a soundboard for our products. We are responding to these issues because our customers want it, but above all, out of ethical duty. The supply chains, in terms of sustainability, will have a strong, certified, quantifiable and proven identity.» Damiano Zito sees sustainability as «An extremely important and topical issue that is not only an opportunity for companies, but also, and above all, a duty to play their part in the journey towards a better world, following the ethical principles that should guide everyone's actions.»
Silvia Bezzone on the other hand, outlined the role and collaboration modalities of an international brand in its relations with the supply chain. «At Bulgari, we are committed to providing our partner companies with specific training and will continue to invest in ethical issues in the future.» Asked what jewelry manufacturers can actually do to avoid contributing to human rights violations along their supply chain, Raul Sapora responded strongly by saying «they should make sure they have traceable and transparent supply chains where human rights are regularly monitored and respected. Certification is the bridge between the standard (for example, RJC) and the impact a company has on the social fabric: it helps turn management practices into measurable actions.»
«Italian jewelry manufacturing is in an advantageous position in terms of producing sustainable jewelry and nurturing a well-established circular economy of precious metals,» said Cristina Squarcialupi. «Added to these aspects is the talent of Italians as high-quality craftsmen and creative designers, whose artistic excellence and workmanship is recognized the world over. All these factors, together with certifications guaranteeing the reference market, make a great team for creating jewelry that is both beautiful and sustainable.» According to Egidio Chini, «Social responsibility and sustainability are key issues for end buyers and are therefore becoming more and more of a soundboard for our products. We are responding to these issues because our customers want it, but above all, out of ethical duty. The supply chains, in terms of sustainability, will have a strong, certified, quantifiable and proven identity.» Damiano Zito sees sustainability as «An extremely important and topical issue that is not only an opportunity for companies, but also, and above all, a duty to play their part in the journey towards a better world, following the ethical principles that should guide everyone's actions.»
Silvia Bezzone on the other hand, outlined the role and collaboration modalities of an international brand in its relations with the supply chain. «At Bulgari, we are committed to providing our partner companies with specific training and will continue to invest in ethical issues in the future.» Asked what jewelry manufacturers can actually do to avoid contributing to human rights violations along their supply chain, Raul Sapora responded strongly by saying «they should make sure they have traceable and transparent supply chains where human rights are regularly monitored and respected. Certification is the bridge between the standard (for example, RJC) and the impact a company has on the social fabric: it helps turn management practices into measurable actions.»
