OUR COMMITMENT SINCE 1735
Founded in 1735 by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain in the Swiss Jura, Blancpain is known as the world’s oldest watch Brand. Loyal to its tradition of innovation and confirmed by countless horological complications invented over the years, the Maison is constantly pushing the boundaries of watchmaking to take this art to places where it has never been before.
Embodying a long-term vision through timepieces created to last forever - hence the motto 'There is Eternity in Every Blancpain' -, this commitment to exceptional mechanical horology is expressed through the passing on of invaluable expertise from one generation to the next, along with regular investments in human resources, production technologies, and research & development. Preserving the world which surrounds us is therefore also important to the Manufacture. We operate with respect and in harmony with the environment and to local communities, investing in long term relationships and environmental stewardship, in our direct operations and across our value chain.
Key Highlights 2023
✔︎ 1294 employees worldwide in 24 countries
✔︎ 977 employees in CH including 99% of our people work under permanent contracts
✔︎ 22% increase in apprentice's vs 2022
✔︎ 10% GHG scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction in 2023 vs 2022 with the goal to reduce our scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 (base year 2021)
✔︎ Through its various Blancpain Ocean Commitment initiatives, Blancpain aims to help protect 30% of the ocean by 2030
✔︎ 100% of wood and paper used in our products is FSC certified
1. Our environmental approach
Blancpain's rich history is intricately tied to the Jura Mountains in Switzerland, an unspoiled highland region renowned for its unique natural beauty and diverse ecosystem. Nestled in the Vallée de Joux and Jura region, surrounded by lakes and lush forests, the Blancpain Manufacture draws inspiration from this ever-changing landscape. Consequently, Blancpain is deeply committed to environmental stewardship, respecting natural resources and harmonizing with the environment.
Blancpain seeks ways to minimize its impact on the environment: a dedicated workgroup is working on reducing the single use plastics from our packaging, and seeks ways to reduce our packing needs in terms of weight and volume. We strive in facilitating the waste sorting of the packaging we send to the retailers and final customer by prioritizing single material packaging.
Minus 50% CO2 by 2030
At Blancpain we recognize Climate Change as an issue of the utmost importance for society and the planet, which is why we are committed to taking action to reduce our carbon footprint both in our direct operations and in our value chain. We have set the target to reduce our Scope 1 and Scope 2 market based greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) emissions1 by 50% by 2030, 2021 being our base year.
The impact of Gold
Green mobility culture
Biodiversity preservation : the 30 x 30 goal
The process of extracting gold from the earth involves the use of machinery powered by fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Additionally, the transportation of materials to and from mining sites also contributes to emissions, as do the energy-intensive processes involved in refining and processing the gold ore.
We promote a green mobility culture by significantly subsidizing the costs for employees who choose to use public transportation for commuting to work. We also support carpooling by providing tools and benefits, such as dedicated parking for carpooling vehicles. Additionally, we facilitate employee commuting with buses, and we collaborate with other companies in the areas we operate to leverage jointly implemented solutions.
As a company committed to excellence and sustainability, Blancpain aims to understand and mitigate the environmental impact of our operations on biodiversity and ecosystems. Blancpain is actively involved in the 30x30 goal, which aims to conserve 30% of the world's oceans by 2030.
The process of extracting gold from the earth involves the use of machinery powered by fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Additionally, the transportation of materials to and from mining sites also contributes to emissions, as do the energy-intensive processes involved in refining and processing the gold ore.
We promote a green mobility culture by significantly subsidizing the costs for employees who choose to use public transportation for commuting to work. We also support carpooling by providing tools and benefits, such as dedicated parking for carpooling vehicles. Additionally, we facilitate employee commuting with buses, and we collaborate with other companies in the areas we operate to leverage jointly implemented solutions.
AN OCEAN OF COMMITMENTS
The Blancpain Ocean Commitment pays homage to our Brand's significant historical links with the ocean, having launched the world's first true diver's watch, the Fifty Fathoms, in 1953.
This milestone moment in Blancpain's near 300-year history marked the starting point of our collaborations with the ocean community, which have typified the more than 70 years since, as has our support for ocean conservation initiatives. Exploration and preservation of the world’s oceans is core to Blancpain. With its 70-year legacy of the Fifty Fathoms diving watch, the Brand has woven close ties with the explorers, photographers, scientists, and environmentalists who treasure this precious resource.
With that affinity has come a determination to support important activities and initiatives dedicated to the oceans. Thus was born the Blancpain Ocean Commitment (BOC).
At the heart of the Ocean Commitment is Blancpain’s determination to make a difference by backing important activities dedicated to the ocean. For the past several years, Blancpain has partnered with leading organisations and inspiring individuals, centering its efforts on three axes: raising awareness on the beauty of the ocean, contributing to scientific research, and implementing efficient ocean conservation measures.
2. Our social approach
Employee satisfaction and well being
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Training and development
Safety and security
Craftmanship of tomorrow (apprentice program)
RESPONSIBLE SOURCING
Responsible sourcing materials and services is at the core of our values. The components we use for our movement and are sourced in Switzerland. The vast majority of our direct suppliers and service providers are located in Switzerland contributing significantly to the preservation and further development of the Swiss watchmaking tradition and art.
All Blancpain suppliers are expected to comply with the Swatch Group’s Supplier Code of Conduct. The Code is based on internationally recognized principles that are accepted in the sector, such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP), the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) international labor standards, the ILO’s code of practice for safety and health, the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas, the Responsible Jewellery Council’s (RJC) 2019 Code of Practices, the RJC’s 2017 Chain of Custody standard, the Social Accountability International SA 8000 standard, the OHSAS 18001 standard and anti-bribery guidance (ISO 37001).
For more information and to download Swatch Group’s Supplier Code of Conduct, please visit the dedicated section here.
Gold
Primary gold is sourced exclusively from official and certified industrial mines in Australia, and we also employ the Swatch Group closed loop gold processing system with a group-owned foundry to reuse production residues within the Group’s boundaries. A smaller part of the gold used is recycled by certified Swiss gold foundries or purchased as components from suppliers.
Diamonds and gemstones
Our diamond suppliers should be in full compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) and should bear certification guarantees that diamonds originate from legal trade. The Kimberley Process (KP) is an international, multi-stakeholder trade regime created in 2003 to increase transparency and oversight in the diamond supply chain to eliminate trade in conflict diamonds, defined as rough diamonds sold by rebel groups or their allies to fund conflict against legitimate governments.
For more information, see Swatch Group’s sourcing of materials web page here.