Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) and The Carbon Trust Launch Accelerating Decarbonisation Report for the Watch and Jewellery Industry

03 Sep 2025

The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), in collaboration with the Carbon Trust and with funding support from ISEAL, today announced the launch of a pioneering Accelerating Decarbonisation Report created specifically for the global watch and jewellery industry.

The Accelerating Decarbonisation Report provides RJC members with a practical, step-by-step guide to accelerate their decarbonisation journey. It equips businesses of all sizes across the value chain with the knowledge and frameworks, to set science-based targets, measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build credible transition strategies aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Developed in response to growing industry demand for clear, actionable climate guidance, the report addresses key challenges facing the sector, including complex supply chains, data collection, and target setting. It also highlights opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and resilience as companies take meaningful steps toward a Net Zero future.

John Hall, Interim Executive Director of the RJC says,

“Achieving Net Zero is one of the defining challenges of our time. This report is designed to translate ambition into action by giving watch and jewellery companies the practical tools they need to reduce their carbon footprint and demonstrate leadership.”

According to PWC 50% of annual gold production (2,000 tonnes) is used in watch and jewellery making in the luxury industry and only 25% of the gold used is recycled which presents a huge opportunity for the industry. The UNGC say that Scope 3 emissions account for 70% of a business’s carbon footprint and must be tackled to affect significant climate action. For watch and jewellery companies, this means creating an actionable plan to cut CO2 emissions and to decarbonise in order to satisfy regulation such as the ESPR (Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation) CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and the CSDDD (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive). Also to assure the 70% of US consumers who place ethical considerations at the top of their purchase requirements and to meet the explosive growth potential of sustainable jewellery.

Climate change and CO2 emissions are the largest single factor affecting the watch and jewellery industry according to findings from The State of the Art Summit hosted at Harvard University by the RJC, GIA and Harvard Mineralogical Museum and reported by Forbes in 2023. Human labour and the conditions around production should also be prioritised in tandem with emissions as supply chains are ultimately about people. Every stage of the supply chain is and will be impacted by both - this report continues the RJC’s commitment to helping its members and industry as a whole implement practical steps to ensure the sparkling future that watches, and jewellery deserve.

Marta Iglesias, Director, Manufacturing and Industry at the Carbon Trust said,

“The watch and jewellery sector is at a defining point in addressing its climate impact, where a comprehensive climate strategy is urgently needed. This report aims to guide companies in overcoming common barriers to effective climate action by outlining key emissions sources, highlighting decarbonisation opportunities and providing a strategic roadmap towards Net Zero. Timely action will reduce emissions, mitigate risk and enhance brand value while meeting increasing expectations of consumers, investors and regulators.”

The Accelerating Decarbonisation Report is available on the RJC website from the 3rd September 2025. Training and support sessions will follow later this year to guide members in using the report effectively.

View RJC

Source: RJC