Kering Unveils First Water-Positive Strategy, Targets Net Positive Impact By 2050

Luxury group Kering has announced its first dedicated Water-Positive Strategy, aiming to achieve a Net Water-Positive Impact across its operations by 2050, with measurable outcomes in key regions by 2035. The move marks a significant milestone in the company’s science-based sustainability agenda, introduced shortly after Earth Day 2025. Recognizing the deep interconnections between climate change, biodiversity loss and water scarcity, Kering’s strategy takes a holistic Climate-Nature-Water nexus approach to reduce water-related risks and regenerate ecosystems in its value chain.

As part of the plan, Kering has identified 10 critical water basins linked to its business operations. These regions will become the focal points for on-the-ground transformation through three major programmes: Water-Positive Raw Materials, Water-Positive Stewardship, and Water Resilience Labs. The group will prioritize sourcing raw materials that alleviate pressure on water and ecosystems, including recycled textiles and products from regenerative agriculture. Simultaneously, it will work closely with suppliers to adopt efficient and low-impact technologies, such as chrome-free tanning, to improve water use and reduce pollution.

To further accelerate progress, Kering will establish Water Resilience Labs in each of the 10 priority basins by 2035, starting with the Arno Basin in Tuscany in Autumn 2025. These labs will facilitate collaboration with local communities, suppliers, other industries and public authorities to regenerate freshwater ecosystems and strengthen regional water resilience. The Arno Basin, home to many of Kering’s tanneries and supplier partners, is also a key region for the broader luxury and manufacturing sectors.

Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer at Kering, emphasized the urgency of moving beyond a reductions-only mindset. “It is crucial that water commitments evolve to become water-positive—regenerating and replenishing water and ecosystems associated with all business activities,” she said. “Our Water-Positive Strategy is designed to be transformative and collaborative, enhancing environmental, social and economic resilience and ultimately contributing to the global availability of clean water.”

With this bold step, Kering positions itself at the forefront of responsible water stewardship in the luxury fashion sector, aiming not only to minimize harm but to actively restore water systems for the benefit of nature and society.