World of watches
The Paper-Based TimberTex Watch Straps.
by Elisabeth Gründer
Read time: 3 min
IWC’S Paper-Based TimberTex Watch Straps
Yes, you read that right. IWC is now offering watch straps made of the modern, low-impact paper-based material TimberTex. 80% composed of natural plant fibers, 100% colored with natural dyes and 100% handmade in Italy. Each strap is manufactured by hand, combining centuries-old craftsmanship with innovative state-of-the-art production methods. The goal is to offer customers a high-quality choice that is both attractive and sustainable.
Search for Natural Products
IIWC is known not only for its expertise in engineering groundbreaking material, but also for its strong commitment to sustainable business practices and responsible luxury watchmaking. Considering an additional alternative to real leather was an obvious task for the team in Schaffhausen.
Thus starting in 2018, IWC’s research team began to look into viable options. “We wanted to have something vegan and eco-conscious a material made of natural products. And so, instead of examining artificial leather and its predominant usage of plastic, we focused our research on the processing of paper-fibres or recycled paper,” said Ivo Malacarne, Bracelets Supply Quality Manager.
In order to comply with sustainability standards and regulations, IWC's Global Sustainability Team, in a joint effort with the internal supply chain, evaluates alternative materials constantly following an internal ESG supplier due diligence process. As such, each innovative material undergoes a screening based on specific criteria, including ESG codes of conduct or environmental impact assessments, for decision-making. Before choosing a possible supplier, the expert team asks questions such as: Where is the material sourced? What is the life cycle (LCA) impact of the strap material? Does the production site run on renewable energy?
Sustainable Alternatives
The meetings with suppliers were clearly convincing. The cellulose used was made of trees from managed forests or tree farms in Scandinavia and Austria. Moreover, the stitching and lining of the watch strap consist of recycled thread and microfibre, respectively. Every aspect of the life cycle stage of a strap is considered, from cradle-to-grave. Consistency is key.
Carefully conducted sustainability evaluations confirmed that the new straps meet all IWC's stringent testing criteria, including resilience, breathability and resistance to humidity. Very durable, they are water-resistant and will not show wear after a dip in the pool.
The new material opens new opportunities henceforth. “Personally, I would very much like to purchase something natural based and not made of plastic,” said Ivo.
“However, the main point is to provide our customers with alternative eco-conscious straps whilst keeping our engineering aspiration high.”
The paper straps are offered in blue, brown and black, and can be worn with four models: the Portugieser Chronograph, Portugieser Automatic 40, Portofino Automatic and Portofino Chronograph. Please visit your nearest IWC boutique to see, touch and try the new straps in person. Or shop online here.