COMPANY
Our approach to sustainability
Our Strategy is rooted in the understanding that sustainability is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for sustained business success. Embedding sustainability into IWC’s strategy ensures that we comply with regulatory requirements, but also creates opportunities for growth and innovation.
Our world is changing. The pace of innovation has never been faster. We, as a company have a responsibility to be sustainable and responsible.
At IWC Schaffhausen, we have been pushing boundaries since 1868. In the name of engineering. In the name of innovation. Progress is not a destination, but rather a continuous journey towards a better future. To see change, you have to engineer change.
For more than a decade, IWC has progressed year on year on its commitments to act responsibly. This journey signifies our forward-thinking and long-term vision – thinking beyond our time. Since 1868, we have built on our history as a luxury Swiss watchmaker with a commitment to engineering excellence and an innovative spirit. Our commitment to sustainability is guided by these same tenets because we are not only crafting timepieces that stand the test of time, we are staying true to our promise of Engineering Beyond Time.
We invite you to follow us on the journey – and to become an active part in it.
Your IWC Schaffhausen Sustainability Committee
Our progress to date
Our strategy was shaped on comprehensive insights garnered through a bottom-up approach that involved key stakeholders across the organization. The Strategy is composed of eight “Strategic Actions”, focusing on transforming the organization’s approach to sustainability from a compartmentalized effort into a universal responsibility, understanding and reducing the environmental impact of our materials and products, reducing greenhouse gas emissions across our operations and supply chain, enhancing transparency and responsibility in sourcing, integrating biodiversity and nature conservation into our core operations, helping to foster health and well-being within the organization and inspiring and equipping young people with essential skills in sports and engineering.
What we do: Case studies
Restoring Posidonia
Posidonia Oceanica, a seagrass species commonly found in the Mediterranean, is a strong natural defense against climate change; it captures and absorbs 15 times more carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere than a similar sized piece of the Amazon rainforest. In general, between 50–80% of the oxygen we breathe is produced by marine plants. Posidonia is threatened due to climate change, ocean waste, human activity and an invasive alga species.
Sustainable Strap Alternatives
IWC’s leather alternatives offer a luxurious look and feel, never compromising on quality, durability, or wearing comfort. At the same time, they are manufactured with a particular focus on sustainability and the conservation of natural resources.
Laureus Sport for Good Foundation
The Foundation is a global non-government organisation uses sport as an effective tool to help children and young people overcome violence, discrimination and disadvantaged circumstances. The Foundation operates in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and addresses the following six social issues: Health, Education, Women and Girls, Employability, Inclusive Society and Peaceful Community. In 2022, our contributions helped the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation support 304 programmes across 42 countries and territories with grants, training and other technical assistance. Programmes were delivered in the Americas, Asia and Europe impacting a total of 244,116 children and young people of which nearly 48% were girls and young women and 52% boys and young men. These programmes change the lives of children and young people. We held several initiatives in 2022 and 2023 to raise funds for the Laureus programmes.
Each year, we organise a drawing competition for children and teenagers based on a theme aligned with one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)*. Young people from Laureus supported programmes participate in the contest submit artwork that reflects their interpretation of the topic. The theme for the 2022 competition was “Time for Planet”, which focused on protecting the environment and tackling climate change. Three finalists were selected from programmes in Brazil, South Africa and Spain. The winner was João Paulo, a 13-year-old participant in Bola Pra Frente, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a project that uses sport and cultural literacy to develop socio-emotional skills and citizenship in its community. João Paulo and his Bola Pra Frente programme can look forward to a visit by IWC and Laureus ambassadors.
Engineering opportunities
At IWC, we want you to dream big, define, and build your own success with a lasting impact beyond time. With us, you have the freedom to be an entrepreneur and to engineer your career. This is our promise to you, and it makes IWC a truly unique place to work.
Sustainability practices in operations
At IWC, we know that our long-term success depends on the care and respect with which we treat our two most important resources: people and the natural world.