Chanel is reshaping the future of luxury by embedding sustainability across its operations and elevating women as agents of environmental change. Under the direction of Kate Wylie, Global Chief Sustainability Officer and President of Fondation Chanel, the French fashion house is taking bold steps to align its values with global climate and social priorities.
At the core of this transformation is Mission 1.5, Chanel’s roadmap to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040. The goal, validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative, is backed by measurable progress—including the shift to 100% renewable electricity by 2025, already underway at 33 sites.
Sustainability is a company-wide effort. More than 100 experts and over 500 managers are actively involved, many trained through executive programs developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge. Their work ranges from material efficiency to biodiversity conservation, reflecting Chanel’s deep connection to nature and its creative influence.
Circular practices are also embedded in Chanel’s operations. The Chanel & moi program offers global after-sales services like repairs and alterations, while sustainability measures at events—such as repurposing 97% of materials used for its 2022 fragrance exhibition—significantly cut carbon impact.
In product design, Chanel prioritizes eco-conscious packaging and ingredient sourcing. Its No.1 de Chanel line reduces glass weight and enables refillable options. Through TRASCE, Chanel promotes transparency and traceability in cosmetics, joining forces with other industry leaders to improve supply chain accountability.
Botanical research is driven by Chanel’s five Open-Sky Labs, located in diverse ecosystems from Madagascar to the French Alps. These centers develop sustainable cultivation methods and extract active ingredients like Camellia Japonica and Vanilla Planifolia using innovative, low-impact techniques.
Chanel’s social impact is equally ambitious. Fondation Chanel partners with more than 200 global organizations to advance gender equality, allocating over $120 million annually. More than $50 million supports women-led climate resilience projects—such as large-scale mangrove restoration in India’s Sundarbans—that restore ecosystems while empowering local communities.
With sustainability, science, and social justice at its core, Chanel is crafting a future where luxury serves both people and the planet.