LVMH’s new roots highlight sustainable luxury focus
Paris-based luxury group LVMH, owner of Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Christian Dior and others, recently announced its intention to establish a new global research and development centre with a focus on sustainable luxury in the Parisian suburb of Saclay, France.
Saclay is known for academic excellence in engineering, science and agriculture.
According to reports, the facility is expected to open between 2024 and 2025 and will ultimately host researchers, scientists and startups in a coworking environment.
Individuals based at the centre will lead research into new materials (including recycled materials), biotechnologies and digital data, all of which will be harnessed by LVMH to help reduce its carbon footprint and put more eco-conscious practices in place.
A key thread will be “getting rid of plastics”, said the conglomerate’s chief strategy officer, Jean Baptiste Voisin. “We want the centre to be extremely product- and solutions-driven,” he added.
Once the facility is up and running, LVMH will reportedly have almost 1,000 employees dedicated to sustainable research and development in total, across its brands and business divisions.
Image shows a Louis Vuitton boutique in Rome. Credit: Kyre Song
