Kering study finds gaps in Asia Pacific water strategies
A new joint study from Kering and the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at the National University of Singapore Business School says Asia Pacific companies are improving water efficiency but continue to miss wider risks linked to supply chains and shared catchments.
The report, Corporate Water Stewardship: Strategies and Practices in Asia Pacific, says water remains under-addressed in ESG strategies despite rising pressure on the small share of global water available for human use.
Researchers reviewed the self-reported practices of six companies in water-intensive sectors including agriculture, fashion and beauty, and real estate. Most focus on internal measures such as tracking water use, improving efficiency, reducing pollution and meeting regulations.
The study points to limited investment, poor financial disclosure, weak supply chain cooperation, low consumer engagement and a lack of context-specific targets. It concludes that full value chain assessment is required for effective stewardship.
Marie-Claire Daveu, chief sustainability and institutional affairs officer at Kering, says advancing responsible water management is essential. Professor Lawrence Loh, director of the Centre for Governance and Sustainability, adds that compliance alone is not enough and calls for broader collaboration.
