Swatch Group is reinforcing its sustainability leadership by combining traditional Swiss craftsmanship with modern environmental and social responsibility. The company’s Sustainability Report 2025 highlights a distinctive strategy built on product longevity, full supply chain control, and long-term industrial investments rather than short-term ESG positioning.
A key milestone has been the achievement of carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions in Switzerland by the end of 2024. This has been enabled through 100 percent renewable electricity sourcing and local carbon offset initiatives. Overall greenhouse gas emissions declined by 12 percent year-on-year, demonstrating efficiency gains despite sustained production levels across more than 150 manufacturing sites.
Energy transformation remains central to Swatch Group’s operations. The company expanded its photovoltaic capacity to 15,500 MWh annually, supporting major production hubs such as ETA and Omega. At the same time, water conservation efforts delivered a 15 percent reduction in consumption compared to the 2021 baseline, driven by closed-loop cooling technologies integrated into manufacturing processes, according to the Swatch sustainability report 2025.
Swatch Group continues to invest heavily in sustainable infrastructure. More than CHF 40 million was allocated across 2024 and 2025 to upgrade historic buildings with energy-efficient systems, including heat pumps that replace fossil fuel-based heating. These investments underline the company’s commitment to reducing operational emissions while preserving its industrial heritage.
Circular economy principles are deeply embedded in product design and material sourcing. Over 60 percent of the steel used in Swiss production now comes from recycled sources, with a target of reaching 80 percent by 2030. The company is also advancing innovative materials such as Bioceramic, alongside ongoing research into sustainable alternatives that reduce environmental impact without compromising quality.
Through its subsidiary Belenos Clean Power, Swatch Group is investing in advanced battery technologies and Sun-to-Liquid fuels, aiming to decarbonize logistics and transportation. This approach extends sustainability beyond manufacturing into the broader value chain.
The company’s strategy is anchored in what it calls the “Longevity Pillar,” based on the premise that mechanical watches are inherently sustainable due to their durability and repairability. Vertical integration allows Swatch Group to control every stage of production, from components like hairsprings to final assembly, ensuring strict adherence to environmental and ethical standards.
Responsible sourcing is another critical focus area. The Group ensures that 100 percent of its gold is certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council, supported by its own refinery that guarantees full traceability and chain-of-custody compliance. In manufacturing, waste reduction is highly efficient, with 98 percent of industrial metal waste recovered and recycled through advanced machining processes.
Swatch Group also emphasizes biodiversity and sustainable architecture. Facilities such as its headquarters in Biel incorporate timber construction and green roofing systems that support local ecosystems, aligning industrial activity with environmental stewardship.
Across its global operations, the company has achieved 100 percent renewable electricity usage, a total waste recovery rate of 92 percent, and maintains around 700 active apprentices, highlighting its commitment to social sustainability and workforce development.
By integrating sustainability into craftsmanship, materials, and energy systems, Swatch Group is demonstrating how traditional manufacturing can evolve into a low-impact, circular, and future-ready industrial model.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH