In Focus: Blockchain sustainability

Kering Eyewear has launched its blockchain-based Verified, Integrated, Reliable, Trustworthy, Unique and Secure (Virtus) data exchange platform to enable improved assessment and tracing of its manufacturing operations.

The company explained that it had incorporated blockchain technology to allow it to record each point of its manufacturing process across disparate companies and locations in an easily accessible, digitally distributed ledger that could not be amended. A statement from Kering explained that this was intended as a ‘major step forward in its sustainability strategy’.

Kering Eyewear recently implemented a sustainability strategy based on what it called ‘sustainability pillars’. These included care for the planet, collaborating for people, and create innovation grounded in low-impact solutions. The blockchain system was intended to support sustainability by allowing Kering to track all of the materials and processes used in the manufacture of its frames, allowing the company to assess its environmental impact and then improve it.