1. Gucci
Gucci is a renowned luxury brand that prioritizes sustainability. The brand focuses on reducing environmental waste through improved brand recognition, efficient inventory management, and the use of eco-friendly materials. One of their sustainable initiatives includes using recycled viscose in packaging.
“Off The Grid” collection highlights their efforts to upgrade and repurpose materials. The primary material used is ECONYL®, a regenerated nylon made entirely from pre- and post-consumer waste, including discarded fishing nets and plastic waste. The collection also features other sustainable elements such as chrome-free tanned leather, recycled polyester thread, and linings, along with repurposed metal components.
2. Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney is a leading luxury brand known for its commitment to sustainability. The brand has earned a strong reputation for never using animal-based materials such as leather, furs, feathers, or skins. Sustainability has always been at the core of McCartney’s business model, with the brand’s products reflecting this commitment. All of their products are cruelty-free and made with chemical-free materials.
The brand has been transparent about the challenges of using faux materials, which are often non-biodegradable and made from synthetic fibers like acrylic, polyester, fleece, and mohair. Stella McCartney encourages customers to care for their luxury items, emphasizing that true luxury doesn’t end up in landfills—it’s meant to last forever.
Examples of Stella McCartney’s sustainable luxury products:
-
Frayme Mylo Bag: The world’s first luxury bag made from Mylo, a mushroom-based leather alternative.
-
Crochet Dresses & Bags: Made from seaweed-infused Kelsun yarn, these items are rare and eco-friendly.
-
Belted Trench Coat: Crafted from traceable and GOTS-certified gabardine cotton.
3. Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton is another brand making significant strides in sustainable luxury. The brand is dedicated to protecting natural resources and using certified raw materials to help reduce carbon emissions. Louis Vuitton has set ambitious goals, including sourcing 100% of its raw materials from sustainable sources by 2025. Additionally, 96% of their leather is certified by the Leather Working Group, and some leather products are created using water-free processes.
Sustainable initiatives include using fully recyclable shopping bags and delivery boxes made from sustainable fibers.
Example of Louis Vuitton’s sustainable luxury products:
-
Louis Vuitton Felt Line: A capsule collection of jacquard bags made from natural cotton, reusable wool, polyester, and plastic.
4. Chanel
Chanel is committed to creating sustainable luxury products and aligning its business practices with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The brand aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. By 2030, Chanel intends to eliminate all single-use plastics from its operations and switch to electric vehicles for deliveries. The brand is also moving away from using fur and exotic skins, and has invested in eco-friendly, plastic-free materials.
Example of Chanel’s sustainable luxury products:
-
N°1 de Chanel: A new line of eco-friendly skincare, fragrance, and makeup.
5. Hermès
Hermès is a well-known luxury brand that has integrated sustainability into its production process. The brand uses lighter, less harmful materials, such as pure organic cotton, and collaborates with MycoWorks to produce leather alternatives made from mycelium. Hermès is recognized for its environmentally friendly handbags, purses, wristbands, and bracelets, all of which are cruelty-free and made from sustainable materials.
Hermès also collaborates with various organizations to promote sustainability within the luxury industry, including efforts to reduce carbon emissions, encourage recycling, and improve eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
Example of Hermès’ sustainable luxury product:
-
Victoria Bags: The world’s first mushroom-made bag, crafted from Sylvania, a leather substitute created in partnership with MycoWorks, made entirely from mycelium.
-
Petit H: This brand was created in 2010 and uses upcycled luxury raw materials from the manufacturing of other Hermès products.
6. Burberry
Burberry is one of the most well-known sustainable luxury brands worldwide. The brand has made significant strides toward sustainability, ensuring that 100% of its leather comes from certified leather factories. By 2025, Burberry aims to source 100% certified organic cotton. The brand has partnered with the Better Cotton Initiative, one of the world’s largest cotton sustainability programs.
Example of Burberry’s sustainable luxury product:
-
Burberry’s ECONYL collection and its recent launch of bio-based nylon and polyester made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.
These six brands represent a growing trend in the luxury fashion industry, where sustainability is becoming just as important as quality and design. Through innovative practices, eco-friendly materials, and ethical sourcing, they are helping to lead the way toward a more sustainable future for luxury fashion.