- Pandora’s shift to 100% recycled silver and gold avoids 58,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
- Recycled silver’s carbon footprint is just one-third that of mined silver, and recycled gold produces less than 1% of the emissions from new gold mining.
- Pandora estimates an additional cost of USD 10 million annually to maintain its sustainable operations.
Pandora, the world’s largest jewellery brand, has completed its transformative shift to crafting all its jewellery with 100% recycled silver and gold. This significant move allows Pandora to avoid approximately 58,000 tons of CO2 per year, contributing to a more sustainable and circular business model.
“Silver and gold are our most important raw materials, and by moving to 100% recycled we reduce our climate impact significantly without compromising on quality or craftsmanship. This achievement is unparalleled in the industry,” said Alexander Lacik, President & CEO at Pandora.
Reduced Environmental Impact
With Pandora selling over 100 million pieces of jewellery annually, the switch to recycled metals drastically reduces emissions compared to traditional mining practices. Recycled silver’s carbon footprint is just one-third that of mined silver, while recycled gold emits less than 1% of the emissions from mining new gold. A single Pandora family tree charm made from recycled silver emits only 230 grams of CO2—less than a café latte.
If the global jewellery industry followed suit, it could avoid over 53 million tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to New York City’s entire yearly carbon footprint.
Milestone Store Reopening During Climate Week
In celebration of this achievement, Pandora’s Lexington Avenue store in New York will be refurbished during Climate Week to showcase their 100% recycled silver jewellery collection, including charms, bracelets, and more. The store will also feature Pandora’s lab-grown diamond collection, crafted from 100% recycled silver and gold since 2022.
Pandora ceased sourcing newly mined silver and gold in December 2023 and has since fully transitioned its inventory to recycled metals. The first of these 100% recycled products will appear in stores by early 2025.
Commitment to Sustainable Materials
Pandora’s shift to recycled metals aligns with its broader sustainability efforts, which also include a complete transition to lab-grown diamonds and man-made stones like cubic zirconia. These lab-grown diamonds are produced using 100% renewable energy, with a carbon footprint just 5% of that of mined diamonds.
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By sourcing recycled silver and gold, Pandora contributes to more responsible supply chains, with all its refineries certified to the Responsible Jewellery Council’s Chain of Custody standard. This ensures that recycled and mined materials are effectively segregated, while maintaining high social and environmental standards.
This transformation reflects Pandora’s long-term commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while setting a benchmark for the entire jewellery industry to adopt more sustainable practices.