Leading fashion brand Chanel and the University of Cambridge have announced a three-year extension of their partnership, furthering efforts to accelerate sustainability transformation. Since the collaboration began in 2021, Chanel has worked closely with various University departments, including the Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), and the Cambridge Judge Business School (CJBS).
Through tailored executive education programmes under this collaboration, nearly 500 Chanel leaders and operational teams have been trained on topics such as biodiversity, climate change, and material efficiency. These immersive sessions equip leaders with the research and tools needed to promote sustainable business transformation, fostering better decision-making across the company.
Chanel Fashion teams collaborated with IfM experts to prototype innovative solutions across the brand’s value chain, focusing on circularity and efficient material use. These initiatives have led to significant year-on-year reductions in energy and material consumption at Chanel’s manufacturing sites.
Chanel has provided support for underrepresented students to join CISL’s Master’s in Sustainability Leadership programme, offering new opportunities and networks. The company’s support is the largest ever provided by a single organisation for this programme.
Looking ahead, the next phase of the partnership will enhance sustainability education for Chanel leaders, continue developing innovative solutions across value chains, conduct research on regenerative business practices, and maintain bursary funding for students.
Kate Wylie, Global Chief Sustainability Officer, Chanel said, “In order to address the global challenges we face today, we need solutions informed by the latest research and innovations. Our long-term partnership with the University of Cambridge is vital to this. From providing deeper education to leaders to implementing innovative solutions in our operations, we have collaborated on concrete changes to advance our sustainability ambitions. The programmes have inspired a collective sense of responsibility for sustainability, which is leading to business transformation. Now, we are focused on maintaining momentum in these areas, as well as helping inspirational students from diverse backgrounds shape an inclusive approach to sustainable action.”
Lindsay Hooper, Interim CEO, CISL said, “The energy, commitment and intellectual curiosity of Chanel’s leaders in relation to sustainability is remarkable. As CISL and the wider University of Cambridge, we have seen leadership teams question, engage, and commit to action – and most importantly, implement it. Chanel has a unique opportunity to work throughout its value chain to research, role model, and learn from leading practice in sustainability.”
This extended collaboration builds on Chanel’s broader commitment to supporting research, action, and innovation in sustainability, including its goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, as validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).