Concrete commitments to responsible purchasing
THOM’s policy is based on two main objectives:
- Ensuring that 100% of its purchases are certified by 2030 to ensure that supplies align with the strictest environmental and social standards. Several Group suppliers have obtained RJC certificates or have complied with the SMETA 4-pillar audits, which enabled us to increase our proportion of certified or compliant non-branded purchases from 72% to 81% in FY24.
- Committing to a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, thereby contributing directly to the fight against climate change.
Our actions
1 – Our purchasing teams have placed responsibility at the heart of their work. A dedicated person focuses exclusively on responsible purchasing and the traceability of our jewellery.
2 – We require 100% of our suppliers to commit to our new Responsible Purchasing Charter. In 2024, THOM implemented a new Responsible Purchasing Charter that defines the Group’s ethical and environmental principles and commitments in its relationships with its suppliers.
In this Charter, THOM adheres to the most demanding standards in terms of:
- Working conditions: we partner with suppliers who adhere to strict social standards and protect workers’ rights.
- Environmental impact: we aim to reduce the carbon footprint associated with production and transport and promote the use of recycled materials.
- Business ethics: we aim to ensure the highest standards of integrity by applying a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, conflicts of interest, money laundering and terrorist financing, promoting fair competition practices and strengthening our personal data protection provisions.
3 – We assess the risks associated with our various suppliers based on the criteria set out in our Responsible Purchasing Charter:
- We align our practices with the highest standards by requiring our suppliers to be either RJC or SMETA 4* certified
- We are stepping up our control audits and our buyers regularly visit our suppliers.
*The RJC certification (Responsible Jewellery Council) is a label that certifies that companies in the jewellery sector adhere to high standards of social and environmental responsibility. The RJC was created to promote ethical practices in the jewellery industry, particularly in terms of material sourcing, the protection of human rights and sustainability.
Companies that obtain RJC certification commit to respecting principles such as:
- Respect for human rights: Ensuring that the rights of employees and communities are protected.
- Environmental practices: Minimising the environmental impact of their operations.
- Traceability: Ensuring that the materials used come from responsible sources.
This certification is often seen as a mark of trust for consumers concerned about ethics and sustainability in their jewellery choices.
SMETA 4 (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit version 4) is a widely recognised ethical audit framework developed by Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange). It is designed to assess and promote ethical business practices within supply chains, particularly in relation to labour rights, health and safety, the environment and business integrity.
Key components of SMETA 4 include:
- Labour Standards: Evaluating working conditions, including issues related to child labour, forced labour, discrimination, and freedom of association.
- Health and Safety: Assessing workplace safety measures and the overall health and safety of employees.
- The Environment: Reviewing environmental practices and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
- Business Ethics: Ensuring transparency, integrity, and compliance with relevant laws in business practices.
SMETA 4 emphasizes a collaborative approach, encouraging businesses to share audit results to reduce duplication and improve supply chain transparency. It is widely used by companies to demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices.