Gisele Bündchen is IWC’s new environmental advisor

In its effort towards sustainability and environmental responsibility, IWC Schaffhausen has appointed its new Environmental & Community Projects Advisor, supermodel Gisele Bündchen, as the Swiss luxury watchmaker marches towards its 2022 sustainability targets.

Bündchen has been active in environmental issues throughout her career, having served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environmental Program, and been honoured by Harvard University and UCLA for her efforts.

“I’m excited to partner with IWC on our shared purpose of protecting our planet,” she said. Our sustainability journeys both started with the realisation that we had a responsibility to do more. That we could use our voices and influence to make a positive impact on the environment and society. I look forward to working together with IWC to help leave a better future for generations to come.”

From the nine sustainability targets set by IWC in 2020, the company is well on its way to achieve goals such as phasing out non-certified forestry products, doubling the number of women in managerial positions, eliminating single-use plastic use, as well as developing new technologies. Speaking of which IWC Schaffhausen took the opportunity of the Bündchen announcement to also introduce MiraTex, a new plant-based alternative to leather made out of 80% natural fibres. The plastic-free material doesn’t contain any petrochemicals and it eliminates the tanning process making it much less resource-heavy than leather. It’s even 100% recyclable.

“With Gisele we have someone who shares our purpose and determination to impact real change on the environment and society,” said Franziska Gsell, Chief Marketing Officer and Sustainability Committee Chair, IWC Schaffhausen. “We are honoured to have her on board as we continue our sustainability journey. We at IWC have always held ourselves to the highest standards when it comes to playing our part to preserve the world for future generations. Gisele’s experience, dedication and global reach will help to open up new possibilities for us to positively impact the environment and communities around the world.”