FASHION & ACCESSORIES
SMYTHSON
Established in 1887 on London’s New Bond Street, Smythson has set the standard in British luxury for over 135 years, renowned for its timeless design and unrivalled craftsmanship. From signature leather-bound diaries and notebooks to bags and accessories, each piece is handcrafted by expert artisans using time-honoured techniques to create pieces to accompany a storied life. The proud holder of two Royal Warrants, Smythson has long been the choice of discerning clientele, including European royalty, Indian Maharajas, and cultural icons such as Grace Kelly and Sir Winston Churchill.
SUSTAINABILITY PURPOSE
At Smythson, the goal is to offer exceptional, luxury products while contributing towards conserving the world for generations to come. The brand recognises that people play a critical role in its success and, as a collective, it has a responsibility towards its employees, colleagues, supply chain partners, customers, and the wider communities in which it operates. By working together to integrate sound sustainable practices into every aspect of the business, Smythson strives to achieve the highest quality standards, drive sustainable outcomes, and minimise the environmental impact of its operations.
Established
1887
Headquarters
London, United Kingdom
First Certified
2020
Employees
100-150
Categories
Leather bags and accessories, notebooks and diaries, stationery
Website
Distribution
Worldwide
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT CARD
Click below to see the detailed breakdown of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance. Smythson has been comprehensively assessed and scored against all key areas of sustainability, including impact on climate, nature and water, treatment of workers and communities, as well as how ethically the business is run. Performance is assessed against international agreements, global frameworks, standards and legislation.
REAL CHANGE IN ACTION
SUSTAINABILITY PURPOSE
Smythson has proven a strong sustainability purpose with a focus on creating positive social and environmental impact, driven by commitments aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Smythson has embedded its Sustainability Purpose across its workforce, stakeholders, and consumers. This purpose is present within its own company policies to ensure they run effectively with integrity; these include Code of Conduct, Human Rights, Equal Opportunities, and Sustainable Travel. Similar expectations extend to its suppliers, meaning Smythson’s supply chain is continuously monitored, including compliance with ethical working practices. Smythson believes in equal opportunities and values the importance of a diverse workplace with fair pay for all. Currently, over 50% of its senior management team is women.
CLIMATE
Measuring and monitoring energy, waste, water, and carbon is an essential action for all businesses, regardless of size or industry, and Smythson has been doing this since 2019. They have completed Operational carbon footprints annually and carried out Life Cycle Analyses periodically to provide them with a strong understanding of their carbon emissions. Smythson has been able to evidence that their Scope 1 & 2 emissions have reduced since 2019 and that practical changes have helped them reduce some Scope 3 emissions. These changes included opting for video conferencing over business flights where possible.
SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
Smythson sources all leather from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries, a certification that sets environmental and social standards for the leather industry. The company also demonstrates a commitment to forest conservation by sourcing paper for its diaries, notebooks, and stationery from FSC and PEFC-certified sources. Paper and card for its packaging are also sourced from FSC-certified sources, in addition to being made from 40% recycled pulp. Smythson also maintains a Product Restricted Substances List (PRSL) to ensure industry best practice.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Smythson is committed to finding ways to give back to communities. Partnering with the National Literacy Trust, a charity that gives disadvantaged children access to the literacy skills needed to succeed in life, Smythson committed to donating 10% of the sales from a range of its Christmas cards, demonstrating a mutual mission to support the importance of writing and literacy. Smythson has also worked alongside the Royal Warrant Holders Association Charity Fund to make a large, combined donation, which will enable the National Literacy Trust to recruit 10 Literacy Champion Volunteers in the Swindon area to increase access to literacy skills.
Smythson has proven a strong sustainability purpose with a focus on creating positive social and environmental impact, driven by commitments aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Smythson has embedded its Sustainability Purpose across its workforce, stakeholders, and consumers. This purpose is present within its own company policies to ensure they run effectively with integrity; these include Code of Conduct, Human Rights, Equal Opportunities, and Sustainable Travel. Similar expectations extend to its suppliers, meaning Smythson’s supply chain is continuously monitored, including compliance with ethical working practices. Smythson believes in equal opportunities and values the importance of a diverse workplace with fair pay for all. Currently, over 50% of its senior management team is women.
Measuring and monitoring energy, waste, water, and carbon is an essential action for all businesses, regardless of size or industry, and Smythson has been doing this since 2019. They have completed Operational carbon footprints annually and carried out Life Cycle Analyses periodically to provide them with a strong understanding of their carbon emissions. Smythson has been able to evidence that their Scope 1 & 2 emissions have reduced since 2019 and that practical changes have helped them reduce some Scope 3 emissions. These changes included opting for video conferencing over business flights where possible.
Smythson sources all leather from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries, a certification that sets environmental and social standards for the leather industry. The company also demonstrates a commitment to forest conservation by sourcing paper for its diaries, notebooks, and stationery from FSC and PEFC-certified sources. Paper and card for its packaging are also sourced from FSC-certified sources, in addition to being made from 40% recycled pulp. Smythson also maintains a Product Restricted Substances List (PRSL) to ensure industry best practice.
Smythson is committed to finding ways to give back to communities. Partnering with the National Literacy Trust, a charity that gives disadvantaged children access to the literacy skills needed to succeed in life, Smythson committed to donating 10% of the sales from a range of its Christmas cards, demonstrating a mutual mission to support the importance of writing and literacy. Smythson has also worked alongside the Royal Warrant Holders Association Charity Fund to make a large, combined donation, which will enable the National Literacy Trust to recruit 10 Literacy Champion Volunteers in the Swindon area to increase access to literacy skills.
A WORD FROM THE CEO
We are honoured to receive the Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark certification once again. This milestone reflects our commitment to driving meaningful progress through nurturing responsible sourcing, championing fair and inclusive social practices, and upholding the highest standards of governance. Together, our teams are working to embed sustainability into every facet of our business and drive positive change for people and planet.”
PAOLO PORTA
CEO
WHY POSITIVE LUXURY?
Positive Luxury’s Butterfly Mark assessment provides a rigorous framework that ensures we remain responsible and accountable. It keeps the entire business focused and committed to upholding the highest standards of best practice within the luxury industry. Earning the Butterfly Mark following the assessment is a genuine recognition and celebration of our sustainability achievements and the collective efforts of our teams to drive positive change and continuous improvement across Environmental, Social, and Governance.
PATHWAY TO HIGHER STANDARDS
Smythson’s Sustainability Strategy, complete with defined KPIs, guides progress across three core pillars: People, Planet and Product. Efforts span the brand’s operations and products, with a continuous focus on strengthening the capacity to collect and leverage data to inform responsible change. Since 2019, Smythson has measured its operational carbon footprint and conducted LCAs, providing insight to drive meaningful and measurable improvements. While Scope 1 and 2 emissions have been successfully reduced year on year, the brand remains committed to lowering energy consumption across all occupied buildings and reducing vehicle emissions. Smythson is also addressing its largest share of overall emissions by measuring Scope 3 and implementing initiatives such as limiting business travel, utilising product management software, and incorporating circular solutions. Smythson also remains dedicated to both internal and external communities by promoting health, inclusivity and balance for employees, while continuing external partnerships that advance literacy, education and vision.