Product

We see traceability as a key enabler that allows us to assess and manage the environmental and social risks associated with raw materials sourcing. Traceability in our supply chain will help us not only to meet wider strategic goals but is also central to our compliance with existing and incoming regulation. In FY 2022/23, we set a target to have full traceability of our key raw materials by FY 2029/30⁴, to be delivered through our traceability programme. We have successfully implemented a traceability pilot for cotton, wool and synthetics with our key suppliers by using a third-party traceability tool that allows us to track these fibres back to the country of origin. We continue to scale this programme to build transparency and to bring additional materials into the programme, in line with our FY 2029/30 raw materials target.

Our FY 2025/26 plastic elimination target for consumer packaging goes hand in hand with elevating the luxury customer experience. To minimise and reduce waste, we now take a minimalist approach to our consumer packaging. Our pared-back offering comprises a reusable 100% recycled cotton shopper bag for larger purchases and Salt and Knight Blue paper pouches or retail bags for smaller items. All of our consumer paper-based packaging is widely recyclable and FSC® certified, reflecting our commitment to support zero deforestation and sustainable forest management. We also removed all hardware such as zips and snaps from our new plastic-free garment covers to facilitate recyclability and limited the types of purchases packaged with them to rainwear and tailoring. Garment covers and dust bags are made with  60% recycled cotton. We continue to work on eliminating unnecessary plastics in our operational packaging and in FY 2023/24, 53% of operational plastic packaging was made from fully recyclable content.  

Burberry products are expertly crafted using materials of the highest quality. To help our customers extend the life of their Burberry products, we have expanded our global luxury aftercare and circular services, including Refresh, Repair, Rental, Resale and Remake. In FY 2023/24 we expanded our refresh and repair services to include reproofing for select rainwear garments, alongside refresh treatments for cashmere jumpers and shoe repairs, and our remake service Cashmere Upcycle. By the end of the year, over 380 stores across 33 countries and territories offered one or more of our aftercare services. To support the expansion, we provided dedicated client engagement training for just over 2,200 Retail Client Advisors. Through our rental and resale partnerships with MyWardrobe HQ and Vestiaire Collective, respectively, we are continuing to explore new ways for customers to experience our circular services. 

Materials innovation is an important part of both our Product and Planet pillars. To help us to deliver more sustainable luxury for our consumers, we look for ways to integrate more recycled content, or use new, more responsibly sourced materials in our products. We continue to research and source next-generation materials and processes to support our decarbonisation efforts, by joining forces with existing suppliers and start-ups and working to scale these solutions into our business.