SUSTAINABILITY
At Smythson, our goal is to offer exceptional, luxury products while contributing towards conserving our world for generations to come.
We recognise that people play a critical role in our success and, as a collective, we have a responsibility towards our employees, colleagues, supply chain partners, customers, and the wider communities in which we operate.
By working together to integrate sound sustainable practices into every aspect of our business, we can strive to achieve the highest quality standards, drive sustainable outcomes, and minimise the environmental impact of our operations.
PEOPLE
For over a century, our artisans, employees, and partners have been central to our enduring legacy, craftmanship and identity. Today these same people remain a core pillar of the business and the way we work with them is strengthened by the guidance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, a global goal to encourage healthy lives and the promotion of wellbeing for all at all ages.
CREATING A BRILLIANT CULTURE
We are committed to enhancing the experience of our employees through inclusive culture-building and wellbeing initiatives.
In Action:
In response to the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, we took steps to raise awareness and offer support for mental health by appointing trained Mental Health Champions. We invest in training and development to help our teams grow both personally and professionally, including modules on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Modern Slavery Awareness. Through sustainability workshops, training, and ongoing learning opportunities, we foster an environment where knowledge and expertise can thrive.
Wellbeing is a core part of our culture. We promote health, inclusivity, and work-life balance, ensuring every employee feels valued and supported. With engagement initiatives such as an anonymous feedback forum and a culture of open communication, we strive to create an inclusive workplace where people can flourish.
WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON
• Promoting more awareness events around wellbeing and social impact
• Hosting additional training sessions on sustainable practices
• Launching an employee sustainability engagement survey in partnership with Positive Luxury
HELPING COMMUNITIES THRIVE
Our legacy is built not only on craftsmanship, but also on a sense of responsibility to the communities we serve.
In Action:
We maintain a long-standing partnership with the National Literacy Trust, an independent charity working with schools and communities to give disadvantaged children essential literacy skills. We have increased our annual contribution, with 10% of sales from a selection of our Christmas cards being donated to the NLT in support of our mutual mission for literacy access and educational empowerment.
We have also collaborated with the Royal Warrant Holders Association Charity Fund to make a combined donation that enabled the NLT to recruit Literacy Champion Volunteers in the Swindon area, helping to expand access to literacy resources.
In addition, we donated a selection of seconds stock to Fight for Sight, a leading UK charity focused on preventing sight loss and supporting affected individuals. Proceeds from the donated stock have supported vital research and services and extended the life of products.
WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON
• Exploring new social impact partnerships and community-led initiatives
• Deepening engagement with charity partners focused on literacy and health
• Supporting the link between vision, education, and inclusive access
• Advancing our role in sustainable community development
ETHICAL AND RESPONSIBLE PARTNERSHIPS
At Smythson, we are proud to be members of Positive Luxury and hold the Butterfly Mark – an internationally recognised symbol of commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. We undergo a rigorous reassessment process every two years to maintain this certification, ensuring we remain aligned with evolving industry standards and customer expectations.
We are also a Contributing Partner of the Sustainable Leather Foundation, supporting global efforts to promote accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement within the leather industry. As part of this partnership, we have hosted collaborative training workshops and are committed to running more to support ongoing shared learning.
Our supply chain relationships are built on mutual trust, shared values, and a common vision for a more responsible future. Through joint training, regular roundtables, and open collaboration, we work to uphold high standards across all stages of our production, honouring Frank Smythson's legacy of craftsmanship while embracing the responsibilities of a modern brand.
PLANET
We are committed to minimising our environmental impact, by integrating responsible practices across every aspect of our business. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action, our approach extends beyond compliance. While we uphold all relevant environmental legislation and regulations, we are focused on continuous improvement, exploring practical and economically viable ways to deliver well-crafted products.
IMPROVING LOGISTICS (CARBON & PACKAGING)
As a global brand, we recognise the importance of addressing the environmental footprint of our worldwide operations. From reducing emissions to optimising packaging, we are committed to refining how we operate.
In Action:
Carbon
Since 2019, we have measured our carbon footprint in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, covering Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. To ensure transparency and accountability, we also conduct regular full Life Cycle Analyses (LCAs).
Scope 1 and 2 emissions have been reduced by 66.5% in 2024 vs 2019. Scope 3 emissions, which occur outside our direct controlled operations and represent the largest portion of our footprint, are closely monitored through annual Operational Carbon Footprints and LCAs. These assessments cover internal practices, such as travel, courier use, and waste, as well as product-related impacts such as material sourcing, manufacturing, and transportation. A key reduction in Scope 3 operational emissions has been due to increased use of video conferencing over flights.
WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON
While we have made considerable progress in reducing emissions across our operations, we recognise there is more
work to be done. Our current focus areas include:
• Phasing out plastic packaging from B2C sales wherever possible
• Reducing excess packaging on inbound shipments without compromising product quality
• Ensuring the responsible disposal of polybags
• Designing all packaging with recycled content and full recyclability
• Implementing further design efficiencies across our packaging range
PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY
We remain aware of the potential impact our business may have on global biodiversity and ecosystems. As such, we are committed to making informed, responsible decisions, recognising vulnerable habitats and acting with foresight and care.
In Action:
Biodiverse Sourcing
By assessing where our operations intersect with vulnerable ecosystems, we are better positioned to source responsibly
and make more informed decisions. Steps already taken include:
• Procuring all paper for our stationery, books, diaries, and packaging from FSC-certified sources to support
responsible forest management
• Incorporating recycled materials into both packaging and selected product ranges
• Phasing out exotic skins entirely, with any previously used materials being CITES-certified to ensure ethical sourcing
Responsible Chemical Management
Environmental stewardship also involves strict chemical oversight. All core product and packaging suppliers comply with international regulations, including REACH, and we actively work to reduce the amount of chemicals used in production.
We maintain a regularly updated Product Restricted Substances List (PRSL) to align with changing legislation and industry best practices. Testing is conducted internally and by our suppliers to ensure compliance at both the raw material and product level.
Additional measures include:
• Using vegetable-based inks for diary and notebook printing at our Wiltshire and Hertfordshire workshops
• Sourcing Nile Blue Featherweight paper that is elemental chlorine-free, acid-free, and heavy-metal-free
• Eliminating PVC across products and packaging
• Safe disposal of printing chemicals through specialist waste management partners
WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON
Looking ahead, we are focused on:
• Driving responsible sourcing to help mitigate biodiversity impacts, particularly deforestation
• Rethinking our use of chemicals
• Further reducing water consumption, energy use, and waste across our operations
PRODUCT
Rooted in over 135 years of heritage, Smythson represents the pinnacle of British luxury, defined by timeless design, refinement, and lasting quality. With a focus on exceptional craftsmanship, we create luxury products that balance form and function, while integrating sustainability into the heart of our creative process. Guided by United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, we combine our rich history with modern innovation, to ensure our products are both elegant and aligned with a more thoughtful and responsible future.
CONSIDERED CRAFTSMANSHIP
At Smythson, we have a longstanding commitment to quality and longevity. Our products are designed to be used, valued, and passed down, carrying their stories through generations; the enduring design of the Panama Pocket Diary, barely changed since 1908, is a testament to this. Approximately 70% of our collections comprise enduring core designs, crafted using consistent leathers and hardware – supporting circularity, conscious consumption, and facilitating repairs that extend each product’s lifespan.
In Action:
Circularity in Luxury Design
We seek opportunities to build circularity into product development and operations. This approach is exemplified by the Norton capsule collection, crafted from ECONYL® regenerated nylon with calf leather trims. We also introduced the Evergreen range of refillable notebooks and diaries, designed for long-term use by simply replacing the paper insert.
Our packaging has also been redesigned to reflect circular principles. We now use 60% recycled cotton for dust bags, 100% recycled polyester for ribbon, and a minimum of 40% recycled card and paper for our signature Nile Blue boxes and shopping bags. We have also transitioned to manufacturing our branded paper packaging in Italy, bringing manufacturer and our specially chosen Italian paper mill closer together, improving efficiencies within our supply chain.
Aftercare
Our products are designed to stand the test of time, and proper care is key to preserving their quality. Each leather item is accompanied by care instructions, with additional guidance available online.
Our Customer Service team offers a tailored repair service for all Smythson products. While not every item may be repairable, we carefully assess each request and recommend the most appropriate solution, ensuring longevity remains a defining hallmark of our craftsmanship.
WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON
• Expanding and digitalising care and aftercare services
• Introducing new aftercare products and guidance
• Continuing in-house leather training programme for employees
• Exploring additional circular materials
RESPONSIBLE SOURCING AND EXCEEDING STANDARDS
At Smythson, responsible sourcing is integral to our definition of quality. Our Animal Welfare & Sustainable Sourcing Policy outlines our approach to creating high-quality products while respecting people, the environment, and animals.
In Action:
Improving Traceability and Transparency
All Smythson leather goods are handcrafted in specialist workshops in the UK, Italy, Spain, and Romania. The leathers used are sourced from European tanneries that are certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG) or in the process of obtaining certification.
We are continuously working to strengthen material traceability and promote accountability in areas such as environmental impact, animal welfare, and carbon footprint. This includes our partnership with the Sustainable Leather Foundation, ESG certification through Positive Luxury, and conducting regular LCAs of our key materials.
Papers for our books, diaries, stationery and packaging are sourced exclusively from FSC-certified mills, including the Italian producer of our signature Nile Blue Featherweight paper. Production of the Nile Blue Featherweight paper also prioritises renewable energy, water recycling, and ISO 9706 certification, supporting the durability and longevity of our notebooks and diaries.
COMPLIANCE, QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT
We hold our suppliers to the same high standards we uphold internally. All partners are required to comply with relevant local and international legislation, participate in audits, and sign our Letters of Undertaking, which include commitments to our Code of Ethics and Product Restricted Substances List (PRSL). New suppliers undergo thorough due diligence to ensure alignment with our sustainability commitments.
Sustainability, testing, and compliance are embedded at every stage of product development through internal reviews and cross-team collaboration. Our long-standing relationships with specialist artisans and supply partners play a key role in maintaining the integrity and quality that have defined Smythson for over a century. These steps and many others have been recognised through our reassessment with Positive Luxury and the recertification of our Butterfly Mark, a symbol of Real Changemakers in luxury.
Having first been awarded the Butterfly Mark in 2020, we are proud to have been re-certified in 2025 by Positive Luxury, a global organisation that recognises luxury brands for their positive impact on people and the planet. For more information on our social and environmental impact, visit Positive Luxury’s website.
WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON
• Enhancing supplier data management for improved traceability
• Developing Digital Product Passports
• Staying ahead of global compliance standards
• Upholding sustainability benchmarks and rigorous quality management