SUSTAINABILITY - PRODUCT

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

Planet

Product

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 and conscious consumption 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.

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 from mills committed to responsible forestry practices. Please ask about our FSC® - (FSC-C137072) certified products. Production of the Nile Blue Featherweight paper prioritises renewable energy, water recycling, and ISO 9706 certification, supporting the durability and longevity of our notebooks and diaries.

COMPLIANCE, QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT

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 from mills committed to responsible forestry practices. Please ask about our FSC® - (FSC-C137072) certified products. Production of the Nile Blue Featherweight paper prioritises renewable energy, water recycling, and ISO 9706 certification, supporting the durability and longevity of our notebooks and diaries.

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 Ethicsand 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.