Majors

Pandora Starts Shift to Recycled Metals

MajorsJun 05, 2020

Pandora Starts Shift to Recycled Metals

The jewelry company said it will use only recycled gold and silver by 2025 as it looks to reduce its carbon footprint.

20200204_Pandora_bracelet.jpg
In a push towards carbon neutrality, Pandora plans to use only silver and gold from recycled sources by 2025.

Copenhagen, Denmark—Pandora will phase out its use of mined silver and gold by 2025, the company announced Tuesday, opting to buy from recycled sources in an effort to create more sustainable jewelry.

Currently, 71 percent of the jeweler’s silver and gold come from recycled sources.

The company said the shift would cut down on carbon emissions, water usage, and other environmental impacts and contribute to making its jewelry more sustainable.

“The need for sustainable business practices is only becoming more important, and companies must do their part in response to the climate crisis and the depletion of natural resources,” said CEO Alexander Lacik in a press release.

Carbon emissions from recycled silver are one-third of what they would be from mined silver, said Pandora, calculations it made using the GaBi 2019 database.

Recycled gold emits 600 times less carbon than mining new gold, according to data from the World Gold Council and C. Hafner, a company specializing in precious metal technology.

Lacik said silver and gold can be recycled without losing their quality, noting that “metals mined centuries ago are just as good as new.”

Pandora’s jewelry is most often crafted using silver, which accounts for half of all the company’s purchased product materials measured by weight.

The jeweler also uses gold, palladium, copper, and man-made stones, like nano-crystals and cubic zirconia.

The decision to use recycled silver and gold extends to all uses of these metals, said Pandora, including grains and semi-finished items like chains, and other parts from suppliers.

The company said it will work with suppliers to ensure it has a sufficient supply of responsibly sourced recycled silver that is certified in line with supply chain initiative standards, such as those set by the Responsible Jewellery Council.

Pandora also said it will reach out to stakeholders in the supply chain to look for opportunities to increase the availability of recycled silver and improve production standards.

In a recent report on retail trends post-COVID-19, Bain & Co. noted the call for eco-friendly and sustainable products will only grow stronger following the pandemic.

Brands will want to be mindful of consumer concerns when thinking about end-to-end product life cycle, supply chain management, and how to dispose of unsold stock, said Bain.

The decision to use recycled silver and gold follows Pandora’s announcement in January that it plans to be carbon neutral by 2025, joining the Science Based Targets initiative, a group of corporations collaborating to address climate change.

Pandora

said it will publish a plan by the end of 2021 to reduce its emissions throughout its value chain in line with “what the best available science says” and the Paris Agreement, an international commitment to tackle the climate change crisis set forth by the United Nations.

The company also plans to source 100 percent renewable electricity at its two manufacturing hubs in Thailand.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Industry journalist Rob Bates
SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director

After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.

AMNH Beryl
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals Database

Wiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.

Boochier Flower Puff Campaign
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine Jewelry

The “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.

GIA iD100®
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Community for Ethical Jewelry logo
Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage Webinar

Set for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.

Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Lisa Bayer
IndependentsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64

Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”

Tiffany & co diamond ring
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online Sale

The highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

AGTA GemFair Tucson
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029

The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.

Tom Heap
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, Watches

Former Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.

NYPD robbery media
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery Suspects

The group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.

Georgia May Jagger in Tommy Hilfiger campaign
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, Women

Movado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.

Marco Bicego Art of Craft Campaign Imagery
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’

After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”

Couture Time to Watches logo
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This Year

Couture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.

Macy’s New York City Herald Square flagship
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’s

Plus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.

Jwaneng Diamond
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ Diamond

The flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.

Tiffany & Co.’s Three Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Archives Brooches
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars Win

Costume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.

Women wearing Zales jewelry
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen Banner

The jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026

From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.

26.36 carat round brilliant cut white diamond
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at Auction

The historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.

JCK Rocks Nelly Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With Nelly

Three-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.

Lady Wardington and diamond-clip brooch
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161K

The model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.

My Next Question Episode 3 guest Johnny Nelson
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny Nelson

Fresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.

Lucara blue diamond
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue Diamond

The “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.

Mark and Candy Udell on stage at the 2026 Gem Awards
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards

Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.

Winter Tourmaline
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’

The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.

Natalie Portman in Tiffany & Co. Jewelry
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New Ambassador

The Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy