The new Niessing sustainability report: "Fulfilling our value promise"

Niessing has published its 41-page sustainability report for 2024. In this document, the Vreden-based company discloses its strategies and methods, which contribute to transparency and traceability.

Left: Jewelry icons: tension rings by Niessing. © Niessing

Apprenticeships at Niessing are in demand

The foreword to the sustainability report begins with good news and a topic that has long been a concern in the industry: the training of young talent. Niessing Managing Director Sandro Erl confirms the strong interest in apprenticeships at the long-established company and explains:

“For me personally, supporting training and young skilled workers is one of the most important and sustainable contributions we can make.”

A Niessing partner company operates a diamond cutting facility in Sri Lanka, where a training center was established in collaboration with the United Nations Global Campaign. There, people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds have the opportunity to learn the craft of diamond cutting. 

Niessing is certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council and is thus committed to acting in an ecologically responsible, ethically sound, and human rights-compliant manner, as well as ensuring socially just practices along the supply chain for precious metals, diamonds, and colored gemstones. Sandro Erl is aware of the importance and significance of such steps: 

"The luxury goods industry is in flux. Only those who deliver on their promise of value will remain credible and retain their customers long-term. We're happy to provide a glimpse behind the scenes – because genuine appreciation creates emotions."

The steps towards sustainability at a glance

In its sustainability report, Niessing outlines clear steps and strategies to maintain and further improve standards. Here are a few factors at a glance: 

Suppliers: Since the last sustainability report, Niessing has separated from a single supplier because doubts arose regarding the environmental and working conditions at a foreign location that could not be dispelled by Niessing's research.

Quality: Niessing values high-quality materials, timeless design, and a manufacturing process that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. The company's high level of employee loyalty forms the basis for the craftsmanship that enables professional repair of the jewelry, thereby increasing its longevity.

Almost all Niessing jewelry pieces are provided with an identification number so that their journey from production to reprocessing can be traced. 

Made to Order: Another aspect of sustainability is the "made to order" concept, where jewelry is only manufactured after it has been ordered. This saves resources and makes each piece a unique original.

Niessing is pursuing further goals in terms of traceability. Starting September 1, 2025, every Niessing ring will be provided with a corresponding ID number.

Insights into the CO2 balance

Another factor in national and international environmental protection is the company's CO₂ footprint. Niessing discloses that the company's total emissions increased by 6.8 percent last year. This was due to the renovation of the factory, which led to a one-time increase in Scope 3 emissions. The sustainability report states 22 percent, which corresponds to 98.7 tons of CO₂.

Further emissions factors arise from journeys in rental and private vehicles, which are to be reduced through job bike programs for commuters starting in 2024. The company has also installed a heat pump and is continuing to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.

Emissions that cannot currently be avoided are offset in India through a cooking stove project. Cooking in India is often done over open fires, which results in high environmental pollution. Cooking stoves reduce wood consumption and thus the release of pollutants. At the same time, deforestation is reduced.

In Germany, Niessing plants one tree for every ton of CO₂ emitted, which promotes the conversion of monocultures into climate-resistant mixed forests.

People and work culture

In the report, Niessing assures that it maintains a healthy workplace culture with equal opportunities, fair wages, and health-promoting measures such as ergonomic seating and the availability of company bicycles. 

Of the 173 employees, 72 percent are female. The part-time workforce is 38 percent. 14 apprentices are being trained in the following professions: goldsmith, gem setter, industrial clerk, IT specialist, and machining operator.

In 2024, 7 new employees were hired, including 3 apprentices, a field sales representative, two goldsmiths and a CNC machine operator.

The Niessing's full sustainability report , which contains further details on various environmental and sustainability efforts, employee management and compliance goals, can be found here.