(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, UK – The Responsible Jewellery Council announces the expansion of its material scope to include silver. As the leading standards setting and certification organization for the fine jewelry and watch supply chain, this expansion adds another key sector to the RJC’s remit, helping the council to widen its authority and reputation across the industry.
The expansion of the RJC into the silver supply chain comes after years working with leading companies in the precious metal supply chains, addressing issues found in the diamond, gold and platinum group metals supply chain.
Andrew Bone, executive director of the RJC, said, “It is a natural progression for the RJC to include the silver sector, furthering our goal to become a fully integrated jewelry supply chain initiative. The expansion allows us to use the expertise we have gathered through our longstanding work across other precious metal supply chains and will help us better support a sustainable and ethical silver industry.”
Wilfried Hoerner, chairman of the RJC’s board of directors, added, “By extending the material scope for RJC certification, more businesses in the jewelry supply chain will now be able to confidently demonstrate their commitment to responsible business practices through certification against the RJC standards. We are really pleased to be able to welcome the silver supply chain to our growing community of confidence.”
Information relevant to the silver supply chain will be included in the RJC’s Code of Practices standard. The COP defines responsible ethical, human rights, social and environmental practices for businesses operating in the diamond, gold and/or platinum group metals, coloured gemstones and now silver. The full integration of silver into the COP is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
Achieving RJC certification offers companies a competitive edge, highlighting their commitment to the highest standards in ethical and sustainable practices.