The list aims to define key terms such as ‘responsible’, ‘ethical’ and ‘sustainable’ with precision, to prevent greenwashing practices within the industry. After a 4-month public consultation period, the final version will be released at the CIBJO Congress in Paris in October
Bern: The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) has introduced a draft version of ‘The Blue List’, a comprehensive glossary designed to bring clarity and consistency to the language surrounding responsible sourcing and sustainability in the jewellery, gemstone, and precious metals sectors globally.
The glossary is the result of over three years of collaborative work. It aims to define key terms such as ‘responsible’, ‘ethical’ and ‘sustainable’ with precision, helping to eliminate vague claims and prevent greenwashing practices within the industry.
According to the draft, ‘responsible sourcing’ entails compliance with international baseline standards, including environmental protection, labour laws, anti-corruption policies, and due diligence throughout the supply chain. Meanwhile, an ‘ethical’ business must meet those same standards while also aligning with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and engaging in socially beneficial initiatives that go beyond legal obligations. Similarly, ‘sustainable’ practices are those that deliver long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits.
“The Blue List is a vital step towards greater consistency and credibility in how our industry communicates about responsibility,” said CIBJO President, Gaetano Cavalieri. “With growing demand for transparency, the absence of clear, harmonized terminology has led to confusion, even among professionals. By providing universally agreed language and guidance for substantiation, we are creating a common ground that strengthens trust both within the industry and with the public.”
CIBJO has launched a four-month public consultation period, which will run until September. Stakeholders from all parts of the supply chain have been invited to review the glossary and submit their input via the dedicated online platform https://cibjo.org/the-blue-list-review/.
The final version of ‘The Blue List’ will be officially released at the CIBJO Congress in Paris this October.
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