Dialogue and cooperation with stakeholders

Since 1837, Hermès has been producing exceptional objects designed to last and be passed on. Moreover, with its craftsmanship savoir‑faire, its exclusive distribution network and its creative heritage, Hermès integrates sustainability into all aspects of its business model, taking into account its product and service offering, its customers, geographical areas and relations with stakeholders.

The group's sustainable development is rooted in harmonious, close, and long-term relationships with its internal and external stakeholders. Hermès acts as a corporate citizen wherever it operates, contributing to the economic, social, and cultural vitality of the regions. Hermès communicates its sustainable development ambitions and achievements with its stakeholders and participates in discussions by sharing the specifics of its responsible and sustainable model.

All of these stakeholders are included in the Company’s due diligence and materiality assessment processes. Indeed, within the framework of the new regulation, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, and after defining its priority issues, the company consulted its main stakeholders to discuss the rating and importance of these issues in terms of impacts, risks, and opportunities. In this regard, several key internal contributor groups were identified and interviewed in rating workshops.

A panel of external stakeholders was consulted on the results of the analysis. Thus, between June and September 2024, more than 40 of the Group’s external stakeholders rated the major sustainability matters through an online survey. The results collected and then weighted supplemented the internal assessment results.

The results of the double materiality analysis are presented in the universal registration document according to themes and sub-themes in accordance with European sustainability reporting standards.

A responsible family business, true to its humanist values, Hermès offers its employees a collective and human‑centered project. As part of its strategy and business model, Hermès pays particular attention to dialogue with its employees, who are key stakeholders in the Group’s strategy. 

Hermès’ sustainable development is linked to the ability of its partners and suppliers to develop sustainably with regard to social, environmental and ethics issues, in particular human rights, fundamental freedoms and working conditions.

The Hermès Group pays particular attention to any concerns and expectations of its customers. In this respect, the direct relationship between the customer and the sales associates is often a preferred channel. In terms of sustainability, the company strives to meet the growing expectations of its customers regarding ethical and environmental transparency.