We spoke with company founder Gerhard Fritsch about ecologically sustainable practices in jewelry production in general and at CAPOLAVORO in particular.

Sustainability and environmental protection are major issues in the jewelry world. What's your general stance on this?

Gerhard Fritsch: These topics have always been a
A matter close to our hearts. Our entire production takes place locally in Inning am Ammersee. We use only second-life-cycle gold, ethically certified diamonds, and colored stones.

How long have you been dealing with these topics?

This topic has actually been on our minds for many, many years. The impact we cause as business people must be minimized – this has always been anchored in our values. In the past, these issues weren't communicated in this way – but today it's more important than ever to talk about them.

What are the latest developments in this area?

I am particularly pleased that our youngest son, after completing his vocational training as an energy and building technician and his subsequent studies in renewable energies, has now decided to work in this future-oriented field and to provide us with significant advice in this area as a partner.

You use recycled gold in your production. Why is this a good solution for you?

Secondary gold is recovered from previously used gold, such as old jewelry, dental gold, etc. While this recovery process also requires a complex industrial process, its environmental impact is significantly better than that of gold mined in mines. Furthermore, this recycling takes place locally, in compliance with strict German environmental regulations—we work with the company Hafner in Mönsheim.

How much interest do jewelers and end customers have in these topics?

The sensitivity and general interest in these topics are among the
This is very important for our end customers and our specialist retail partners. Unfortunately, it is also observed again and again in our industry that products from some – very well-known – market players often receive a German or European seal of approval, but are nevertheless manufactured in foreign countries with low wages, questionable working conditions, and lax environmental regulations.

Do you see a general change in the industry regarding sustainability and fair trade?

The awareness and importance of sustainable action has increased enormously in recent years. We notice that, for example, larger companies or corporations are now applying for a "sustainability certification" RJC (= Responsible Jewelery Council) increasingly important and
A basic requirement is what we think is good. We're working on that.

Your company building in Inning is built from wood according to your plans and equipped with a photovoltaic system. Why did you choose this option? And: What's it like working here?

Timber houses are a sustainable and climate-friendly alternative to solid construction, as wood is a renewable raw material, requires less energy to produce, and has a lower environmental impact than other building materials such as brick, concrete, or steel. Furthermore, timber houses store CO2, thus contributing to a reduction in CO2 emissions.

Our manufacturing building is designed as a plus-energy building, which is characterized by producing more energy than it consumes on average throughout the year. We achieve this through a combination of energy-efficient timber construction and the use of renewable energies—in our case, a photovoltaic system, a heat pump, and a battery storage system—with intelligent building technology. Our manufacturing building thus offers our employees and visitors healthy indoor air and a truly unique, comfortable climate and ambience.