Sustainability
Transforming gold, preserving resources
By offering advanced material innovations,
we address the environmental and
social issues of precious metals mining.
INNOVATION FOR PRECIOUS METALS PRESERVATION
The global demand for gold continues to rise every year.
At the same time, its extraction becomes increasingly expensive and environmentally harmful.
Mining for precious metals like gold, palladium, and rhodium leads to deforestation, water pollution, soil degradation, and high water consumption.
These environmental issues not only disrupt ecosystems but also pose serious health risks to local communities and workers involved in the mining process.
Our mission is to save 3% of the gold extracted annually by substituting it with tungsten by 2030 (c. 100 tons target).
The Environmental and Social Impact of Precious Metal Mining
The use of precious metals is widespread in industries ranging from luxury goods to high-tech applications. 85% of the environmental impact of their products comes from mining.
Precious metals are not only rare, but also very deep in the Earth, requiring the transportation of large quantities of ore to extract them.
We reached peak gold production in 2018, and now we have to deal with a constrained resource. Daumet materials have been developed to meet these major challenges.
Tons of gold extracted in 2023
of Luxury & Jewerly impact coming from mining
Tons of ore extracted for a 5g gold ring
significant gainS from substituting PRECIOUS METALS WITH TUNGSTEN
DATA : W = 13, Pd = 3,880 ; Au = 12,500 : Rh = 35,100 KG CO2-EQ PER KG SOURCE: Life Cycle Assessment of Metals: A Scientific Synthesis, Philip Nuss and Matthew J. Eckelman Published: July 7, 2014, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0101298
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*P-EQ = Phosphorus DATA : W = 9,3 E-06, Pd = 1,0 E+01 ; Au = 2,3 E+02 Rh = 1,5 E+02SOURCE: Life Cycle Assessment of Metals: A Scientific Synthesis, Philip Nuss and Matthew J. Eckelman Published: July 7, 2014, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0101298
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*CTUh = Comparative Toxic Unit for humanUSEtox 1.02 Recommended + interim DATA : W = 0,000034, Pd = 0,018 ; Au = 0,39 : Rh = 0,27 CTUh per KGSOURCE: Life Cycle Assessment of Metals: A Scientific Synthesis, Philip Nuss and Matthew J. Eckelman Published: July 7, 2014, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0101298
Global warming potential
kg CO2-eq per kg produced
DATA : W = 13, Pd = 3,880 ; Au = 12,500 : Rh = 35,100 KG CO2-EQ PER KG SOURCE: Life Cycle Assessment of Metals: A Scientific Synthesis, Philip Nuss and Matthew J. Eckelman Published: July 7, 2014, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0101298
Fresh water eutrophication
kg P-eq per kg produced
*P-EQ = Phosphorus DATA : W = 9,3 E-06, Pd = 1,0 E+01 ; Au = 2,3 E+02 Rh = 1,5 E+02SOURCE: Life Cycle Assessment of Metals: A Scientific Synthesis, Philip Nuss and Matthew J. Eckelman Published: July 7, 2014, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0101298
Human Toxicity
CTUh per kg produced
*CTUh = Comparative Toxic Unit for humanUSEtox 1.02 Recommended + interim DATA : W = 0,000034, Pd = 0,018 ; Au = 0,39 : Rh = 0,27 CTUh per KGSOURCE: Life Cycle Assessment of Metals: A Scientific Synthesis, Philip Nuss and Matthew J. Eckelman Published: July 7, 2014, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0101298
BY 2030, every year, Our MATERIALS WILL AVOID:
THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF THE CITY OF PARIS
+
THE USE and pollution OF 50,000 OLYMPIC SWIMMING POOLS
+
THE LOSS OF 90,000 FOOTBALL FIELDS AREAS IN THE RAIN FOREST
Daumet solutions commiTted to fostering UN SDGs
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for global action by 2030. Daumet is proud to take action and to commit to 6 SGDs for positive impact.
CONTROLLING OUR GOLD SOURCING
Unlike some players in the gold sector, we believe that a single source of supply cannot address both social and environmental issues.
We therefore work with two types of gold:
- Reprocessed gold, for all 24k gold and 18k pink gold applications
- Fairmined gold for our 18K white gold applications, certified gold from empowered responsible artisanal and small-scale mining organizations who meet world leading standards for responsible practices.
This dual approach allows us to meet the diverse needs of our clients while upholding our commitment to sustainability.
OUR International Certifications
Butterfly Mark from Positive Luxury
Our Butterfly Mark certification by Positive Luxury is a mark of real change for brands meeting higher and higher standards for people and nature. This certification ensures our clients that we uphold the highest CSR standards in all our products.
Solar Impulse Label
Gold-tungsten alloys, the major Daumet’s innovation, has received the Solar Impulse Label, which is awarded to solutions that combine economic viability with environmental preservation, highlighting our role in pioneering decarbonization technologies.
“Innovative Alloys” Rising Star
Daumet's innovative approach to sustainable gold usage is setting new benchmarks for environmentally responsible practices in technology and luxury sectors alike. Among the 1% more innovative startups in the world and the worldwide top 5 for innovative alloys!
EIT Raw Materials
European Union entity, focused on Innovation and European Green Deal initiatives, supporting our company since the very beginning.
FAQ
About Daumet gold technology
What makes Daumet’s gold jewelry sustainable?
Daumet’s gold jewelry and gold applications are providing sustainable solutions thanks to our certified 3-step approach:
- Responsible sourcing of recycled and Fairmined gold
- Our innovative and patented Gold-Tungsten alloy, significantly reduces the environmental and social impacts of traditional gold mining.. Additionally, our Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technology ensures eco-friendly and durable gold coatings.
The Daumet method minimizes the need for gold from the mine, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and pollution associated with extraction.
What is recycled gold?
This is a much-debated issue in the global gold community. For some, gold can be considered recycled once it has been melted down once and reused. For others, only gold derived from waste can be considered recycled. The debate then turns to what can and cannot be considered as waste. One thing is certain: since the dawn of time, gold has not been thrown away, but reprocessed for reuse. Daumet refines its waste and reintroduces gold into its production loop, so the company uses recycled gold.
What is Fairmined gold jewelry?
Fairmined gold jewelry uses gold sourced from Fairmined certified mines, which uphold rigorous environmental, social, and labor standards. As a Fairmined licensed buyer since 2019, Daumet supports artisanal mining communities, ensuring responsible sourcing and promoting sustainable economic and social development.
How does Daumet’s Gold-Tungsten alloy contribute to sustainability?
Our Gold-Tungsten alloy reduces the need for extensive gold mining by combining gold with tungsten, an abundant and less impactful metal. This innovative and patented alloy provides a white and luminous appearance and the preciousness of 18K gold alloys while significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions,water consumption and terrestrial acidification associated with gold mining.
What are the environmental benefits of using PVD technology in gold coating?
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technology used by Daumet for gold coating applications minimizes the use of harmful chemical products and is totally waterless, resulting in a more environmentally friendly process. PVD coatings are durable, reducing the need for frequent replacements and further lowering the environmental footprint of jewelry pieces and luxury goods.
What types of materials can be used with Daumet’s sustainable gold coatings?
Daumet’s sustainable gold coatings can be applied to any materials : from various organic materials (leather, feather, silk, fabric, wood, etc.) to metallic ones (silver, brass, stainless steel, and more) or polymers.Our technology allows for high-quality, durable finishes on a wide range of substrates, making it versatile for different jewelry and luxury items.
READY to DECARBONIZE WITH INNOVATIVE materials solutions?
Reach out to us if you are interested in learning more about Daumet CSR impacts and implementing our sustainable solutions.
