THE NEW MONCLER INVESTOR RELATIONS APP IS NOW AVAILABLE
THE NEW MONCLER INVESTOR RELATIONS APP IS NOW AVAILABLE
The regular management of its business and the development of its strategy expose the Moncler Group to various types of risks that could adversely affect the Group’s operating results and its financial position. These risks are integrated into the corporate enterprise risk management (ERM) process. The entity responsible for managing ERM promotes coordination between the internal functions involved, in order to ensure consistency and effectiveness in overseeing and monitoring the main risks within the corporate organisation.
The most important business risks are monitored by the Control, Risks and Sustainability Committee and periodically examined by the Board of Directors, which takes them into account in developing the strategy.
RISKS RELATED TO THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE AND THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICTS
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began on 24 February 2022, and the conflict between Israel and Palestine, which began on 7 October 2023, have major global consequences not only in terms of severe humanitarian crisis, but also in terms of economic effects on the global markets, reflected among other things in increases in lead times and cost of transport, in energy and raw material costs.
The Moncler Group shut down its business activities in Russia after the conflict outbreak and it runs negligible activities in Israel and Palestine.
The Group has no suppliers of raw materials in Russia, Ukraine, Israel or Palestine, nor manufacturing sites located there. However, the escalation of the conflicts could have unpredictable repercussions on neighbouring countries where the Group produces, with an impact on production capacity, e.g. as a result of the temporary disruption in the power supply, and on procurement times and costs. The situation is constantly monitored in order to be able to react promptly to any intensification of the conflicts.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MARKETS IN WHICH THE GROUP OPERATES AND GENERAL
GEOPOLITICAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
The Group operates in the luxury goods sector, where there is a significant correlation between the demand for goods and the level of wealth, the level of economic growth and political stability in the countries where demand is generated. The Group’s ability to develop its business also depends on the political stability and economic situation of the various countries in which it operates.
Although Moncler operates in a significant number of countries around the world, reducing the risk of a high concentration of the business in limited geographical areas, any deterioration in economic, social or political conditions in one or more markets in which it operates could have negative consequences for sales and economic and financial results.
The possible introduction by national or supranational entities of constraints on the movement of individuals – as a result, for example, of international crises or pandemics –, terrorist attacks, as well as the tensions in Asia-Pacific area and the introduction of any export limitations as a result of trade or financial sanctions, could also affect sales, particularly in relation to specific geographical areas. In particular, in recent years the importance of Asian markets for the luxury goods sector has increased, reaching around half of turnover for the Moncler brand at the end of 2023, whereas Stone Island, having only recently begun its international expansion, particularly in Asia and America, remains more exposed to the European market (70% of revenues in fiscal year 2023).
CYBER RISKS AND PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION RISKS
The rapid technological evolution and growing organisational complexity of the Group, together with the increasing sophistication and frequency of cyber attacks, do not exclude the potential risk to the Group of cyber attacks through the use of innovative attack techniques.
Moncler is investing significantly in its model for managing cyber risks with a view to business continuity and data protection, adopting the best technologies and methodologies for vulnerability identification and system protection, ensuring the presence of qualified cyber security expertise, staff training and a careful process of periodic risk assessment and review also in relation to third parties. Furthermore, the Group has defined a specific governance structure for managing these issues. The oversight of the cybersecurity strategy is entrusted at Board level to the Chief Corporate & Supply Officer, who leads the Corporate and Supply divisions, including the Information & Technology Transformation department. This department is responsible for guiding the strategic direction, development, and implementation of technological solutions to enhance business operations and foster innovation. Key within this function is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), who ensures the security of the company’s information and technology assets through the development and execution of robust cybersecurity strategies. The CISO manages and mitigates risks, ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, and establishes contingency plans to address potential emergencies or security incidents.
RISKS RELATED TO THE COST AND AVAILABILITY OF HIGH QUALITY RAW MATERIALS, SUPPLY CHAIN CONTROL AND SUPPLIER RELATIONS
Moncler and Stone Island brand products require high-quality raw materials, including, but not limited to, down, nylon, cotton and wool. The price and availability of raw materials depend on a wide variety of factors, which are largely beyond the Group’s control and difficult to predict.
Although the Group has always managed to ensure a supply of raw materials adequate to its production requirements in terms of quantity and quality, hypothetical further tensions on the supply side could lead to difficulties in supply and a further increase in costs, with negative consequences for the Group’s economic results. In order to minimise the risks associated with the potential unavailability of raw materials in the timescales required for production, Moncler adopts a multisourcing strategy for supplier diversification and plans purchases with a medium-term time horizon.
In addition, suppliers of raw materials must meet precise contractual quality, composition and performance requirements and comply with applicable laws on worker protection, working conditions, local labour laws, respect for animal welfare, the environment and the use of hazardous chemicals.
In the area of workers’ rights, the Moncler Group includes, among its supplier qualification criteria, company audits carried out by qualified professionals.
With regard to respect for animals, the Moncler brand formed a multi-stakeholder forum that approved and continuously monitors and integrates the DIST (Down Integrity System & Traceability) protocol, to which suppliers must adhere strictly, ensuring the traceability of the raw material, respect for animals and the finest quality throughout the supply chain. With regards to hazardous chemicals, the Group requires its suppliers to operate in absolute compliance with the most restrictive international laws applicable to hazardous or potentially hazardous chemicals, including the European REACH regulation, Chinese GB standards, Japanese JIS standards, as well as with the Product Restricted Substance List (PRSL) and the corporate Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL), which include not only legal parameters, but also many more restrictive voluntary requirements, in line with a precautionary approach.
RISKS RELATED TO BRAND IMAGE, REPUTATION AND RECOGNITION
The luxury goods sector is influenced by changing consumer tastes, preferences and lifestyles in the various regions in which it operates. The Moncler Group’s success is significantly influenced by the image, reputation and recognition of its brands. If in the future the Group is not able, through its products and initiatives, to maintain the image, reputation and recognition of its brands, sales and economic results may be affected.
The Group therefore constantly strives to maintain and increase the strength of the Moncler and Stone Island brands, with a focus on product quality, innovation, communication and the development of its distribution model according to criteria of selectivity, quality and sustainability, including when it comes to the selection of counterparties with which to operate. The Group integrates sustainability assessments, including those related to compliance with local values
(religious, cultural and social) into its communication and marketing strategies, out of a belief that the continuous creation of value for all its stakeholders is a fundamental priority in strengthening its reputation.
RISKS RELATED TO RELATIONS WITH THIRD-PARTY PRODUCERS
The Moncler Group directly manages the development of its collections as well as the purchase or selection of raw materials, whereas for the garment packaging phase it relies on both own factories and independent third parties that operate under the Group’s close supervision (façon manufacturers).
Although the Group does not depend to a significant extent on any façon manufacturer, the suspension or termination of a relationship with some of the most significant façon manufacturers could adversely affect the Group’s business, with consequences for its sales and earnings.
The Moncler Group constantly monitors the supply chain of third-party manufacturers in order to ensure, in addition to requirements of high quality and financial reliability, full compliance with labour laws, worker safety and the environment and the principles of its Supplier Code of Ethics and Conduct through audits at third party contractors and their sub-suppliers. However, there is still a risk that a counterparty will not fully comply with the contracts entered into with Moncler in terms of quality, timeliness of deliveries and compliance with the applicable regulations.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RETAIL DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
With the Moncler brand, the Moncler Group generates most of its revenues through the retail channel, consisting of directly operated single-brand stores (DOSs) and the online store, whereas the Stone Island brand is more exposed to the wholesale channel (58% of 2023 revenues). Over the years, the Group has demonstrated its ability to open new stores in the most prestigious locations in
major world cities and in top-tier department stores, despite the competition between operators in the luxury goods sector to secure such positions, which is very strong. The Group thus may encounter difficulties in opening new stores in the future, with negative consequences for its business growth prospects.
In addition, by its nature, the retail business has a higher incidence of fixed costs, mainly relating to lease agreements. Although management has demonstrated its ability to develop profitable retail business over the years, a potential slowdown in sales in specific geographical areas could reduce the Group’s ability to turn a profit.
ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
Environmental issues and the related risks are also subject to assessment and formulation of mitigation plans.
With reference to the environmental risks linked to climate change, in 2021 the Group began voluntarily reporting company risks related to climate change in both its Non-Financial Statement and the CDP Climate Change Questionnaire, as required by the European Securities and Market Authority (ESMA) and the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) of the Financial Stability Board: Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, Metrics and Targets.
The potential and actual risks analysed concern the intensification of extreme climatic phenomena, the increase of average temperatures, the increase in the cost of certain types of raw materials, the introduction of regulations aimed at containing climate change and possible changes in customer purchasing habits.
In addition to the risks associated with climate change, the Group also identifies among environmental risks the failure to comply or incomplete compliance with relevant rules and laws which could result in possible criminal penalties and/or financial outlays; environmental pollution phenomena related, for example, to uncontrolled emissions, inadequate disposal of waste and wastewater or spills of dangerous substances into the ground.
The Group is committed to preventing and mitigating any environmental risks through various initiatives and projects.
In 2020 Moncler joined the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), setting targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with the United Nations’ commitment to limiting the maximum increase in global temperatures from pre-industrial levels.
The Group formulated rules, processes and control activities to prevent and manage any environmental risks from its processing and raw materials suppliers, through the adoption of the Code of Ethics, the Supplier Code of Conduct and the Environmental Policy, updated in July 2022, containing binding rules observance of which is verified through environmental compliance audits carried out by specialised third-party entities.
The Group also manages risks arising from the temporary disruption of operations arising from external events or natural events through various initiatives, including business continuity plans, as well as insurance policies covering the loss of the integrity of company assets and damage arising from the disruption of business.
Please refer to the 2023 Non-Financial Statement for more information
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES ON THE GROUP’S CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
The Group defined a climate strategy aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the intention of positively contributing to the global goal of combating climate change, in line with the requirements of the Paris Agreement on climate. This strategy, integrated into the Group’s business model, includes medium and long-term objectives.
In particular, the Group committed to reducing absolute CO2e emissions by 70% within Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 2030 (in line with the “1.5°C” ambition) and by 52% within Scope 3 (in line with the “Well-Below 2°C” ambition) per unit of product sold compared to 2021.
Furthermore, Moncler Group committed to achieving net zero emissions (Net Zero*) along the entire value chain by 2050.
These objectives have been formally approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)** and deemed consistent with the contribution required of companies to limit the maximum increase in global temperature compared to pre-industrial levels.
The main actions undertaken to achieve these objectives include:
• use of electricity from renewable sources (both purchased and self-generated);
• implementation of energy efficiency activities (Building Management System – BMS, lighting
systems, more efficient heating and cooling, improvement of building thermal insulation,
and promotion of environmental standards for buildings);
• adoption of low-impact environmental vehicles in the Group’s car fleet;
• obtaining LEED certifications for new stores*** and all new corporate buildings.
For Scope 3 emissions:
• the progressive introduction of “preferred” materials in collections;
• promotion of regenerative agriculture projects;
• decarbonization of the supply chain through energy efficiency measures and the adoption of renewable energy sources.
The actions described above are reflected and will be reflected in the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements in terms of new investments and recurring operations (e.g., purchase of origin guarantee certificates, purchase of certified raw materials, etc.). The Group voluntarily reports on non-financial aspects in both the Non-Financial Statement and the CDP Climate Change questionnaire, addressing climate change-related business risks as per the requirements of the
European Securities and Market Authority (ESMA) and the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) of the Financial Stability Board: Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, Metrics, and Objectives.
The impact of climate change has also been evaluated in relation to estimates and assessments made in the financial statements. Medium-term impacts have been taken into account in the business plan projections, which form the basis for the impairment test.
As of the reporting date, there are no significant effects on the figures presented in the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Furthermore, to strengthen the Group’s commitment to ESG issues, starting from 2020 Performance Share plan, an ESG Performance Indicator focused on carbon neutrality has been introduced for all directly managed Group locations worldwide (offices, stores, logistics hub, production sites), on reducing single-use fossil origin plastic, and on recycling nylon production waste, taking into account the Group’s inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability World and Europe indices.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
The Moncler Group’s results also depend on the ability of its management, which plays a crucial role in the Group’s development and which has significant experience in the luxury goods sector. If the relationship with some of these professionals is terminated without a timely, appropriate replacement, the Group’s ability to compete and its growth prospects may be affected.
The Moncler Group has an operational and management structure capable of ensuring business continuity, including through the definition of succession plans and the adoption of retention plans for key professionals, as well as talent management aimed at developing skills and retaining talent.
RISKS RELATED TO THE COUNTERFEITING OF BRANDS AND PRODUCTS AND THE PROTECTION
OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
The luxury goods market is characterised by the counterfeiting of brands and products.
The Moncler Group has made significant investments in the adoption of innovative technologies that enable tracking of products throughout the value chain to prevent and mitigate the effects of counterfeiting of its brands and products and to protect its intellectual property rights in the territories where it operates. However, the presence on the market of significant quantities of counterfeit products could still adversely affect the brand image, with a negative impact on sales and financial performance.
RISKS RELATED TO THE EVOLUTION OF THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Moncler Group operates in a complex international context and is subject, in the various jurisdictions in which it operates, to laws and regulations that are constantly monitored with regard to the health and safety of workers, environmental protection, rules on the manufacture and composition of products, consumer protection, personal data protection, industrial and intellectual property rights protection, competition rules, tax and customs rules, and in general all the relevant regulatory provisions.
The Group operates in accordance with applicable provisions of law and has established processes that ensure knowledge of the specific local regulations in the contexts in which it operates and of the regulatory changes that are gradually made. However, since legislation on certain matters, for example taxation or
personal data protection, is characterised by a high degree of complexity, an interpretation other than that applied by the Group may still have a significant impact on economic results. In this regard, the Moncler Group is involved in a programme to negotiate advance pricing agreements with the tax authorities of the main countries in which the Group operates, some finalised and some still in progress.
In addition, the enactment of new legislation or amendments to existing legislation that impose more stringent standards – for example with regard to product compliance – may entail, by way of example, costs of adapting the production methods or characteristics of the products or may limit the Group’s operations, with negative consequences for its financial performance.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH EXCHANGE RATE PERFORMANCE
The Moncler Group also operates on international markets in currencies other than the euro, mainly the Chinese Yuan Renminbi, Japanese Yen, US Dollar, Korean Won and British Pound. It is therefore exposed to risk arising from the fluctuation of exchange rates, to an extent equal to the amount of transactions (mainly revenues) not covered by transactions of the opposite sign expressed in the same currency. The Group has a strategy in place aimed at gradually hedging the risks associated
with exchange rate trends, limited to “transaction” risks, and has adopted a strict policy on currency risk that sets the minimum hedging limit per currency at the beginning of each sales campaign at 75%, and the minimum hedging limit per currency at the end of the sales campaign at 90%.
However, due in part to “translation” risk – deriving from the conversion into euro of the financial statements of foreign companies expressed in local currency – significant changes in exchange rates may entail changes (positive or negative) in the Group’s results and financial position.
For further information, see the specific section of the Notes to the Financial Statements 9.1.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INTEREST RATE PERFORMANCE
The Group does not avail itself of significant lines of credit as it is fully able to finance its own operations. In addition, the Group has the option of using loans from third parties, specifically banks.
If it chose to use such loans, it would be subject to the risk of interest rate changes. In order to hedge part of the risk relating to an increase in rates, the Group may carry out hedging activities. However, any significant fluctuations in interest rates could lead to an increase in financial expenses, with negative consequences for the Group’s results.
For further information, see the specific section of the Notes to Financial Statements 9.1.
CREDIT RISKS
The Moncler Group operates in accordance with credit monitoring policies aimed at reducing the risks arising from the insolvency of its wholesale customers. These policies are based on preliminary analysis of the reliability of customers and on guaranteed forms of insurance cover and/or payment
methods. In addition, the Group does not have significant credit concentrations.
However, the emergence of significant delinquency by certain customers could still result in losses on receivables, with negative consequences for the Group’s results. The Moncler Group monitors and manages its exposure to wholesale customers with significant positions with particular care, including by applying for and obtaining bank guarantees and cash deposits in advance of shipments.
For further information, see the specific section of the Notes to the Financial Statements 9.2.
LIQUIDITY RISKS
The Group implements financial planning activities aimed at reducing liquidity risk, including in view of the seasonal nature of the business, particularly for the Moncler brand. Based on evolving financial needs, where necessary, lines of credit are planned with the banking system to meet these needs, according to a corresponding distinction between short-term and long-term lines of credit.
In addition, to face the risk of loss of available capital, the Group follows strict rules to spread its deposits and cash and cash equivalents in a balanced manner over an adequate number of highly rated banks, while avoiding concentration and using only risk-free financial products.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION
The Moncler Group pays particular attention to the technological innovation of its processes and collections, as well as to the constant improvement of its customers’ experience. In this context, inadequate technological innovation could result in the loss of a competitive advantage over other companies operating in the sector. Conversely, the introduction of new technologies, such as the adoption of artificial intelligence tools, could generate some new risks that the Group will have to adequately identify and manage.
Social risks
Concerning people, among the main risks relating to human resources management the Group has identified the potential risks of reliance on key people and the difficulty in retaining and developing talent. To address these risks, a performance evaluation system has been implemented, covering the entire corporate population and taking into account both soft skills and technical skills. This system enhances and develops individual skills in the medium-to-long term, defines succession plans and nurtures the best talents. In addition, the Group has developed a medium-to-long-term incentive plan specifically aimed at managers and key roles in order to promote their retention.
The risk of human rights violation against employees of Group companies is considered at the theoretical risk level, due to the protections provided by the various laws and/or collective labour agreements, the working standards and DE&I principles set out in the Moncler and Stone Island Codes of Ethics, the Human Rights Policy issued in 2023 as an integral part of the Code of Ethics and, above all, the oversight activities carried out at corporate sites. Since 2022, to continue to ensure equal opportunities in the personnel selection and recruitment and to promote diversity and an environment that is increasingly inclusive right from the candidate experience phase, the Group updated the Personnel search and selection Policy. The Group has always encouraged reporting witnessed or suffered misconduct to the manager or the Human Resources team. The Group has also implemented a system of rules and a whistleblowing process for reporting irregularities, also in anonymous form, offences and violations of the Code of Ethics and internal regulations, including alleged human rights violations.
The Group’s business model entails for its products to be manufactured at the production site owned by Moncler in Romania, the “smart factory” in Trebaseleghe (Padua) as well as through façon manufacturers and finished-products suppliers operating in Italy and abroad. Moncler and Stone Island also purchase raw materials and services from a large number of suppliers worldwide. The diversity of partners and the geographical location of the Group’s operations have led to significant investments in preventing and monitoring, also through a traceability process, the existence of any risks related to human rights violations along the supply chain, with a particular focus on façon manufacturers, specialised workshops, and major logistics operators. With the help of certified specialist firms, Moncler and Stone Island regularly verify that their supply chain complies with applicable laws and the principles set forth in the Code of Ethics and Suppliers Code of Conduct. Both Codes, in particular, lay down the standards of conduct with which suppliers must comply with, failing which the collaboration relationship may be terminated. The Group is also committed to raising awareness, through training activities, among its internal teams and partners, on the importance of responsible sourcing principles. Following the verifications concluded in 2023, some limited situations of non-compliance with specific regulatory elements were identified, including certain aspects of remuneration, such as overtime pay for overtime hours worked, and of health and safety, such as on certification on fire prevention, inadequate management of training at plants, safety exits and extinguishers that do not meet regulatory requirements. The resolution of these aspects is the subject of follow-up activities on the basis of predefined timescales according to the severity of the irregularities detected.
Environmental risks
Environmental topics and the related risks are also subject to assessment and formulation of mitigation plans.
With reference to the environmental risks linked to climate change, in 2021 the Group began voluntarily reporting company risks related to climate change in both its Non-Financial Statement and the CDP Climate Change questionnaire, as required by the European Securities and Market Authority (ESMA) and the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) of the Financial Stability Board: Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, Metrics and Targets.
The potential and actual risks analysed concern the intensification of extreme climatic phenomena, the increase in the cost of certain types of raw materials, the introduction of regulations aimed at containing climate change and possible changes in client purchasing dynamics.
In addition to the risks associated with climate change, the Group also identifies among potential environmental risks the failure to comply or incomplete compliance with relevant laws and regulations which could result in possible criminal penalties and/or financial outlays; environmental pollution phenomena related, for example, to uncontrolled emissions, inadequate disposal of waste and wastewater or spills of dangerous substances into the ground.
The Group also analyses some potential risks relating to the loss of biodiversity, and the consequent impact on the supply of certain raw materials, due to deforestation, soil degradation and water contamination processes.
The Group is committed to preventing and mitigating any environmental risks through various initiatives and projects.
The Group has joined the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), setting targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with the United Nations’ commitment to limiting the maximum increase in global temperatures from pre-industrial levels.
The Group formulated rules, processes and control activities to prevent and manage any environmental risks from its processing and raw materials suppliers, through the adoption of the Code of Ethics, the Supplier Code of Conduct and the Environmental Policy, updated in July 2022, containing binding rules observance of which is verified through environmental compliance audits carried out by specialised third-party entities.
The Group also manages risks arising from the temporary disruption of operations arising from external events or natural events through various initiatives, including business continuity plans, as well as insurance policies covering the loss of the integrity of company assets and damage arising from the disruption of business.
Finally, the Group considers the potential risk of violation of the principles of animal welfare. Both Brands thus require their suppliers to comply with the animal welfare requirements set forth in the Supplier Code of Conduct. In particular, Moncler requires and verifies that its down supply chains comply with stringent requirements set out in its proprietary Down Integrity System & Traceability (DIST) Protocol, continuously carrying out audits, with the support of a specialised third party, to ensure adequate treatment of animals. Stone Island only purchases down certified according to the RDS (Responsible Down Standard).
With effect from the Spring/Summer 2024 collection, Moncler has stopped using fur**** in all its collections. The Company stopped buying fur from animals raised or caught in the wild exclusively or primarily for their fur in 2022 and the last collection with fur garments was Fall/Winter 2023. This decision is consistent with Moncler’s ongoing commitment to responsible business practices and builds on the Brand’s constructive and long-term engagement with the Italian animal rights organisation LAV as a representative of the Fur Free Alliance. Stone Island has not used fur since 2018 and has also joined the Fur Free Retailer Policy.
Compliance and other risks
In terms of non-compliance risks, a Group-wide Compliance Procedure has also been adopted in order to: circulate the definition of compliance, determine the scope of its applicability, set general compliance principles, identify employee roles and responsibilities and provide guidelines based on the pillars of the Group Compliance Programme, regularly updated.
The activities carried out by the Group Compliance function aim to strengthen the system for monitoring and managing non-compliance risks, starting from the areas considered most sensitive, such as health and safety, privacy, anti-corruption and product compliance.
The Group regards the protection and promotion of employees health, safety and wellbeing as a key value and a priority principle of its way of doing business. For this reason, an effective management system has been implemented at the global level in compliance with the international ISO 45001 standard in all offices, direct stores and logistics and production sites. In addition, in order to ensure the protection and promotion of health and safety at corporate sites, uniform management rules are applied, as detailed in the Health and Safety Management Policy adopted at Group level, and periodic audits are carried out at all sites where Moncler and Stone Island employees work. The management system, supported by important training and awareness-raising activities for both Group personnel and suppliers, plays a fundamental role in reducing the risk of workplace accidents.
Both Moncler and Stone Island oversee issues relating to privacy, to manage the risks of a data breach, and those relating to cybersecurity, to mitigate the risks of business disruption due to cyber attacks. In their Codes, both Brands indicate their commitment to implementing appropriate measures of an organisational and technological nature to respond appropriately to the privacy protection needs of their employees, collaborators, clients and suppliers, in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and in accordance with the best and most recent applicable practices. Accordingly, all the necessary steps were also adopted to promptly ensure compliance with all the measures required by Regulation (EU) 2016/679, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Furthermore, the Group has defined a specific governance structure for managing these issues. The oversight of the cybersecurity strategy is entrusted at Board level to the Chief Corporate & Supply Officer, who leads the Corporate and Supply divisions, including the Information & Technology Transformation department. This department is responsible for guiding the strategic direction, development, and implementation of technological solutions to enhance business operations and foster innovation. Key within this function is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), who ensures the security of the company’s information and technology assets through the development and execution of robust cybersecurity strategies. The CISO manages and mitigates risks, ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, and establishes contingency plans to address potential emergencies or security incidents. Regarding corruption prevention measures Moncler adopts an Anti-Corruption Model, which provides, inter alia, for a regulatory review of corruption offences in the countries in which the Company operates, identifying the areas and corporate processes at greatest risk of corruption. An Anti-Corruption Policy is therefore in force and has been adopted by each company of the Moncler Group. It defines the responsibilities for monitoring changes in legislation, risk monitoring controls, training, audit activities, management and reporting of cases of non-compliance.
The main compliance risks identified by the Group include, as a priority, those for clients, related to product safety and counterfeiting. To protect the health and safety of its clients, the Group requires its suppliers to operate in accordance with the most restrictive international laws applicable to hazardous or potentially hazardous chemicals and constantly verifies the chemical composition and the physical and mechanical characteristics of its products. Suppliers are contractually bound to comply with the guidelines contained in the Group’s Product Restricted Substances List (PRSL) and Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) published on the corporate website. In particular, the PRSL applies to materials, treatments and products, and includes not only the requirements of the most restrictive regulations of the producing and selling countries, but also other more stringent voluntary requirements in line with a precautionary approach. The proper implementation of these guidelines is verified through tests on the chemical composition of the raw materials carried out at specialised third-party laboratories by the supplier and/or Moncler and Stone Island. Both brands have established a completely dedicated internal function (Operations Compliance Department) to fully monitor this risk.
With the aim of protecting the clients and the Brands the Group has been committed to fight counterfeiting. Both Brands have therefore put in place a series of management and prevention tools managed by the Group’s Brand Protection and Intellectual Property department: from the formulation of detailed procedures to collaboration with law enforcement, customs and other luxury brands, training and audits of suppliers and use of anti-counterfeiting labels applied on all products.
Moncler Group has made an analysis of the emerging external risks that are expecting to significantly increase in importance in the long term with a potential impact on the textile sector.
Name: Food Crisis
Category: Geopolitical
Description:
Food insecurity might become a global threat. Economic models projected a shortage of cereals and an increase in cereal price in 2050 due to drivers ranging from increasing geopolitical conflicts and related export bans, to pandemics, uncontrolled demographic growth, economic shocks and climate change.
These contributing causes would impact consumers globally through higher food prices and less availability. Also the World Economic Forum estimates that over 500 Million people could face acute hunger in the next years. In several arable areas of the world this situation might create conditions for a global food shortage that could increase in the future.
Impact:
Farmers that grow staple crops and natural fibers in the future might be encouraged to grow food crops instead of natural fibers such as cotton, linen and hemp because of potential higher incomes due to higher prices and possible government incentives. This could potentially result in a shortage of natural fibers for the apparel industry, in particular cotton. Cotton is a key raw material for the Group and a shortage of cotton could mean either higher cost inputs or potentially unavailability of supply for production.
Mitigation actions:
The Group is increasing its investments in research and development in recycled cotton and alternative raw materials and is also committed to have 50% of its cotton from organic or regenerative agriculture that are more resilient to climate change and can therefore come from areas less suitable for food production.
Name: Impact of AI on Education and Creativity
Category: Societal
Description:
The growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the educational system is affecting how younger generations learn and develop creative skills. This phenomenon in the future can represent an emerging risk for a luxury fashion company as the Moncler Group when it comes to hire new generations within the creative department. The primary concern is that reliance on AI might diminish the ability of young individuals to develop and nurture creativity and therefore unique products and creative contents – a critical strategic asset in the luxury fashion industry.
Impact:
In the long term, an homogenization in creativity skills could impact the ability to innovate and maintain the distinctive allure and uniqueness of its products and creative contents. Luxury thrives on originality and the ability to offer designs that captivate and inspire, which require a strong creative component. If emerging talents will be overly reliant on automated tools, this can translate into a lower level of creative power.
Mitigation actions:
To mitigate this emerging risk, a proactive approach is essential. First, the Group has to keep investing in internal training programs that emphasize the importance of creativity and innovation, offering workshops and creative labs to young designers. Collaborations with fashion schools and universities to integrate courses that balance the use of technology with the development of creative skills are crucial. Additionally, above all, promoting a corporate culture that values and rewards originality can encourage employees to explore new ideas and nurture uniqueness. Finally, maintaining continuous monitoring of the evolution of creative skills among the youth will allow the Group to adapt its strategies and stay at the forefront of the industry.
NOTES
* Achieving Net Zero involves the overall balance between greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced and those absorbed by ecosystems, through neutralisation mechanisms. Specifically, to contribute to Net Zero, companies must reduce emissions and neutralise residual emissions.
**Promoted by CDP, United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Science Based Targets initiative establishes and promotes best-practice in defining science-based targets, as well as assessing companies’ objectives.
***Excluding Shop-in-shop.
**** The term “fur” refers to any skin with hair from animals raised or caught in the wild exclusively or primarily for their fur, for example fox, mink,coyote, finn raccoon, ermine, etc..