Sustainability

We’ve worked hard over the past few years to explore how we can make our product more environmentally friendly and have developed a new crystal formula that will replace, over time, the lead oxides in our current formula with barium oxide. As well as being 100% recyclable, the new, lead-free crystal formula allows our factories to considerably reduce their energy consumption. By the end of 2025, all Waterford crystal will be produced lead free.

This new crystal is as beautifully clear and brilliant as you would expect from Waterford, with the same resounding “ping” that signifies quality. The new material is twice as strong, and more resistant to heat. Our craftsmen are pleased, too, because the crystal allows them to showcase their craft with deeper and sharper cuts, creating the tactile and luxury experience people love.

We have implemented energy efficiency measures in our House of Waterford manufacturing processes. Electricity used in our manufacturing operations is sourced from renewable energy sources. What’s more, our factories use water recycling and reuse systems in our production processes to reduce water consumption and wastewater generation.

What’s more, our manufacturing process now creates a smaller environmental footprint and we support responsible disposal of crystal products. Please consult your local waste services for guidance. Whenever possible, crystal waste is melted and reused as raw material for new crystal products. Add to this our commitment to minimise sending waste to landfill. In 2025, approximately 76% of our waste materials were reused or recycled. And our factories are working towards the highest environmental standards in Europe, within our industry.

We can’t overstate the importance of packaging our crystal properly. We continue the usage of renewable materials in our packaging and use materials that are recyclable within existing waste systems, where available. There are always further developments we can make to our packaging, so we are working hard to improve this every year.

We try and ensure our products and raw materials are primarily transported by land and sea. We also encourage our partners to do the same.

Waterford crystal has always been crafted to stand the test of time. Now, we’re actively encouraging people to choose products that will be enjoyed not just for years, but for generations.

When it comes to marketing and retail, every little helps. That’s why, we use recyclable paper for all printed marketing materials. In addition to this, we’re reducing the quantity of point-of-sale items we give to our retail partners. We like to think Waterford speaks for itself.

Thanks to its elegant designs, Waterford crystal has been loved for generations. This dedication to quality is at the very heart of everything we do. It’s why all our crystal needs to pass strict quality and industry standards before reaching the shelves. It’s also why we take so much time and care on selecting the perfect material and why specialist quality and safety tests are conducted throughout the production process.

We use 80% recycled material in our melting production process at the House of Waterford factory. Ultimately, our aim is simple: To reuse the waste crystal from our factories as raw material for new products, helping create timeless classics that will last a lifetime, while contributing to a greener future.

You can read more about the Fiskars Group Sustainability work here.