For Jacques Christophe and Mia Branellec, sustainability has truly evolved into a way of life. They speak about eco-conscious practices they adopt in the workplace and at home, and how small acts can make big differences on the environment and the communities they work with
In November of 2018, 16 leaders in the Southeast Asian retail, hospitality, and F&B sphere were invited by Tatler Asia to Koh Kood, Thailand for its first-ever sustainability forum. Representing the Philippines and their own companies were Jacques Christophe Branellec, the EVP and deputy CEO of Jewelmer, and Mia Arcenas-Branellec, fashion designer and CEO of her eponymous brand. Having been married since November 2017, they are united by the same passion for nature, life, and sustainability. Attending the forum together marked another step in Jacques Christophe and Mia’s sustainability journey as they continue to stand at the helm of their respective businesses. “We met like-minded people and learnt so much from each of them,” shares the couple. “It was an experience that enriched our own knowledge and practice.” Joining the family business of South Sea pearl cultivation and fine jewellery, Jacques Christophe is committed to the pursuit of sustainable luxury that Jewelmer was founded upon. Along the same lines, Mia creatively challenges the notion that fashion is wasteful with her innovative designer apparel and accessories.
In the beginning, Jewelmer depended on harvesting wild Pinctada maxima oysters to culture South Sea pearls. The founders, French pearl farmer Jacques Branellec and Filipino businessman Manuel Cojuangco, soon realised that this method was simply not sustainable due to the lack of proper controls of the fisheries in the area, leading to a depletion of natural oyster beds. “To make the process sustainable, [my father and Mister Cojuangco] decided to experiment in breeding our own oysters,” explains Jacques Christophe. He adds that being in control of the breeding process has allowed Jewelmer to not only be in control of the bio density within a given area, but also to repopulate other areas.
Recognising that pearl farming is dependent on the grace of nature, Jacques Christophe emphasises the necessity of protecting nature’s welfare. Changes in the environment have posed difficulties for the company. “In the past five years, production of high-quality pearls has become more challenging because of extreme variations in temperature, acidity, and plankton availability. “This trend indicates that the environment is deteriorating. As a living gem, the pearl is inextricably linked with the beauty of the place: the pearl, which is an end result to such a positive process, is nature’s reward for our stewardship,” Jacques Christophe says.
The company’s concept of sustainability is not just limited to pearl farming and business practices. Through the Save Palawan Seas Foundation, Jewelmer supports sustainable livelihood and environmental initiatives such as free-range chicken farming, organic vegetable farming, seaweed farming, coral rehabilitation, and coastal cleanups. Proper waste disposal and the reduction of single-use plastics are being implemented as well.
Facing similar issues in her own industry, Mia contends with the question of how to minimise waste in a field driven by constant and rapid production. Though today’s eco-conscious generation is putting in the effort to live more sustainably, options continue to be limited, and many retailers struggle to incorporate sustainability into their business models. Mia, who designs beautiful resortwear pieces and accessories, collaborates with indigenous artisans and turns to recycled materials for her creations. “I use retaso [fabric remnants], woven abaca, linen, and even recycled wood, glass, and fruit seeds, among others,” she shares. “It is important to always be thinking of ways to make fashion eco-friendlier, as this helps educate consumers with regard to buying quality, one-of-a-kind pieces that they can reuse often instead of turning to mass-produced items they can easily replace when a new trend comes in.”
