Diamond manufacturer reaches global first carbon-negative milestone in production process

Close-up of a diamond being held with tweezers.
Photo courtesy Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK).

India-based diamond manufacturer Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK) announced it has achieved a negative carbon footprint in its diamond crafting operations. This development marks the first time a company in the global diamond sector has reported a climate-positive impact per carat produced.

According to independently verified data, SRK’s carbon emissions per carat of polished rough diamond have not only been neutralized but surpassed in offsetting, with a recorded footprint of –0.239 kg CO₂ equivalent. The company’s overall operations also reflect a climate-positive outcome, totaling –893 metric tonnes of CO₂ equivalent in emissions. These results were verified under internationally recognized standards, including ISO 14064-1:2018, ISO 14067:2018, ISO 14068-1:2023, and the GHG Protocol, by Deutsch Quality Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd.

This announcement comes amid growing environmental scrutiny in the luxury sector. Consumer demand for transparency and sustainable practices is shifting market dynamics, with multiple industry reports highlighting a rise in sustainability-linked purchasing decisions, particularly among younger demographics. A 2024 Bain & Company study noted that environmentally responsible goods are outpacing traditional luxury product growth by a factor of 2.5.

SRK’s carbon reduction progress is documented in the latest edition of its Pure Impact Report, a public summary outlining the company’s sustainability initiatives. The report details investments in renewable energy, water recycling systems, waste reduction strategies, and ethical sourcing. The firm operates from solar-powered facilities and maintains buildings certified for net-zero energy use.

As pressure increases on industries to align with global climate goals, this milestone contributes to the ongoing debate around the environmental footprint of natural resources in the luxury goods sector. While lab-grown alternatives continue to gain traction, SRK’s report offers data suggesting natural diamond production can also be aligned with climate goals through targeted operational reform.

The announcement is positioned as part of a broader industry shift toward environmental accountability.