Weleda was founded to make the world a better place. From the very beginning, we have worked in harmony with nature and human beings. Sustainability is therefore a core concern for us in everything we do: from the sourcing of our raw materials to our relationships with all the people involved in our supply chains to our products and their packaging. Therefore, it was a logical next step for us to become a certified B Corp in 2021: B Corp recognizes companies that operate in a responsible, environmentally sustainable and socially just manner
Sustainability has been part of Weleda’s DNA since the company was founded in 1921. As a business enterprise, we want to use our growth to make a positive impact and continue to make our business more sustainable and humane. However, the transformation of business can only succeed if we join forces, as we are doing in Cosmetics Europe’s Commit for Our Planet initiative.
Dr. Bernhard Irrgang, Head of R&D Natural and Organic Cosmetics
Packaging
Commitment: Increase recycled content
We are continuously working to reduce the environmental impact of our packaging materials. To this end, we strive, for example, for closed raw material cycles and the lowest possible use of materials. To achieve these goals, we have defined a packaging roadmap and clear eco-design rules to guide us in the development of new packaging.
- By 2030, we aim to achieve 100% recyclability for our entire packaging portfolio.
- By 2030., we want to increase the recycled content share of metal packaging to achieve 70% post-consumer recycled content.
- Also by 2030, we aim to use 100% PCR material for all our plastic bottles – we were already at 90% at the end of 2022.
For some of our products, we already use green glass that contains as much recycled material as possible. For our secondary packaging, such as folding boxes, we have already achieved a recycling rate of 80%.
Commitment: Sustainable sourcing of wood-based packaging
We follow strict principles in the sourcing of our packaging materials. Weleda’s paper and cardboard portfolio is already FSC and FSC Mix certified and we aim to use only FSC-certified material for new packaging developments. We already use at least 80% recycled fibres and wood from 100% FSC-certified sources in our folding boxes. For our recently launched shower bars, we use wood-based primary packaging with ideal recyclability. In the upcoming years, we want to further increase the use of packaging from renewable resources.
Nature
Commitment: Act for nature through sustainable ingredient sourcing
For decades, nearly 1,000 substances from nature have formed the foundation of our products, which contribute holistically to people’s health and well-being. Weleda natural and organic cosmetics carry the Union for Ethical Biotrade (UEBT) seal, a globally recognized standard for ethical trade in natural resources. It ensures consumers that Weleda cares about biodiversity and the people involved in sourcing.
