At Beiersdorf "We care."

In a global business environment characterized by economic uncertainty, social imbalances, and environmental challenges we strive to grow in a responsible manner. Our “We care.” sustainability strategy supports us in assuming our responsibility towards people and the environment. This strategy defines clear objectives for our actions towards the people within and outside our company to whom we are committed, as well as towards the environment.

Our sustainability strategy focuses on three pillars: “Products, Planet, People”. It thus comprises sustainability topics right along Beiersdorf’s entire value chain – ranging from raw materials procurement, through the health and safety of our employees, to our social engagement outside our company. We have already achieved some remarkable successes.

For instance in 2016 we exceeded our original Planet target for 2020 – a 30 % reduction in CO₂ emissions per product sold compared to 2005 – and achieved a reduction of 41 %. This result encouraged us last year to set ourselves an even more ambitious climate target: We are now striving to reduce our energy-related CO₂ emissions (Scope 1 and 2) per product manufactured by 70 % by 2025 (base year 2014) and to switch to 100 % renewable electricity at all our sites worldwide by 2020. To help us also lower the emissions caused by the goods and services we procure (Scope 3) by 2025, we will work out specific reduction targets and measures in 2017.

Responsible Sourcing: We integrate a “Supplier Code of Conduct” compliance into the supplier selection and evaluation processes at Beiersdorf, and have developed specific action plans for materials of special consideration such as palm-based raw materials.

Raw Materials: We incorporate sustainability criteria into our research, the procurement of raw materials, and the development of new formulas and applications.

Packaging: We contribute to the conservation of resources by optimizing packaging and developing alternative, more sustainable packaging solutions.

Photo collage: NIVEA Body Lotion, customers in a store, green leave

Collage: Leaves (left), solar panels, safety guard (right)

Energy: We systematically develop solutions to reduce energy use and deploy technologies to convert to more environmentally friendly, renewable energy sources.

Waste: We pursue a policy of "avoid, reduce, reuse and recycle" throughout the entire life-cycle of our products and work closely with our supply-chain partners to identify and eliminate waste wherever possible.

Water: We constantly work to reduce our water consumption – in production processes, buildings and other areas – and actively manage water risks.

Employee Health & Safety: We are committed to ensuring safe and fair working conditions and transparent and respectful collaboration with all people throughout our entire value chain.

Social Responsibility: Our social commitment reflects our company’s and brands’ strategic goals and values. We support communities and families in need through social sponsoring initiatives set up by our brands and programs on the corporate level.

mum with child (left), child with blond curls and two employees talking (right)

Photo Collage: Supplier Fair at Beiersdorf, Consulting in NIVEA store, product testing in the research department

Employees: We involve our employees in our sustainability initiatives and promote active personal and team participation.

Consumers: We transparently inform our consumers about our sustainability commitment and provide them with sustainable product solutions. In addition to this, we invite our consumers to engage in our sustainability initiatives.

Suppliers: To ensure our high standards in product quality, fair working conditions, and environmental protection, we foster strategic supplier management through regular dialog and joint projects.

Non-profit Organizations: We believe that an active and open dialogue with NPOs about sustainability is of mutual benefit, and engage with NPOs for instance on the palm supply chain and climate change.

Our Strategy

At Beiersdorf "We care."

Products

Planet

People

Stakeholder Engagement