Fridays for future

Our contribution to climate protection

The Fridays for Future movement shows that only together can we make progress in climate protection. Since 1921, Weleda has been committed to the conservation of nature and biodiversity. And we will not stop working for a better future.

On 20 September, the Fridays for Future movement has called for a global climate strike – and Weleda will be there. At our locations in Germany, Switzerland and elsewhere, Weleda employees will take to the streets to support the movement’s demands. At Weleda, we are also working on our own climate protection strategy, to be implemented at all our locations worldwide.

Our approach to sourcing raw materials

81% of the raw plant materials we use are sourced from controlled organic or biodynamic cultivation and certified wild collection. This means no pesticides are used, which protects soils and groundwater. We never use microplastics, liquid plastics or synthetic preservatives.

Biodiversity and healthy soils for healthy products and a healthy world

Our gardens are CO2 sinks and natural biotopes. They are free of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, and serve as fertile habitats for plants and animals. Bodies of water, nesting places for birds and green roofs provide further support for these biospheres. Not every plant that grows in our gardens is for our use, but also to ensure natural diversity.

Biodiversity strengthens ecosystems and increases their resilience to the consequences of climate change. Nearly 1,000 natural raw materials have been the basis for our high-quality Weleda medicines and natural cosmetics products for decades. When it comes to sourcing, our goal is to preserve and nurture these precious resources in order to uphold the balance of nature. In 2011, we developed a biodiversity policy which applies to all Weleda companies worldwide.

This means, for example, that we source all raw plant materials from controlled organic and biodynamic cultivation or from sustainable wild collection wherever possible. We want to do more than protect biodiversity; we also want to increase it. That is why we also support the cultivation of wild plants and seed research.

In addition to our raw plant materials, our non-plant raw materials are also sustainably sourced. We reject the use of genetic engineering and do not patent any plants or other living organisms.

The rich resources that are visible above the earth’s surface have their equivalent in the ground. Our gardens and organic cultivation methods promote the formation of humus, which binds CO2 in the soil. This is a practical approach to climate protection.

Specific steps to protect the climate

What we’re doing today:

• Our products are made with 100% electricity from renewable sources in Derbyshire (UK) and at our three main locations in Schwäbisch Gmünd (D), Arlesheim (CH) and Huningue (FR)
• Public commitment to climate-friendly management and the goals of Fridays for Future

What we will do by 2022:

• Improvement (=reduction) of energy intensity by 2.5% annually by 2022
• 100% electricity from renewable sources at all affiliated companies as well as contract manufacturers and packaging manufacturers (status quo: affiliated companies approx. 80%, contract and packaging manufacturers not yet fully known)
• At least 80% share of renewable energies for own buildings and production (status quo: approx. 50%)
• Initiative for biodynamic agriculture (known for being particularly climate-friendly)
• Triple the amount of raw materials sourced from biodynamic agriculture, from approx. 10% (2018) to 30% (from >80% bio raw materials) by 2022
• Transparency on the true costs of all essential raw plant materials (true cost accounting) including climate impact by 2022

Global Climate Strike

20-27 September 2019

This September, millions of us will walk out of our workplaces and homes to join young climate strikers on the streets and demand an end to the age of fossil fuels.
Learn more at globalclimatestrike.net