Naturex Launches Unmapped Sustainability Strategy

22 Sep 2014 --- Naturex has unveiled new developments in its sustainability program by disclosing its achievements and revealing the targets set out for the coming years. ‘Pathfinder’ reflects Naturex’s ability to explore new roads to sustainability without applying a rigid model.

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Serge Sabrier, President of Naturex’s Sustainability Committee, said the overall challenge in exploring sustainable practices has been to develop sustainable products that are as cost effective as conventional products.

"This can be achieved by changing our behavior or finding clever ideas to perform in a more sustainable manner," he said. "In some cases, a greater financial investment is required with an eye toward long-term benefits."

Sabrier explained that 'Pathfinder' reflects the company's continuous drive to go one step further. "This is what we stand for and how we behave as a company. These values form the basis of our behavior towards employees, suppliers, customers and shareholders.”

One year after the publication of its own Sustainability Principles, the group is releasing its first sustainability Pathfinder report, structured around 4 pillars: Sourcing, Operations, People and Innovation which charts the progress the company has made and reveals the objectives set out.

Naturex illustrates the Pathfinder philosophy in the way it puts the values of proximity, quality and respect at the heart of its procurement practices for raw materials. For example, Naturex encourages partners to collect only the secondary roots of devil’s claw in Namibia in order to preserve the resource.

As part of its operations, the group reconciles the demands of competitiveness while ensuring a safe and healthy workplace for Naturex employees and respecting the environment. As an example, the water treatment station in Avignon is completely underground to ensure its seamless integration into the surrounding landscape.

Innovation is highlighted by ORTESA, a partnership between Naturex and the University of Avignon designed to develop eco-friendly extraction techniques.

Eco-friendly, and other, innovation projects will continue to be a big part of Naturex's future plans. "Innovation is present at all levels," Sabrier said. "Resolutely oriented toward the future, we encourage our employees to be driving force behind the design of innovative ideas that respect the principles of sustainable development and thus open new avenues in various fields such as science, customer experience, finance, supply, industry expertise and mobility. Responsible and sustainable innovation supports the expansion of our company and promotes our growth over the long term.

From a social perspective, the company’s Foundation keeps expanding its actions in communities where Naturex sources and processes its raw materials.

Serge Sabrier added: “Naturex’s Pathfinder strategy is wide ranging and ambitious, but we are not daunted by the challenge. Sustainable business practices are not optional; they are essential, especially for the botanical ingredients sector to continue to thrive. We are proud to be leading the way in our quest to operate in a manner that respects both the planet and the people.”

The Pathfinder report is available for download at http://www.naturex.com/company/sustainability.html

By Sonya Hook