Symrise scores tall in climate, water and forests sustainability grading

06 Jan 2023 --- German ingredients supplier Symrise has again earned A scores in the yearly sustainability ratings of renowned nonprofit organization CDP, formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project. 

In the categories of forests and water, the Holzminden-based business achieved the top grade of A. In the area of forests, only 25 companies worldwide achieved this result, as opposed to 103 companies in the water category. In the third category, climate, Symrise received a grade of A minus.

It certifies that Symrise was able to meet the stringent sustainability requirements this year. 

CDP evaluates companies on a scale of A to D. In doing so, it pays attention to how companies deal with climate risks and the completeness of the data they provide.

Climate-positive operations 
For its corporate strategy, Symrise relies on a holistic approach, the company affirms. 

Climate protection plays a vital role in this. Starting in 2030, the Holzminden-based group wants to run its operations climate-positive. This means the company will contribute to preventing or sequestering more greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere than it produces through its operating activities.Symrise relies on the principles of the circular economy. 

Furthermore, the entire supply chain, including the raw materials produced by suppliers, is intended to be climate-neutral by 2045.

Symrise also relies on the principles of the circular economy. The company uses wood-based ingredients in about 30% of its fragrance compositions. The group obtains the material with the help of green chemistry as part of a complex process, for which it became the first company in its industry to receive the globally recognized FSC certificate for the protection of forests.

A boost for water
Water protection also forms an integral part of the corporate strategy. 

Symrise intends to optimize its consumption of freshwater resources further globally. In particular, it focuses on sites in regions with a high level of water stress, such as Egypt, Spain, India and Mexico. 

In 2021, Symrise reduced its water consumption in these countries by 12% compared to 2020.

“Effectively protecting the climate, water and forests will enable us to continue to operate sustainably in the future, thus contributing to people’s well-being,” comments Bernhard Kott, chief sustainability officer at Symrise. 

“We see this award as a confirmation of our efforts.”

On the right track
The German Society for Sustainability honored Symrise’s commitment to biodiversity late last year.

In other recognition, Symrise previously achieved a gold-level verification by SAI Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment for sustainably sourcing hibiscus. The company claims to be the first in the industry to receive the recognition.

Edited by Elizabeth Green