BASF Personal Care's Sustainability Progress Report

BASF Personal Care has released its inaugural progress report for the Responsibly Active sustainability programme, which was launched in 2022.

This programme revolves around the company's bioactives portfolio for personal care applications and outlines its clear commitments and action plans for the next decade. The primary objectives are to protect natural resources, empower individuals throughout the botanical value chain, and minimise the climate impact and operational footprint.

In its first year, the Responsibly Active programme has achieved significant milestones in all three focus areas. Lucilene Veira Nunes, Head of Business Management for Bioactive Ingredients, EMEA, expressed delight in proving that a responsible approach to people, resources, and the environment can align harmoniously with business.

Protecting natural resources

BASF's sustainable sourcing journey spans almost two decades, offering certified sustainably sourced palm (kernel) oil and recently extending to other high-volume raw materials, such as coconut and castor oil, through respective sustainable sourcing certification schemes.

With the inception of Responsibly Active, the company is now concentrating on smaller yet impactful botanical supply chains for bioactives.

BASF has implemented initiatives that optimise renewable resources and promote organic farming practices while safeguarding local biodiversity and preventing land degradation and deforestation in their supply chains.

One of their key goals is to achieve 100% traceability of botanical supply chains to the source by 2030. Notably, a new digital tool enables BASF to trace 98% of its botanical supply chains to the country of origin and 42% directly to the source, as exemplified in argan oil production.

Empowering people along the value chain

BASF collaborates closely with stakeholders across the value chain to foster diversity and equity, particularly by empowering women and smallholder farmers. An outstanding example is BASF's partnership with botanical suppliers and NGOs to promote the long-term development of local communities along their Moringa supply chain in India. This includes providing free medical care for cattle and offering training courses in honey production to enable women and their families to generate a diversified income.

Reducing climate impact and operational footprint

Through continuous process optimisation and improved building performance, BASF's Pulnoy, France bioactives production site has surpassed its 2025 targets, achieving a 15% reduction in water usage and saving 25% of energy per tonne of product compared to 2016. Additionally, the company has transitioned its power supply to renewable energy sources, resulting in an annual reduction of approximately 130 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Veira Nunes acknowledged the significant progress made in their sustainability journey, motivating them to continue striving towards greater sustainability, alongside customers, employees, suppliers, partners, and all stakeholders involved in the bioactives value chain.

For more detailed insights and information on BASF's commitment to sustainability, the full 2022 Responsibly Active report and related initiatives can be accessed here.

Responsibly Active is just one facet of how BASF's Care Chemicals Division tackles future challenges. Emphasising sustainability, digitalisation, innovation, and collaborative approaches, Care 360°– Solutions for Sustainable Life exemplifies the company's dedication to a better future.

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Source: BASF