Our Responsibility
For Weleda, responsibility extends from the soil where plants grow to the way ingredients are sourced, products are packaged and business decisions are made. Our approach covers biodiversity, healthy soils, responsible sourcing, environmental impact, packaging and social responsibility across selected areas of our value chain.
Biodiversity & Healthy Soils
Healthy soils are an important foundation for plants, ecosystems and many of the natural raw materials used in Weleda cosmetics and medicines. In our gardens and selected cultivation projects, we work with biological, biodynamic and other soil-focused agricultural approaches. Our aim is to support soil health, biodiversity and the long-term conditions in which plants can thrive.
Responsible Sourcing
Natural ingredients connect products to places, ecosystems and people. Depending on the raw material, Weleda considers quality, origin, social conditions and selected environmental aspects as part of its sourcing approach. We work with cultivation partners, producers, cooperatives and suppliers and seek to improve traceability across selected supply chains. Weleda has also been a member of the Union for Ethical BioTrade since 2011.
Long-term relationships across our supply chain
The people who grow, collect, harvest and process natural raw materials are part of the story behind Weleda products. Through long-term relationships with partners in different regions and countries, Weleda works on topics ranging from ingredient quality and agricultural practices to selected biodiversity and social initiatives. The approach varies by region because responsible sourcing also means understanding local circumstances.
Protecting products while using resources responsibly
Packaging must protect the quality and safety of natural cosmetics and medicines while meeting technical and regulatory requirements. Because different formulations require different solutions, Weleda continuously reviews material use, recyclability and recycled content rather than applying one universal packaging approach. Current examples include a Calendula Baby Oil bottle made from 97% recycled plastic, excluding cap and label, and aluminium tubes containing 95–100% recycled aluminium in the tube material, depending on the product.
From commitments to concrete action
Responsibility also influences how Weleda develops its infrastructure. At the logistics campus in Schwäbisch Gmünd, energy, materials, land use and workplace considerations were incorporated into the site design. The Cradle campus uses geothermal energy and solar electricity for heating and cooling rather than fossil fuels, while its construction and surrounding landscape incorporate measures related to resource use and biodiversity.
External standards support transparency
Independent standards help make requirements measurable and understandable. Weleda natural cosmetics are currently certified according to recognized external standards, particularly NATRUE, with COSMOS certification planned for selected products where the relevant requirements are met.
Responsibility at Weleda is not one initiative. It is an ongoing approach connecting nature, people, products and business decisions.
Frequently asked questions about our responibility
Not all ingredients can be classified as organic. Weleda states that more than 80% of the certifiable raw materials used in its natural cosmetics come from organic cultivation, while other ingredients may come from biodynamic cultivation, controlled wild collection or other carefully selected sources.
No. Weleda natural cosmetics are formulated without microplastic ingredients and silicones. They are also free from genetically modified raw materials.
Not necessarily. Natural cosmetics can contain ingredients of animal origin such as beeswax, honey or milk-derived substances. Products without animal-derived ingredients can be identified separately as vegan, so consumers should check the information provided for the individual product.
Different products require different types of protection. Glass, aluminium and plastic each have advantages and limitations relating to weight, breakage, recyclability and protection from air or light. Weleda therefore evaluates packaging according to the needs of each product rather than using one material for everything.
NATRUE is an independent standard for natural and organic cosmetics. Certified products must meet defined requirements for their ingredients and manufacturing, and they exclude substances such as synthetic fragrances, silicones, paraffins and microplastics.
