Sustainability
Sustainability is in our roots
As a pioneering natural cosmetics brand, we have been developing effective care in harmony with our environment since 1930. We produce in Radeberg near Dresden and consciously consider the entire life cycle of our products – from raw materials and packaging to their use. In doing so, we rely on recyclable materials and renewable energy, some of which we generate ourselves. Transparency and continuous improvement guide us in this. With clear standards and regular reviews, we are constantly working to further reduce our environmental impact – step by step.
Sustainability at a glance
We live and love sustainability
Sustainability is an integral part of Charlotte Meentzen's brand identity. Development, production and shipping are carried out with consistent consideration for environmental aspects. A key focus is on ISO 14001 certification, through which an internationally recognized environmental management system has been established and is continuously reviewed and improved through independent audits. By using 100% green electricity, our own photovoltaic systems, resource-efficient packaging solutions as well as ongoing material and energy savings, we aim to systematically reduce our environmental impact.
Sustainability with a system
We take a holistic approach to sustainability – from the extraction of raw materials to use by our customers. Our approach is based on three core principles.
Areas of action
Raw materials & ingredients In our products we use ingredients of natural origin that are biodegradable. Our formulations are based on nourishing oils and butters from plant sources, natural flower, fruit, and herbal extracts as well as plant-based or biotechnologically derived active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and sugar complexes.
In addition, we completely avoid certain substances such as paraffins, mineral oils, silicones, and PEGs. Many of our products are also NATRUE-certified – an internationally recognized seal for genuine natural cosmetics.
Packaging & circularity We continuously develop our packaging further – with the goal of conserving resources and closing cycles.
• Usage of recycled material (PCR) in many packages
• Reduction of material usage (e.g. lighter tubes)
• Saving paper by eliminating inserts
• Switching to more easily recyclable materials
Our vision: In the future, packaging should be fully recyclable, reusable, or made from recycled material.
Energy & production We produce responsibly. Since 2019, we have relied entirely on electricity from renewable energy sources.
A large part of our energy needs is now covered by our own photovoltaic system. This allows us – depending on the weather conditions – to generate up to 50% of our electricity sustainably ourselves. At the same time, we are continuously working to reduce our energy consumption and make our processes more efficient.
Shipping & logistics Sustainability does not end at the factory. We also pay attention to environmentally friendly solutions when shipping.
• Sustainable shipping with DHL GoGreen Plus
• Usage of packaging material made from recycled paper
• Focus on short delivery routes within Europe
In this way, we reduce emissions throughout the entire supply chain.
Our foundation is nature
Our journey – step by step
We protect our environment and continuously improve our environmental performance.
In doing so, we are guided by current scientific knowledge. We incorporate new findings
into our future plan and ensure that our products and our production become
even more environmentally friendly.
Our journey – step by step
Our next steps
We have achieved a great deal – and still have a lot planned.
• Further development of sustainable packaging solutions
• Reduction of CO₂ emissions in production and the supply chain
• Expansion of transparent product evaluations
Our goal is clear: We want to continue reducing our ecological footprint
on an ongoing basis.
Trust through transparency
We do not rely solely on ourselves, but have ourselves and our products reviewed by independent experts.
In this way, we make our commitment credible and transparent.
* GoGreen Plus is a service that supports decarbonization measures within the Deutsche Post and DHL logistics network. Through the use of alternative fuels and technologies Deutsche Post and DHL reduce the consumption of fossil fuels in the transport mode and in buildings used for GoGreen Plus shipments. This does not necessarily mean that the specific shipment is physically transported by vehicles or via facilities that use these fuels or technologies. Further information, e.g. on specific decarbonization measures, is available at www.GoGreenPlus.de.
Saxon Entrepreneur Award The Upper Lusatian Entrepreneur Award with a focus on sustainable entrepreneurial action goes to Charlotte Meentzen Kräutervital Kosmetik GmbH!
The districts of Görlitz and Bautzen are once again honoring outstanding companies in the region with the 28th Upper Lusatian Entrepreneur Award 2023 and highlighting the successful and socially significant work of the Upper Lusatian economy as a whole. This year’s award was under the motto “Sustainable entrepreneurial action” and was chosen because awareness of greater sustainability in our society has increased significantly.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
With the 2030 Agenda the United Nations has set itself 17 goals to promote sustainable development worldwide and protect our planet: the Sustainable Development Goals. They are a shared vision of the more than 178 participating countries and are addressed equally to governments, the private sector, academia and civil society.
SDG 1 - No poverty
Eliminate global poverty by 2030.
Our contribution:
- We enter into long-term contracts.
SDG 3 - Good health and well-being
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for people of all ages.
Our contribution:
- Our occupational health service offers significantly expanded services in the area of health promotion.
- Where possible, we design working hours and workplaces individually in order to maintain and promote the health of our employees.
SDG 5 - Gender equality
Treat all genders equally.
Our contribution:
- We strive for a balanced gender ratio at all levels of our company.
- Currently, 67% of our team and department management positions are filled by female employees and 33% by male employees.
SDG 8 - Humane work and economic growth
Promote sustainable economic growth. Improve global resource efficiency and decouple economic growth from environmental degradation.
Our contribution:
- We regularly review our formulations and adapt them to new scientific findings.
- Many of our plastic and glass packaging items contain recycled material.
- Thanks to new technical possibilities we have now been able to reduce the size of our tube packaging while keeping the same content volume, thereby saving material with every product.
- To keep the environmental impact of transport as low as possible we prefer to work with suppliers from Germany.
SDG 9 - Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Improve resource efficiency in industry. Use environmentally friendly technologies and industrial processes and promote innovation.
Our contribution:
- At our company site we use 100% green electricity, part of which we generate ourselves with our own solar installation.
- Further digitalization of our company to save resources.
- We review our energy-related processes and implement improvement measures.
SDG 10 - Reduce inequalities
Equal opportunities for all people – regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, religion, origin or social and economic status.
Our contribution:
- We pay our employees fairly.
- As part of various projects we support the work of Jugend, Arbeit, Bildung e. V. and thereby help long-term unemployed young people find their way back into the job market.
- We offer holiday jobs and internships for school pupils and students.
- We offer jobs for older people.
SDG 12 - Sustainable consumption and production
Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. Significantly reduce waste generation. Provide all people with access to relevant information and raise awareness of sustainable living.
Our contribution:
- Our certified environmental management helps us continuously reduce our environmental impacts in all areas.
- We train our employees on sustainability topics.
- We inform interested parties about our sustainability topics via our website and our sustainability report.
SDG 13 - Climate action
Take action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Our contribution:
- We use 100% green electricity at our company location.
- We ship sustainably with DHL GoGreen Plus.
SDG 15 - Life on land
Protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Put an end to the loss of biodiversity.
Our contribution:
- We use 100% recycled paper or FSC mixed paper for our outer packaging.
- At our company headquarters we have feeding stations for different bird species in winter as well as several nesting boxes.
- Our insect hotel provides shelter primarily for wild bees.
- Trees, shrubs and a large meadow provide a habitat for animals and a green spot for our staff to enjoy during breaks.
SDG 16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. Significantly reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms.
Our contribution:
- Ecological, social and economic sustainability is at the heart of our value system.
- Compliance with all legal provisions is a matter of course for us.
Responsibility for nature and quality – today and tomorrow
Our brand has always stood for nature, quality, and responsibility.
This awareness shapes our daily actions today just as much
as it will in the future.
“As a natural cosmetics brand, we bear responsibility for our
environment. This awareness forms the basis of our daily work
and how we interact with one another.”
Robert Gey, Managing Director
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