dsm-firmenich, a pioneer in nutrition, health, and beauty, is making waves in the sustainability landscape of Asia and beyond. Formed by a merger of Dutch DSM and Swiss Firmenich in 2023, dsm-firmenich operates in almost 60 countries and places sustainability at the core of the company. dsm-firmenich’s forward-thinking sustainability approach is an inspiring blueprint for companies seeking to address environmental and societal challenges.
At the heart of dsm-firmenich’s sustainability ambition are two primary pillars: Progress for People and Progress for Planet. These principles are reflected in every facet of the company’s activities, through its products, services, and solutions, as well as through the ways in which it creates, sources, and delivers them.
Progress for Planet
One of dsm-firmenich’s critical commitments is its dedication to accelerating climate action. In alignment with the global goal of keeping global warming below 1.5°C, the company aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2045, as validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
This climate target is rooted in a comprehensive climate and nature approach. dsm-firmenich works across its value chain to accelerate climate action, safeguard nature and biodiversity and conserve our planet’s resources.
For example, through its Responsible Sourcing Program, the company collaborates with over 30,000 suppliers to ensure sustainable practices. The company is careful to source critical but vulnerable products – like vanilla from Madagascar and patchouli from Indonesia – in a way that supports both people and planet.
In its quest to support climate and nature, dsm-firmenich also supports its customers in their own sustainbility journeys, with innovative solutions that create impact at scale and bring progress to life. For example, Bovaer®, a feed additive that drastically reduces methane emissions from cattle by up to 45%. This innovation helps farmers around the world to make a measurable, meaningful impact, every single day. dsm-firmenich continues to invest heavily in science and research, with sustainability as a key metric that steers its portfolio of products.
Progress for People
True sustainability extends beyond environmental goals to creating a world where individuals and communities thrive. dsm-firmenich’s commitment to people prioritizes helping people to become and stay healthy, empowering people to thrive and nurturing well-being.
dsm-firmenich is dedicated to developing innovative, creative solutions to today’s most pressing nutrition problems such as hidden hunger and micronutrient deficiency. For example, through collaborations with the UN World Food Programme, dsm-firmenich tackles malnutrition, by developing nutrient fortification for staple foods like flour, oil, and rice.
Moreover, beyond physical health, dsm-firmenich focuses on social fulfilment. Starting with the fundamentals, like ensuring human rights are respected throughout their supply chains. Moreover, by helping to raise standards of living through responsible business practices. And by continuously striving to enable its own workforce to thrive.
Lastly, the company focuses on finding innovative ways to make people feel good. Thanks to its capabilities in fragrance, taste, and texture, they can create unforgettable sensory experiences with a meaningful, positive impact on well-being.
Governance
dsm-firmenich’s sustainability approach is backed by strong governance structures. The Board of Directors has established a Sustainability Committee, responsible for overseeing the company’s sustainability performance. The Executive Committee, led by the CEO, ensures that that sustainability is effectively implemented across all business units. At the operational level, the Global Sustainability Leadership Team (GSLT), chaired by the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), drives the sustainability agenda forward by verifying that the company’s ambitious goals are translated into actionable plans.
dsm-firmenich exemplifies how a commitment to sustainability can redefine business success. The Swiss-Dutch pioneer in health, nutrition, and beauty is leading the way in shaping a future where business success is measured not just by profit, but by the positive impact on people and the planet. dsm-firmenich serves as a torchbearer, unveiling the possibilities that come to light when sustainability is at the heart of a company’s mission.
