For many companies, environmental and social responsibility takes a back seat to profit-driven motives. However, Royal DSM has built its entire business foundation on sustainability for more than a decade, positioning itself as one of the Top Green Companies in Asia. With a diverse product portfolio spanning health, nutrition, and sustainable living solutions, DSM differentiates itself by continuously delivering science-based, sustainable, and scalable solutions.
Innovative Sustainability Practices
DSM’s sustainability strategy is deeply embedded in its business philosophy, ‘Bright Science, Brighter Living.’ Unlike conventional environmental initiatives, the company continuously innovates with products such as fully recyclable carpets and nutrition-enhancing enzymes for agricultural firms. Aligning with five United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), DSM prioritizes sustainable sourcing of raw materials, fostering circular economies, and protecting natural resource cycles.
Each product undergoes a comprehensive Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to assess environmental and social impacts at every stage of production. DSM also invests in renewable energy, utilizing POET-DSM advanced biofuels and high-performance solar panels to power its manufacturing processes. The company maintains transparency in its sustainability efforts by conducting regular audits in line with Global Reporting guidelines.
Recognized Global Leadership
DSM’s longstanding commitment to sustainability has earned it global recognition. The company has been ranked among the top performers in the materials industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for 14 consecutive years, securing the number one position seven times. Its dedication to corporate responsibility has also led to accolades such as a place on Fortune Magazine’s ‘Change the World’ list for three consecutive years and Forbes’ list of The World’s Most Sustainable Companies.
Humanitarian and Social Impact
Beyond environmental initiatives, DSM actively collaborates with governments, UN agencies, businesses, and NGOs to address global humanitarian challenges. Through the African Improved Foods (AIF) project, a joint venture with the Government of Rwanda, DSM manufactures fortified foods to combat malnutrition. The company also developed Nu-Shakti, a food fortification additive distributed across India to tackle micronutrient deficiencies in impoverished communities.
In Singapore, DSM organized the Sustainable Evidence-based Actions for Change (SEAChange) workshop to promote affordable, nutritious food products for low- and middle-income consumers in Southeast and South Asia. This initiative has fostered new collaborations in areas such as rice fortification and nutritional advocacy. DSM also ensures its own workers benefit from good nutrition, serving fortified rice meals at its Malaysia Premix Plant and distributing fortified rice kernels through social enterprise 45RICE to support migrant workers.
Driving Future Sustainability Goals
With its expertise in health, nutrition, and materials, DSM is making significant strides in achieving sustainability targets, including a 40-45% improvement in greenhouse gas efficiency by 2025. As of 2017, the company had already achieved a 26% improvement from its 2008 baseline.
As a purpose-driven and performance-focused company, DSM continues to set new benchmarks in corporate sustainability, proving that profitability and social responsibility can go hand in hand.
