Weleda AG, a global leader in certified natural cosmetics and holistic medicines, has successfully completed its B Corp recertification, achieving a strong score of 120.66 points – a 13% increase from its initial certification score (106.8 points) in 2021. The company says the development reinforces its position as a sustainability pioneer, and demonstrates its ongoing commitment to a more sustainable future.

B Corp certification is awarded by B Lab, an international non-profit organisation founded in 2006.   B Lab assesses companies in five key categories: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.

In the personal care sector (cosmetics) among the 10 global B Corp businesses with over 1,000 employees such as Weleda, only 4 have scores above 90, and Weleda is in the top two. In the pharmaceutical sector, only one company surpassed Weleda’s score. This recertification places Weleda as one of the leading B Corp businesses worldwide within both these sectors.

In the UK, there are over 2,000 B Corps across 330 sectors. But there is only a handful of pharmaceutical businesses operating in this country that have achieved B Corp certification, all with considerably lower scores, and even fewer of those are actively manufacturing here such as Weleda in Derbyshire.

“Sustainability is a cornerstone of our business model; we are a B Corp by conviction”, commented Tina Müller, CEO of Weleda AG. “This recertification, and the strong result we have achieved, confirms we are on the right path. Weleda stands for growth with responsibility – growth in harmony with people and nature. We aim to make an impact and contribute to a healthy future worth living.”

“We are delighted that our dedication to sustainability has been recognised by an independent body. This recertification is a great success for the entire team,” noted Nadine-Hélène Santiago, Chief Sustainability Officer of Weleda AG. “Sustainability is an ongoing process that requires hard work. Today, we are focused not only on protecting resources but on actively strengthening them. Regenerative practices shape our entire value chain at Weleda.”

Currently, 81% of Weleda’s plant-based raw materials are organically sourced. From the cultivation of medicinal plants to production and logistics, Weleda follows sustainable practices. The new Weleda ‘Cradle Campus’ – Weleda’s emissions-free logistics centre that opened in Schwäbisch Gmünd at the end of September 2024 – exemplifies this approach. Built using rammed earth and wood, it is one of the most sustainable logistics sites in Europe, supporting the circular economy and fostering biodiversity in its surrounding outdoor spaces.

Jayn Sterland, Managing Director for Weleda UK, added: “Recertification is a milestone for where we are on the journey. It helps us identify areas we need to develop and improve upon, and it allows us to be part of a collaborative and supportive community who want to work together to solve some of the larger, systemic problems of our industry like packaging. Together we will get there faster.”

The B Corp recertification by B Lab remains valid for a period of three years.

Main image: Celebrating the recertification: CEO Tina Müller (right) and Chief Sustainability Officer Nadine Santiago (left)