Weleda has opened a new €90 million ‘Cradle Campus’ in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany.
The Campus is described as a state-of-the-art zero emissions logistics centre, exemplifying the natural and organic cosmetics multinational’s commitment to sustainability. The architecture has already received recognition for its innovative approach. Built primarily from locally sourced timber and rammed earth, it is claimed to be one of most sustainable logistics sites in Europe, supporting the circular economy and fostering biodiversity in its surrounding outdoor spaces.
The 100% emission-free facility is powered by solar and geothermal energy. Designed by Ulm-based architects Michelgroup, it occupies a site of 72,000 square metres. As Weleda’s largest investment at €90 million, the Cradle Campus consolidates six logistics locations into one, streamlining operations to serve 47 countries. The new facility can process up to 10,000 orders daily.
Products manufactured at Weleda UK and destined for other Weleda companies around the globe, together with products from Weleda Switzerland and Weleda Germany that are sold by Weleda UK, will all pass through the logistics hub.
Commenting, Tina Müller, CEO of Weleda AG, said: “The Cradle Campus aligns perfectly with the Weleda strategy. It stands for responsible growth. Protecting our planet requires new ways of thinking and acting. It is not enough to simply do less harm to natural resources. We must operate regeneratively. Sustainability and growth are not opposing forces. Sustainability drives growth”.
“Sustainability and growth are not opposing forces. Sustainability drives growth”
As part of this initiative, the company has digitalised its logistics processes and significantly improved order picking and shipping efficiency for its customers through a fully automated high-bay warehouse. With the new timber facility, with a capacity of 17,200 pallets and equipped for further growth, Weleda has considerably expanded its logistics capabilities.
The Cradle Campus has already received multiple awards for its sustainable architecture. Even during the early stages of construction, the large-scale project achieved the DGNB Platinum Standard Pre-Certificate, the highest rating from the German Sustainable Building Council. It won the prestigious Polis Award 2024 in the ‘Ecological Reality’ category, and most recently won the Iconic Award from the German Design Council in the ‘Best of Best – Innovative Architecture’ category.
Cradle Campus in numbers
Weleda Cradle Campus
- Site area: 72,000 square metres
- Building footprint: 8,300 square metres
- Sealed area: 14,000 square metres; only
20% of the site developed
- Solar energy: 10,000 photovoltaic
modules on roofs and facades
- Total energy output: 1.3 million kilowatts
hours of electricity annually
High-Bay Warehouse
- Floor area: 3,115m2
- Dimensions: 82m (length) x 38m (width)
- Interior height: 30m
- Exterior height: 26m
- Volume: 93,500m³
- Storage capacity: ca. 17,200 pallet spaces
- Timber used: 4,500m³, storing 2,600t CO2
- Soil excavated for building site: 18,000m³
- Soil reused for rammed earth walls: 3,000m³
- Remaining soil used for landscaping: 15,000m³
- Rammed earth walls: 8m high, 60cm thick
