Sustainability
Responsibility trough proximity
Voluntary commitments, significant resource savings, continuous reduction in the quantities of ingredients used, initiatives to reduce and optimise packaging materials, initiatives for water protection and biodiversity, studies to determine environmental influences, consumer education – the spectrum of industry commitment to sustainability is broad – and also ‘old’. The study ‘Sustainability in the German detergent industry’ published in 2002, for example, was the starting point for the dialogue platform FORUM WASCHEN, in which 39 institutions are now involved.
You can find two examples of successful sustainability initiatives in the industry right here, and an overview of all activities via a link below (in German only).
Commit for our Planet
‘Commit for Our Planet’, a sustainability initiative by Cosmetics Europe, the European association of cosmetics manufacturers, is aimed at the entire European cosmetics industry.
Special features of the initiative
- For allCommit for Our Planet is aimed at all cosmetics companies - regardless of their size or the number of sustainability measures they have already implemented.
- AssistanceCosmetics Europe provides a range of analytical tools and guidelines to support this.
- TransparencyAll activities are recorded in an annual report - transparently and comprehensibly.
About the initiative
At the launch of Commit for Our Planet, 27 companies across Europe have already committed to taking concrete measures in the area of sustainability. They are supported by the respective national associations. In Germany, the IKW is supporting the participants with its expertise.
Sustainable washing and cleaning
The sustainability initiative of the European laundry, home care and cleaning products industry ‘Sustainable washing and cleaning’ (‘Charter 2020+’) has achieved the following results:
Successes of the initiative:
- Seal clarityThe product-related seal of the initiative is recommended as a ‘very good choice’ by the German government's ‘Seal Clarity’ project.
- 42 per cent less energy consumption42 per cent less energy consumption per tonne of detergent and cleaning agent produced.
- 42 per cent less CO2 emissions42 per cent less energy consumption per tonne of detergent and cleaning agent produced
About the initiative
There are currently around 14.5 billion products with the initiative's product seal and 114 companies are participating. The initiative was founded in 2005 by the International Association of Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products (A.I.S.E., Brussels). The aim of the initiative is to ensure that the participating companies continuously operate more sustainably along the entire supply chain.
"Sustainability is not only a question of social responsibility, but also an opportunity for innovation and growth. Transformative partnerships with many partners along the value chain are showing initial success. Now it is important to keep up the pace and implement scalable solutions based on scientific solutions."
Gabriele Hässig, Deputy Chairwoman of IKW, Procter & Gamble Service GmbH