Weleda natural cosmetics

Weleda and its origins

In 1921, Swiss doctor Dr Rudolf Steiner and Dutch female doctor Dr Ita Wegman founded Weleda from their anthroposophical perspective. Anthroposophy comes from the Greek word anthropos meaning “human” and sophia meaning “wisdom”. Dr Steiner was a philosopher and natural scientist and developed the anthroposophical mindset and medicine together with Dr Wegman. In this approach, health is viewed from a holistic perspective. This means that not every part of the body is seen separately but as a whole; everything is interconnected. Holism also comes from the Greek word holon meaning “whole”. The principle of anthroposophical health philosophy is to ensure a proper balance within this whole. It also assumes the self-healing ability of the human body. With Weleda, the founders wanted to develop products that could support the body's self-healing ability.

Weleda Herbs & Plants

Weleda uses over 170 different ingredients for the various care and health products in its range. Each product focuses on a main ingredient. This can be an herb, tree, or fruit that contains unique active substances beneficial to health. There are 18 different main ingredients:

Almond	Lavender
Arnica	Millet
Birch	Ratanhia
Calendula	Rosa Mosqueta
Citrus	Rosemary
Sea Buckthorn	Wheat
Pomegranate	Evening Primrose
Oat	White Mallow
Iris	Eyebright

Classics

With 90 years of developing 100% natural products, Weleda has several true classics on the shelves. Products that are indispensable in the range include:

Weleda Skinfood

In 1926, this rich base cream with chamomile, calendula, and tricolour violet was specially developed for dry, damaged, and rough skin. The three herbs help to calm an unsettled skin and heal minor blemishes. Beeswax and almond oil provide an extra soft finish to the skin.

Weleda Arnica Ointment

Arnica is a herb that grows high in the mountains such as the Alps and mountainous areas in Central and Southern Europe. The herb has been used for hundreds of years and gained its first recognition in the Middle Ages. Weleda's Arnica ointment has a warming effect on the muscles. It also supports recovery and promotes muscle circulation.

Weleda Calendula Nappy Change Cream

For over 30 years, this Weleda balm has been protecting delicate baby bottoms! The calendula and chamomile extracts in this balm have a caring effect. Delightfully soft baby bottoms are maintained through the addition of zinc oxide, beeswax, and wool wax. They provide a protective layer between the skin and the irritating moisture of the stool.

Sustainability

Weleda holds harmony between humans and nature in high regard. The products of Weleda are:

• certified 100% natural
• animal-friendly
• made from 80% organic ingredients
• free from synthetic substances
• produced with respect for our planet

Sustainability has been one of the main pillars of this 100% natural brand from day one. Every step involves a well-considered decision taking into account the different levels of sustainability.

Ecological sustainability

Protecting and respecting the environment and biodiversity

Weleda uses a thousand different raw materials for the various care and health products in its range. To protect nature and the environment, over 80% is sourced from organic farming or controlled wild collection. This way, the diversity of animals and plants and our ecological system is protected, and the best quality raw materials are cultivated using healthy and fertile soil. Weleda is a member of the Union for Ethical Biotrade (UEBT), which guarantees that raw materials are sourced and used sustainably.

What else does Weleda do to preserve nature and the environment?

Weleda saves 25% of total water consumption by capturing and reusing condensate water from the water cycle. To also use energy as efficiently as possible:

• cooling and ventilation systems are optimised
• floor and office space are limited
• available machines are made more efficient
• renewable natural energy sources such as sun, water, and wind are used more often

Weleda Packaging

Sustainable business cannot be done without the use of sustainable packaging. Therefore, in 2012, Weleda assembled a team with representatives from different departments, whose goal is to innovatively develop new sustainable packaging. They are currently exploring ways to optimise Weleda's packaging. Several factors must be considered:

• the packaging must adequately protect the product
• it must be made from sustainable material
• the packaging material must be recyclable

Logistics

Logistically, everything is also done to act as sustainably as possible. During packaging, the boxes are filled with fully compostable plastic air cushions and cardboard snippets or biodegradable filling made from potato starch. Energy is saved in the warehouse by using LED lights, and Weleda's delivery vans run on natural gas.

Climate neutral

Weleda operates a climate-neutral business. This means careful consideration is given to how the ecological footprint can be kept as small as possible and our planet is minimally burdened. CO2 emissions are limited, and the remaining emissions are compensated. Compensating for CO2 emissions can be done in various ways. Weleda does this by supporting two sustainable projects in Uganda under the guidance of Climate Neutral Group. Weleda invests in the:

Cookstove project

Locally produced stoves that reduce harmful emissions and require 50% less fuel. This means less wood needs to be bought, and because less stoking is required, people also inhale less polluted air. Thanks to the cookstoves, the quality of life for the local population has greatly improved. The Cookstove project creates employment, reduces the number of lung diseases and deaths, and gives children time to go to school and play instead of collecting wood for their parents.

Biogas project

Weleda co-finances biogas installations on farms in Uganda. With these biogas installations, manure from their own cattle is converted into biogas, thus reducing the demand for wood as fuel. Weleda helps local farmers set up a sustainable farming business.

By supporting the Cookstove and Biogas project, Weleda helps prevent deforestation, improve the health of the local community, and support the local economy.

Social sustainability

Fair treatment and reward of employees, partners, and communities.

For Weleda, good cooperation with every individual involved in the company is paramount. Weleda ensures that the health, safety, and individual development of employees, suppliers, and partners are guaranteed at all times. For example, cultivation projects have been set up worldwide where respect for nature is paramount, but also for suppliers and their employees. The goal is to establish a long-term collaboration with a focus on fair wages, additional job market opportunities, and a good balance between family and work. They assist in transitioning to organic farming methods and offer training opportunities to the local population.

Economic sustainability

Conducting business ethically in commercial activities where natural resources are not depleted faster than nature can replenish them. Weleda creates a sustainable economy through various strategies such as:

• applying ethical principles
• encouraging innovation
• making sustainable investments
• ensuring a healthy financial base