Sustainability and Stewardship

Sustainability shapes how we work, what we source and what we offer—creating lasting value for people, planet and business. Driven by purpose and anchored in strong ethics, compliance and governance, we’re on a mission to support our partners to reach their environmental targets on the way to a net zero environment.

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Planet: From Soil to Supply

Sustainability in Flavour & Fragrance starts long before a raw material reaches the customer. From cultivation and biodiversity to energy, water and responsible production, we work with partners across the value chain to support more resilient and responsible sourcing.

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Regenerative Agriculture & Biodiversity

Supporting healthier soils, stronger ecosystems and resilient crops.

We work with partners who are investing in more responsible cultivation practices, helping protect the natural environments that botanical raw materials depend on.

  • Regenerative and organic farming practices help restore soil health and fertility.
  • Reforestation, pollinator habitats and ecosystem restoration support biodiversity.
  • Responsible cultivation helps strengthen crop resilience and long-term raw material availability.

Circularity & Resource Efficiency

Making better use of every resource.

Across cultivation, distillation and production, circular approaches can help reduce waste and create value from materials that might otherwise be lost.

  • Production and distillation residues can be reused as compost, biomass and other valuable resources.
  • Closed-loop systems help reduce waste and maximise resource efficiency.
  • Recyclable, reusable and bio-based packaging supports a more circular supply chain.

Energy, Water & Climate

Reducing impact through smarter use of energy and water.

Responsible production means looking closely at the resources used throughout the supply chain and finding ways to reduce consumption, emissions and waste.

  • Solar energy, biomass and biofuels can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower emissions.
  • Water recycling, wastewater treatment and efficient irrigation help conserve water resources.
  • Cleaner and lower-emission technologies support long-term carbon reduction.

Innovation & Responsible Production

Using science and collaboration to drive better outcomes.

Innovation plays an important role in making Flavour & Fragrance supply chains more sustainable, from the way crops are grown to how ingredients are processed and produced.

  • R&D and scientific crop management support more sustainable cultivation and production.
  • Continuous process improvements can reduce environmental impact while improving yields.
  • Responsible sourcing and long-term partnerships help support sustainable growth throughout the value chain.

People: Partners and integral partnerships

Behind every ingredient is a network of people. From growers and producers to local communities and our own partners, we believe responsible sourcing should create lasting value throughout the Flavour & Fragrance supply chain.

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Ethical & Responsible Sourcing

Building supply chains founded on fairness, respect and responsibility.

Responsible sourcing starts with how people and natural resources are treated. We work with partners who share our commitment to ethical practices and long-term, responsible supply.

  • Fair pricing, transparent payments and ethical purchasing help support secure livelihoods.
  • Strong standards protect against child labour, exploitation and discrimination.
  • Responsible sourcing helps protect ecosystems while securing reliable access to natural raw materials.

Traceability & Supply Security

Knowing where our ingredients come from – and building confidence at every step.

Traceability and strong supplier relationships help us deliver the consistency, transparency and reliability our customers expect.

  • Traceability from farm to finished extract provides greater transparency across the supply chain.
  • Recognised standards and integrated quality systems support consistent product quality.
  • Close, long-term grower and producer partnerships help create resilient and reliable supply chains.

Communities & Wellbeing

Creating value that reaches beyond the ingredient.

Sustainable sourcing should contribute positively to the communities behind our natural raw materials, helping create stronger livelihoods and lasting local impact.

  • Fair wages and long-term partnerships help create economic stability for farming communities.
  • Investment in education, infrastructure and community initiatives supports local development.
  • Strong health, safety and welfare practices help protect people throughout the value chain.

Skills & Shared Growth

Sharing knowledge today to strengthen supply chains for tomorrow.

Long-term sustainability depends on giving growers, producers and communities the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.

  • Training in sustainable agriculture, human rights and business skills helps build local capability.
  • Technical support and modern farming practices can strengthen growers and producers.
  • Continuous learning and knowledge-sharing support long-term, sustainable growth throughout the supply chain.

Business: Governance, Certifications & Accountability

Sustainability needs more than ambition. It requires clear standards, responsible governance and measurable action. Across our Flavour & Fragrance supply chain, recognised certifications, robust quality systems and responsible business practices help turn commitments into accountability.

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Certifications & Standards

Recognised standards that provide confidence from source to supply.

Independent certification helps demonstrate that environmental, social, quality and sourcing commitments are being translated into meaningful action.

  • Internationally recognised standards include Organic, UEBT, Fair for Life, Demeter, ISO, FSSC 22000, IFS Food, REACH, Halal, Kosher and FDA compliance.
  • Independent certification and auditing provide greater transparency across our supply chains.
  • Established standards help demonstrate commitments to quality, sustainability and responsible production.

ESG & Governance

Turning sustainability commitments into measurable progress.

Strong governance provides the framework for setting expectations, measuring performance and continuously improving the way we operate.

  • Sustainability performance is measured through KPIs, regular audits and transparent ESG reporting.
  • Ethical governance is supported by internationally recognised principles and frameworks, including the UN Global Compact.
  • External assessments, including EcoVadis, help benchmark performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Ethical & Responsible Business

Making responsibility part of every business decision.

Responsible business extends across our relationships with suppliers, partners, customers and the communities connected to our value chain.

  • Responsible sourcing practices support biodiversity and respect for human rights throughout the value chain.
  • Strong supplier assessment and sustainable procurement practices help establish clear expectations for our partners.
  • Responsible innovation supports the development and assessment of alternative solutions while maintaining high standards of safety and integrity.

Quality, Safety & Traceability

Protecting quality and integrity at every stage of the journey.

From origin and production through to the finished ingredient, robust systems help provide the quality, safety and traceability our customers expect.

  • Quality management systems support product integrity, food safety and supply-chain traceability.
  • Environmental and occupational health and safety management are embedded throughout operations.
  • Independent testing and rigorous quality controls help maintain consistent product quality and regulatory compliance.

Certifications & compliance frameworks

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EcoVadis

OQEMA is evaluated annually through a group-wide EcoVadis assessment, reflecting our commitment to responsible business practices.

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NATRUE

The NATRUE certification is a globally recognized quality seal for natural and organic cosmetics. It guarantees that products contain high natural ingredient percentages and are free from synthetic fragrances, silicones, parabens, GMOs, and microplastics.

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KLBD Kosher Certificate

KLBD Kosher Certification is a globally recognized seal verifying that food, beverage, or pharmaceutical products comply with strict Jewish dietary laws (Kashrut).

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Sedex

A global membership organization and data platform where businesses share information about ethical and sustainable supply chain practices.

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Ecoact

Provides critical sustainability certifications, including ISO 50001 audits and third-party Voluntary Carbon Offsetting verification. As a founding member of ICROA, they independently verify climate claims, carbon credits, and renewable energy procurement for corporations.

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Rainforest Alliance

The Rainforest Alliance Certification Program empowers farmers and companies to adopt sustainable practices, focusing on human rights, climate resilience, and ecosystem protection.

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FSSC 22000

FSSC 22000 is a globally recognized, GFSI-benchmarked food safety certification. It combines the ISO 22000 management system, sector-specific prerequisite programs (PRPs), and strict additional FSSC requirements (e.g., food fraud, food defense, and allergen management)

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AbCert

A premier, independent inspection and certification body based in Germany. It is primarily known for certifying organic production under European Union regulations, alongside private-law standards like Naturland, Bioland, and Demeter.

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