Our approach
Business success in harmony with ecological and social responsibility
Foresighted thinking and sustainable action – these principles have guided Finzelberg since its founding by Hermann Finzelberg back in 1875. For 150 years they have been the values underpinning the way we do business. We want our expertise and solutions to facilitate healthcare progress, actively promote sustainable development, and minimize the negative impact of our actions on people, the environment, and society.
There is no Planet B
FOn the basis of scientific knowledge, we develop botanical extracts and make the power of plants available in pharmaceutical and healthcare products. But without nature, our valuable plant products wouldn’t exist. Global challenges like climate change demand that we take decisive and credible action to quickly respond to risks and secure the future of our business. That is why we are pursuing a science-based climate strategy with clear, measurable goals.
The responsibility we take is focused across three areas:
Corporate governance
We take responsibility and create trust – through integrity, high standards, and reliability. We ensure the quality and availability of our raw materials, and foster long-term partnerships within a powerful network that includes our customers, scientific institutions and raw materials partners. We consistently develop our procedures, structures and products to actively secure our future.
Environmental impact
We protect the natural resources that our business needs to thrive – from sustainable procurement of our raw materials, through protection of sensitive ecosystems, to fair conditions along our entire supply chain. With science-based climate targets and consistent reductions in our emissions, step by step we are making our production processes more environmental and saving resources. This way, we are doing what we can to ensure that the power of nature remains available to future generations.
Social commitment
People are the cornerstone of our success – and that’s why we create a working environment of team spirit, mutual respect, and long-term commitment. We promote our employees’ personal and professional development, and give them scope to take on responsibility and contribute their own ideas. We also make targeted investments in the training of our workers, including young talent. We ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of our employees – with the goal of being a good and reliable employer throughout every phase of working life.
Examples of Our Commitment
We walk the talk
Rhodiola rosea — cultivating for the future
Increasing demand for Rhodiola rosea has resulted in ever-decreasing supplies of the plant in collection areas. In response, Finzelberg has launched a long-term project to cultivate this rare species in order to safeguard its long-term supply for our customers. This cultivation is carried out under strictly monitored conditions in order to guarantee excellent quality for the future.
New facility reaches full potential
Our extraction facility, which went into operation in 2022, is responsible for almost 40 percent of the total production capacity. The new facility houses four extraction lines and evaporators. Thanks to its synchronized components, the system is extremely energy-efficient. The cycles of cooling, cold water, and steam are aligned to consume as little energy as possible. There is no need for separate cooling water. We also employ all the benefits of heat recovery in order to save energy. The new facility has reduced our energy requirements by 14,000 MWh in comparison to the old facilities, which have now been decommissioned.
From residue to resources
For us, recycling plant residues is part of our responsible approach to resources. We are currently participating in an R&D project to create biodegradable, sturdy materials from plant residues. An innovative thermal molding method turns, for example, valerian residues from our extraction process into insulating panels – a high-performing and resource-saving alternative to conventional boards made from mineral or wood fibers. Projects such as this impressively demonstrate the hidden potential of our residues and encourage us to keep rethinking resources and actively contribute to the circular economy.
Document-Center
Sustainability Magazine
Nachhaltigkeitsberichterstattung
- environmental statement
- DNK-declaration
- Responsible Care Initiative
- SBTi Progress Report 2024
