We deploy a unique model driven by sustainability and fueled by customer intimacy. Our unparalleled toolbox –comprising synthetic, biotech, and natural ingredients – underpins our creation and innovation capabilities, based on extensive consumer insights and our cutting-edge technical application expertise.
Science & Research
Both our products and way of working are grounded in our ambitious and well-funded Science & Research capabilities: we invest more than €700 million in this area of our business and are regularly recognized by Lexis Nexis as one of the world’s top 100 most dynamic innovators.
Sustainability
We have always viewed sustainability as a key business driver and a core responsibility. Our purpose of bringing progress to life involves addressing the needs of People and Planet in equal measure. For People, we create solutions that fuel healthy lives, nurture well-being, and empower people to thrive. For the Planet, we act to accelerate action on climate and conserve natural resources while safeguarding nature and biodiversity.
Working in close collaboration with customers and partners, we aim for best-in-class sustainability performance in our own operations, and to make the maximum positive impact on People and Planet. We maintain influential partnerships with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Food Programme, World Vision, and UNICEF, making a broad contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through these programs as well as via our commercial activities. Our progress during 2024 is presented in detail in the Sustainability and Sustainability Statements chapter of this Report.
Operational principles
The following principles govern our operating model:
- We are united by a common purpose and values
- Priorities, strategy, and policies are set at Group level
- We differentiate ourselves through our credentials and capabilities in Science & Research as well as sustainability
- Sustainability is embedded into how we design, source, manufacture, and deliver products and solutions in collaboration with our customers, suppliers and partners
- We give our Business Units a high degree of autonomy to ensure agility and customer intimacy. Each Business Unit has full accountability for cash generation and delivery of their financial results. They also have control of their respective manufacturing plants, supply chains, and relevant regulatory services. The innovation teams in each Business Unit work in partnership with Group Science & Research to deliver on our innovation goals
- Our Business Partners enable excellence and efficiency by partnering closely with the Group and the Business Units. The Business Partners also drive effectiveness through shared service centers
