Zero Biodiversity Loss

Using plant biotechnology, in particular ‘plant cell culture’, we are able to produce active cosmetic ingredients with substantiated efficacy and guaranteed reproducibility while significantly limiting our impact on biodiversity. A limited quantity of plant material is required to produce the active product, removing issues associated with conventional cultivation methods. 

Using our fermentation technology, we can develop highly specialised active and functional ingredients for skin and hair that offer strong performance benefits while reducing impacts on climate and nature. 

Croda has committed to being 100% deforestation free in our key bio-based feedstocks by 2030. This forms part of our broader sustainability strategy embedded in Croda’s 2030 Growth Strategy and supports delivery of our SBTi FLAG targets / commitments, reflecting our broader ambition to contribute to a Nature Positive economy. Progress is driven through a data-led, supply chain-focused approach, including supplier engagement, traceability improvements and the use of external monitoring tools such as annual satellite-based assessment of deforestation risk.

For palm supply chains (our most material bio-based supply chain), our current metric is based on DCF (deforestation and conversion free) status. Palm is Croda's most material bio-based feedstock and the supply chain where our monitoring is most advanced. Aligned with industry best practice in the palm sector and as a founding member of Action for Sustainable Derivatives (ASD) initiative, we monitor progress using methodologies that incorporate Deforestation and Conversion Free (DCF) criteria. Our approach combines transitioning to certified sustainable palm derivatives, traceability to mills and plantations, and ongoing collaboration with suppliers to improve transparency and performance over time.

Importantly, we are transparent about progress and limitations - treating deforestation free sourcing as a measurable pathway, not a box ticking exercise.  

For bio-based feedstocks beyond palm, Croda's 2030 commitment remains focused on achieving deforestation-free sourcing. We continue to develop monitoring approaches across these supply chains and intend to expand future reporting as methodologies and data availability mature. We believe transparency is essential and therefore report progress against measurable indicators while continuing to strengthen supply chain visibility and risk management.