Eder Ramos, Global President of the Fragrance division at Symrise, took on a nonprofit position in June when the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT) nominated him to serve a three-year term as its President. The international nonprofit organization promotes responsible sourcing of natural raw materials. Member companies commit to steps that provide good working conditions along the supply chain and protect biodiversity. UEBT supports and verifies these efforts.
In his role as President, Eder Ramos will serve as the external representative of the UEBT Board of Directors. The board is comprised of member company representatives as well as independent experts. Prior to his nomination, Ramos was already a member of the Board as Treasurer of the organization; he also chairs UEBT committee meetings.
As a longstanding member of UEBT, Symrise has integrated the organization’s principles and criteria into its supply chain management. Parallel to this, the Holzminden-based Group also encourages its suppliers and customers to meet UEBT standards. Moreover, Symrise and UEBT have introduced additional steps for the certification of numerous plant-based raw materials. Extracts of ginger, essential oils from vetiver, geranium and other UEBT-certified ingredients enrich the company’s portfolio.
“Sustainability forms an integral component of our corporate strategy,” says Bernhard Kott, Chief Sustainability Officer at Symrise. “We especially want to make our supply chains sustainably environmentally friendly and socially equitable. Organizations such as UEBT help with this, and we support their work through our membership.”
Member companies of UEBT operate in the areas of fragrance, food, cosmetics, and natural pharmaceuticals products. Also, they use numerous natural raw materials in their supply chains. The organization promotes responsible procurement practices that members can use to source blossoms, fruit, roots, and other plant materials in an ethical manner. Members also commit to responsible treatment of the people who participate in the supply chain and the preservation of biodiversity.
Ramos brings 40 years of experience with fragrance and cosmetic ingredients in a multinational environment to his position. At Symrise, he assumed leadership as a regional and division head in Europe and Latin America and served as Global President of Cosmetic Ingredients. Ramos attaches particular importance to ethical supply chain management: The Fragrance division’s natural raw materials, which Symrise sources worldwide, are fully traceable.
“I am pleased to be nominated President of UEBT and delighted with the trust that has been placed in me,” says Eder Ramos, Global President Fragrances at Symrise. “In my new position, I would like to further promote the responsible creation of supply chains in our member companies. Symrise serves as my model.”