Today, in honor of the International Day of Biological Diversity, Symrise is announcing its strategic partnership with the Global Nature Fund (GNF) and the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT). Together they will work to preserve biodiversity around the world.

The non-profit organizations will support Symrise with the implementation of its recently issued biodiversity concept. It is based on three pillars: The sustainable sourcing of natural raw materials, the eco-conscious design of Symrise’s sites and raising awareness among employees on preserving biodiversity. Symrise has set itself specific goals that it aims to reach by 2020.

“Biological diversity helps secure the long-term success of the company, as we depend on natural raw materials,” says Dr. Felix Schuppert, a member of the Symrise Sustainability Board and head of sustainable purchasing. “Intact ecosystems and the diversity of nature are an irreplaceable source of raw materials and inspiration for flavors, fragrances, cosmetic and functional ingredients.”

“There is another important aspect to our commitment to biodiversity besides ensuring raw materials supplies,” adds Dr. Helmut Frieden, Head of the Symrise Sustainability Board and responsible for compliance. “We also want to take advantage of entrepreneurial opportunities.” That is why Symrise had GNF and the corporate consulting firm dokeo perform a biodiversity check in 2012 to analyze both entrepreneurial risks stemming from a loss of biodiversity as well as possible business opportunities arising from effective commitment to maintaining biological diversity. Sustainability is a central element of the corporate strategy. Economic success and corporate responsibility are therefore inextricably linked at Symrise.

Biodiversity in flora and fauna is dramatically decreasing around the world: Species are 1,000 times more likely to go extinct due to human influence than through the result of natural conditions. Many ecosystems that supply important natural resources are in danger. With the International Day of Biological Diversity, the United Nations hope to raise public awareness about this issue.


About the Global Nature Fund

The Global Nature Fund (GNF) is a non-profit, independent and internationally operating foundation for the preservation of nature, the environment and the promotion of animal welfare. Founded in 1998, it is headquartered in Radolfzell am Bodensee in Germany with additional offices in Bonn and Berlin. Since its founding, the GNF has been active around the world for the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity. Among other things, the organization performs biodiversity checks for companies – such as in 2012 for Symrise.


About the Union for Ethical BioTrade

The Union for Ethical BioTrade is a member based non-profit association that promotes the ‘Sourcing with Respect’ of ingredients that come from biodiversity. UEBT is based in Geneva, with offices in Amsterdam and Sao Paulo. UEBT is the leading association of companies that are involved in biodiversity based innovation and sourcing, driving sustainable business growth, local development and biodiversity conservation. Currently Symrise’s subsidiary in Brazil, Aromas & Fragrâncias Ltda, is member of UEBT. 


About Symrise

Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances, flavorings, cosmetic active ingredients and raw materials as well as functional ingredients. Its clients include manufacturers of perfumes, cosmetics, food and beverages, the pharmaceutical industry and producers of nutritional supplements.

Its sales of more than € 1.8 billion in 2013 place Symrise among the top four companies in the global flavors and fragrances market. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, the Group is represented in over 35 countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the United States and Latin America.

Symrise works with its clients to develop new ideas and market-ready concepts for products that form an indispensable part of everyday life. The company was awarded the German Sustainability Award in 2012. In 2013, Symrise was certified as a “Green Company” by DQS.


Press Contact:

Bernhard Kott                                          
Tel. +49 55 31 90-17 21                            
Email: bernhard.kott(at)symrise.com     

Christina Witter
Tel. +49 55 31 90-2182
Email: christina.witter(at)symrise.com