More Sustainable Palm Oil at
NIVEA

Unfortunately, the high demand for palm oil has often led to deforestation and other unsustainable agricultural practices. Forests store CO₂ naturally and effectively, and their steady destruction contributes significantly to climate change. At NIVEA, we take this topic seriously. For palm-kernel-oil-based ingredients, we rely on certified sourcing models such as the RSPO mass-balance standard to support more responsible practices in the palm oil supply chain.

For several years now, we have been working closely with our suppliers to promote greater transparency in the supply chain and support efforts to establish and expand sustainable palm kernel oil production.

NIVEA’s parent company, Beiersdorf, supports initiatives that aim to promote more responsible palm kernel oil production and help reduce the risk of deforestation in palm oil supply chains. We are an active member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and the Forum for Sustainable Palm Oil (FONAP), two groups that promote an end-to-end sustainable palm kernel oil economy.

The shared objectives of these groups are to increase transparency within the palm oil industry and promote its sustainable transformation. Since the end of 2020, 100% of the volumes of palm (kernel) oil and derivatives used to produce our products have been covered by RSPO-certified sourcing through the Mass Balance supply chain model. Under the Mass Balance model, certified and non-certified materials may be physically mixed during processing and transport, while equivalent certified volumes are tracked and verified throughout the supply chain. Compliance with applicable RSPO supply chain requirements is independently audited and verified.

Our efforts go even beyond our own procurement. For many years, we have partnered with NGOs and suppliers to support sustainable palm cultivation on the ground. By supporting smallholder farmers, for example by providing high-quality seedlings and access to water, we not only help to improve agricultural practices but also generate positive social impact for local communities.