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Firmenich Inaugurates State-Of-The-Art Creation & Development Center At Dubai Science Park

Christine Schott Ledes — Fri, 27 May 2022 13:55:06 +0000

The newest Creation & Development Center will provide services to customers in more than 60 countries across the Middle East and Africa region

Firmenich, the world’s largest privately-owned perfume and taste company, has inaugurated its new regional hub today at Dubai Science Park, the region’s leading science-focused community. The newest Creation & Development Center further expands the company’s science and innovation capabilities through cutting edge technologies to service customers in more than 60 countries across the Middle East and Africa region. The 3,500-sqm area comprises a state-of-the-art research and science facility.

The official opening on 23 March 2022 was presided over by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Holding, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer, Minister of Finance of Switzerland, and Gilbert Ghostine, CEO of Firmenich. The event was attended by H.E. Massimo Baggi, Ambassador of Switzerland to the UAE and Bahrain, H.E. Malek Al Malek, Director General of Dubai Development Authority and Group CEO of TECOM Group, Abdulla Belhoul, Chief Commercial Officer of TECOM Group, Arnaud Bachellier, General Manager of Firmenich in the region, as well as Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Managing Director of Dubai Science Park.

Firmenich’s advanced creation and sampling laboratory will allow the company to deliver high-quality and innovative ingredients for fine fragrances and consumer fragrances (used in body care and home care products) as well as a variety of F&B flavors designed to delight consumers in the region. The company aims to accelerate innovation and global expansion with enhanced access to key markets and evolving trends, while reducing the time to market for new products.

A first of its kind in the region, Firmenich’s facility is built upon the company’s Lab 4.0 vision of a future-proof laboratory, which aims to optimize the end-to-end flow of samples using industry best practices and is powered by artificial intelligence (AI). It includes a fully automated warehouse that can stock up to 40,000 products as well as a compounding robot connected to more than 240 ingredients that can create a fragrance sample in less than a minute.

The new facility has been fully designed to accommodate Firmenich’s future expansion plans.

On this occasion, H.E. Ambassador Massimo Baggi reflected, “Switzerland and the UAE’s long-standing bilateral relationship has been of significant economic and cultural value to both countries. We strive to enrich this partnership and continue the advancement of several sectors with the fruitful exchange of knowledge, technological resources and talent. Firmenich’s expansion in Dubai contributes to this objective and we are proud to be able to inaugurate this plant in the presence of our Finance Minister, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer. Especially, as this regional headquarter will introduce even more technologies developed in Switzerland to nurture innovation and make a greater impact by leveraging investment and scientific research.”

Gilbert Ghostine, CEO at Firmenich, commented, “Creative excellence is at the core of Firmenich’s operations, while at heart we are committed to science and innovation guided by sustainability. These key ingredients have earned us our leading position within the industry, and we are confident they will continue to fuel our growth in new avenues. The Middle East & Africa region represents a strategic expansion opportunity for our company due to its diverse markets and wealth of opportunities. Our success stems from cultivating deep insights into our consumers and their preferences, and we can think of no better location to tap into the region’s rich audiences than Dubai Science Park. The business district’s world-class infrastructure and comprehensive, science-focused community bring us closer than ever to our audiences and will empower our ambitions to curate authentic experiences suited to regional tastes.”

H.E. Malek Al Malek, said: “Our leadership has been keen on developing a flourishing science sector within the region through strategic plans and a focused vision to develop an enabling business ecosystem suited to international companies and skilled talent in the various fields of science and research and development.”

He added, “Since its inception, the Group’s Dubai Science Park has contributed to laying the foundation of a globally competitive sector and attracted leading names and the brightest minds to enhance the landscape for research and development, while boosting the country’s exports from such vital and specialized sectors. The launch of Firmenich’s new regional hub in Dubai Science Park and their success over the past decade is yet another achievement for the emirate and marks a new milestone in cementing an integrated science, R&D environment for the UAE as a whole.”

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Firmenich ESG Reports Robust FY 2021: Aims to be carbon neutral by 2025

Christine Schott Ledes — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 21:50:03 +0000

Firmenich, the world’s largest privately-owned fragrance and taste company, released its annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, detailing the Group’s robust ESG performance in Fiscal Year 2021. Building on its leadership in Responsible Business, Firmenich has stepped up progress towards its ground-breaking 2025 ESG goals across three key areas: climate, nature and people.

“Firmenich has achieved the ambitious 2020 environmental goals it set after the COP21 climate conference. The pandemic and recent climate events show we need to keep on turbocharging our leadership across the ESG spectrum,” said Gilbert Ghostine, CEO Firmenich. “By taking our commitments in conscious perfumery, diet transformation and renewable ingredients to the next level, we are encouraging others to be bolder for a sustainable future.”

“Our ESG ambition is now embedded throughout our business, providing us all with a clear vision of the transformation we will achieve within a decade on our way to a positive-impact future,” said Berangère Magarinos-Ruchat, Chief Sustainability Officer, Firmenich. “We are determined to generate positive and measurable impacts on climate change, nature regeneration and people protection.”

FY2021 ESG Performance

Acting on Climate Change: driven by science-based targets, Firmenich is one of only two companies in the world to achieve a CDP Triple A rating for climate, water and forests for the third consecutive year. Furthermore, Firmenich has clearly decoupled its growth in manufacturing output from its CO2 emissions, with Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions down by 37.1% since 2017, and achieved 100% Renewable Electricity in its operations including in all new acquisitions. Firmenich is continuing to drive its vision of a zero-impact future and is on track to reach carbon neutrality in its direct operations by 2025 and a carbon positive impact beyond that date. By 2030, Firmenich will strive to achieve absolute carbon emission reduction in line with the 1.5°C Science-Based Targets.
Embracing Nature: In 2021, Firmenich became the first company in the world to achieve full verified Biodiversity Risk Management (ABS). In addition, 100% of its integrated biodiversity strategy was verified by the Union for Ethical Biotrade (UEBT) and the Group reached 96.3% ultimately or partially biodegradable ingredients in its fragrance portfolio. Firmenich is contributing to the definition of science-based targets for nature and commits to influence its ecosystem of clients, suppliers and partners to accelerate nature positive decisions globally.
Caring about People: the Group became the first company in the world to upgrade to Global EDGE MOVE certification, raising the bar for gender equality. Firmenich achieved no gender pay gap, zero human rights non-compliance in its operations, and 47% of Senior Leaders are women and/or ethnically diverse. Building on its platinum Ecovadis environmental and social performance rating, Firmenich reinforced its actions to protect human rights by expanding awareness and training across the company and its suppliers. As a family company, Firmenich wants to pass its legacy to the next generations and will continue to enable social cohesion globally, foster well-being and reinforce its actions to respect and protect human rights across its value chain.In 2021, Firmenich was also rated for the first time by Sustainalytics, with a score of 8.6, which not only places the Group as ESG leader in its industry but also in the top 1% of companies rated worldwide. Firmenich was last week ranked in the top 10 of the World Benchmarking Alliance’s food and agriculture benchmark, leading its industry.

Disclosure

The Firmenich ESG Report 2021 is aligned with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the SASB Materiality Map® and is prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) standards. The ESG Report’s contents also provide an update on Firmenich progress with the implementation of the ten principles of the UN Global Compact, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as the B Corp certification. The document has been independently audited, receiving a reasonable level of assurance. The Firmenich ESG Report 2021 is available online here.

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Firmenich joins Union for Ethical BioTrade

Christine Schott Ledes — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 01:46:55 +0000

Firmenich, the world’s largest privately-owned fragrance and taste company, has become a member of the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT), a non-profit association that promotes sourcing with respect. UEBT membership recognizes that Firmenich is operating worldwide according to ethical sourcing principles and has developed effective work plans for its supply chains on biodiversity, fair and equitable benefit sharing, local development, and labor rights.

“Our Center of Expertise of Naturals in Grasse has been a member of UEBT since 2014 and now we are proud to join the organization at global level, having passed their independent assessment,” said Gilbert Ghostine, CEO Firmenich. “UEBT is recognized for setting high standards and working with companies on biodiversity, making this partnership a key milestone for our 2030 ESG objectives on responsible sourcing. By integrating biodiversity protection in all our natural sourcing from 50 countries, we are making a real difference to people, planet and society, and offering our customers the highest quality, sustainably sourced, natural raw materials.”

As a precondition to becoming a global UEBT member, Firmenich’s biodiversity policy commitments and its responsible sourcing system were assessed by UEBT in accordance with its principles.

“With UEBT, we have designed and agreed on a clear work-plan for the next three years,” added Boet Brinkgreve, President, Ingredients. “Our objective is to drive continuous improvement towards the local producers in our value chains and ensure proper risk management systems across our natural sourcing portfolio. Through this collaboration, we also want to achieve certification for a large number of our critical ingredients by 2030.”

In 2021, Firmenich also became the first company in the world to achieve the newly launched UEBT Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Due Diligence Verification, whereby UEBT examined the system Firmenich uses to comply with rules linked to the Nagoya Protocol on ABS. ABS ensures that the benefits arising from biodiversity-based research and development are shared in a fair and equitable way, including through sustainable practices and collaboration with local communities.

“Firmenich has set clear targets for 2030 on sourcing with respect for people and biodiversity,” commented Rik Kutsch Lojenga, Executive Director of UEBT. “A solid implementation strategy is currently being rolled out by Firmenich to ensure these targets are met and positive impact is created for people and biodiversity. With Firmenich group joining UEBT, it is committing to continuous improvement with a focus on local sourcing practices in its responsible sourcing due diligence system and supplier support program. We look forward to working with Firmenich on this.”

As part of its Naturals Together platform, Firmenich builds its leadership in Naturals on three pillars: sustainable procurement standards, collections of certified ingredients with strong involvement at source, as well as innovation. UEBT membership supports the Group’s ambitions for sourcing with respect for people and biodiversity.

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Firmenich Pioneers A Revolutionary Natural Extraction Technology & Launches Firgood Ingredients

Christine Schott Ledes — Sat, 12 Jun 2021 22:55:14 +0000

Firmenich, the world’s largest privately-owned fragrance and taste company, has unveiled the FirgoodTM collection, a brand new range of pure, 100% natural extracts obtained by a revolutionary, sustainable proprietary extraction technology. This patented process, pioneered by Firmenich, enables the processing of biomass never previously used in the industry for natural ingredients. Part of the Naturals TogetherTM platform, FirgoodTM extracts complement Firmenich’s extraordinary palette of natural perfumery and taste ingredients with unique new naturals.

“This advanced and highly sustainable technology is a revolution for natural ingredients in our industry. It opens new creative territories, unexplored until now,” said Gilbert Ghostine, CEO Firmenich. “The development of this brand-new industrial facility in our Naturals Center of Excellence in Grasse reinforces our continued leadership in naturals.”

The FirgoodTM technology uses only the water that is an inherent part of the biomass cells. Once warmed up by electromagnetic vibration, the water carries the odorant components, to yield the final pure extract.

More environmentally friendly than any other extraction method, this technology is the culmination of advances in sustainable extraction. Solvent-free, dry biomasses only require water humidification, while low energy consumption is an added benefit of the process. In addition, the waste produced is clean and can easily be upcycled, reinforcing the sustainable value of this pure extraction.

“We have successfully scaled-up from lab and pilot plant to two industrial lines, offering production capacity that ranges from hundreds of kilograms to several tons of primary extracts,” added Boet Brinkgreve, President, Ingredients. “Today, a pear FirgoodTM, a ginger FirgoodTM and a green bell pepper FirgoodTM are part of the Firmenich creative Perfumery palette, and in the coming months we will introduce 10 additional ingredients followed by a rich pipeline of future launches for both Perfumery and Taste applications.”

These revolutionary three additions to Firmenich’s creative palette are perfectly designed to create new natural signature answering our customers’ expectationsfor the highest standards of differentiation and sustainability in the natural ingredients field.

Firmenich builds its leadership in Naturals on three pillars: sustainable procurement standards, collections of certified ingredients with strong involvement at source, as well as innovation. The FirgoodTM technology supports the Group’s ambitions for an accelerated renewable carbon transition.

Firmenich is a founding member of Grasse Expertise since 2017, the hallmark of excellence aiming to preserve the unique expertise of the Grasse region of France at every stage of perfumery and flavor production, from flower cultivation and ingredient extraction, to scientific research and supply.

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Firmenich Leads on Equality in the Workplace, Reaching Next Level of Global EDGE Certification

Christine Schott Ledes — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 21:17:49 +0000

Firmenich Takes Action Beyond Gender Focusing on Ethnic Minorities, LGBTIQ+ & Differently-abled Workforce

Firmenich is the first company in the world to successfully upgrade its global EDGE Certification for gender equality in the workplace to the next level: “Move” status. Recognizing the Group’s ever more inclusive culture, the leading business certification standard for gender equality awarded Firmenich Move status for its progress in expanding diverse representation at all levels and a strong sense of belonging among its diverse workforce. Firmenich continues to lead in workplace equality, having been the 7th company in the world and the first in its industry to achieve global certification in 2018 at Assess level.

“I am very proud that Firmenich is one of only two companies that have achieved Global EDGE MOVE certification, raising the bar for gender equality under EDGE’s demanding benchmarks for continuous improvement,” said Gilbert Ghostine, CEO Firmenich. “EDGE recognizes our concrete achievements in embedding equality worldwide, as an employer of choice and a trusted and reliable partner for our customers. I am particularly pleased that we set the standard at the very top of the organization with gender parity on our world-class executive team.”

“The remarkable leap forward Firmenich has made in two years at the global level from the first level to the second level of EDGE Certification, EDGE Move, demonstrates that intentional, prioritized and measured actions undeniably accelerate progress towards gender balance, diversity and inclusion,” said Aniela Unguresan, Co-founder of EDGE Certified Foundation. “Specifically, Firmenich’s global EDGE Move certification illustrates the company’s progress in terms of gender representation and proactive management of pay equity across its main countries of operation.”

“Firmenich continues to set the standard for excellence as the best place to work in our industry. Since our first global EDGE certification in 2018, we have achieved significant milestones, from no gender pay gap worldwide to systematically implementing diverse talent pools,” said Mieke Van de Capelle, Chief Human Resources Officer at Firmenich. “While I am very proud of our achievements, we are focusing on new frontiers with targeted action that goes beyond gender. It’s about embracing the power of inclusion of minority groups, securing effective representation and engagement of people with different abilities, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds and sexual orientation.”

Building on its achievements, the Group’s new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy sets ambitious 2030 people goals, including commitments on human rights, ethnic pay equity, creating 5,000 job opportunities for youth and continuing to raise the representation of differently-abled people in its workforce to 10%.

Since 2018, Firmenich has raised women’s representation in its global workforce to 41% and eliminated gender pay gaps. Expanded flexible working opportunities worldwide, effective recruitment and promotion practices, as well as continuous training and mentoring, have enhanced equal representation at all levels including critical pathways to senior management. Half of Firmenich’s Executive Committee is female.

EDGE Certification at the global level entails a global evaluation of Firmenich data and processes, as well as a comprehensive survey of its employees worldwide. Firmenich emerged from the rigorous assessment as an employer that is clearly meeting and exceeding core certification criteria around hiring, pay, retention, development and engagement of its employees.

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Firmenich marks its 125th anniversary with new customer-focused website

Christine Schott Ledes — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 06:08:26 +0000

Firmenich marked its 125th anniversary by offering unprecedented insight into the world’s largest privately-owned fragrance and flavor company with the launch of its redesigned website. Firmenich.com has opened new digital avenues for direct customer engagement and showcasing the Group’s creativity, world-class science and top-rated sustainability performance in greater depth than ever before.

“This year we are marking a historic milestone, our 125th anniversary,” said Patrick Firmenich, Chairman of the Board. “Only the greatest companies, the ones that reinvent themselves era after era, make it so far. Our new website brings to life our legacy of responsible business and enduring family values that are the foundation of our success for more than five generations.”

“Firmenich.com takes our online experience to the next level, harnessing the latest technology to drive successful partnerships with an ever broader range of customers in the new normal,” said Gilbert Ghostine, CEO Firmenich. “For 125 years, Firmenich has helped shape the future of fragrance and taste, sustainably; today we are opening fresh insights into our fragrance, flavors and ingredients innovation and offering businesses worldwide single-click access to our trends and expertise.”

“Firmenich has increased the amount of compelling content online by nearly doubling the number of pages and investing in new digital tools to enhance the user experience, such as powerful predictive search and personalized content,” said Eric Saracchi, Chief Digital and Information Officer. “And this is just the beginning: we will be rolling out ever more dynamic functionality to better engage with customers, investors, the media and future prospects, understanding their preferences and driving business-specific journeys across our digital platforms.”

Refreshed and animated content adapted for a wide range of mobile and desktop devices is spread over 450 pages, and easily navigated through optimized search functions as well as a new single-click architecture. Four distinctive homepage experiences cover the Group’s businesses: Fragrances, Taste & Beyond, and Ingredients, as well as corporate affairs including careers. These sections allow the user to engage faster with their specific area of interest and offer direct business contact through a new digital tool.

A new media room brings together all Firmenich press releases as well as other resources and content to help journalists build their stories.

The website also features a new online magazine with curated content and shares the stories of the diverse and global teams of researchers and creators who are behind Firmenich’s innovation in perfume and taste. The Group’s sustainability journey is profiled across the website, reflecting the way Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is embedded throughout all of the Group’s activities.

Firmenich.com is optimized for the visually impaired and is ADA-compliant, encouraging accessibility in line with the company’s Diversity & Inclusion policy.

To discover Firmenich’s new website, visit www.firmenich.com.

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Firmenich Appoints Benoit Fouilland as Chief Financial Officer

Christine Schott Ledes — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 17:10:25 +0000

Firmenich, the world’s largest privately-owned Perfume and Taste company, has appointed Benoit Fouilland as Chief Financial Officer, effective September 1st. Benoit will report directly to Firmenich CEO Gilbert Ghostine, as a member of the Company’s Executive Committee. He will also be the Secretary of the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee of the Board of Directors. Having most recently served as Chief Financial Officer at Criteo S.A., Benoit joins Firmenich with extensive experience as CFO in rapidly changing market environments and publicly-listed companies, as well as a proven ability to build trust with investors, bankers, advisors and regulators. He brings an outstanding track record in developing and transforming organizations to maximize business value, with expertise in leading Investor Relations and M&A, Corporate Governance, Internal Control and Risk Management.

“I warmly welcome Benoit to Firmenich’s Executive Committee as CFO,” stated Ghostine. “He is a business-minded CFO of rare stature with an impressive track record of building and leading global financial teams and maximizing business performance. With his depth of experience, I am confident he will be a key partner for our entire Executive Team.”

“I am delighted to join Firmenich as Chief Financial Officer. Firmenich has an undisputable reputation, a committed team, supportive and engaged customers, that have allowed the Group to successfully reinvent itself era after era,” said Fouilland. “It is a very exciting time to join the company as they embark on their new strategic cycle. I look forward to supporting the Firmenich team bringing a strong strategic focus on growth and value drivers.”

Benoit Fouilland replaces Eric Nicolas who has held the CFO role since 2011. Nicolas has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Firmenich Group, responsible for Global Operations and Supply Chain, Digitalization as well as M&A and Corporate Strategy. He remains a member of the Executive Committee.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to Eric Nicolas for the exemplary leadership he has shown over the past 9 years as CFO. Eric has been instrumental to evolve the governance of Firmenich matching the ambitious growth over the past decade and I am pleased to keep partnering with Eric in his new role supporting our continued transformation and customer excellence.”

Benoit joins Firmenich with more than 20 years of international executive leadership and finance experience at market-leading technology companies, including British Telecom, Business Objects and SAP. In his most recent role as Criteo’s Chief Financial Officer, Benoit delivered record growth results, led the Group’s highly successful NASDAQ IPO and established best-in-class corporate reporting and investor relations. A French citizen, Benoit will relocate from Paris to Geneva. He holds a Master’s in Management from the ESLSCA Graduate School of Business in Paris, a Master’s degree in Finance from Dauphine University in Paris and an MBA from INSEAD

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FIRMENICH SIGNS EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH COOP SCA3P

Christine Schott Ledes — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 19:58:32 +0000

FIRMENICH STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP IN NATURALS & SUSTAINABILITY BY SIGNING EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH COOP SCA3P

Firmenich, the world’s largest privately-owned perfume and taste company, has signed an exclusive, ambitious partnership with Coop SCA3P, the world’s leading producer of natural lavandin, covering business, diversification and innovation, as well as contribution to a sustainable farming model to secure the future for hundreds of local producers.

Firmenich has shared a long, privileged relationship with Coop SCA3P, a member of NaturalsTogether, the think tank in naturals that Firmenich created in 2014 with some of the world’s leading producers. As the largest Coop SCA3P customer for iconic lavandin essential oils, Firmenich reinforces its leadership position in both naturals and sustainability in Provence and Grasse, through this new agreement.

“With this partnership, Firmenich confirms its long-term investment in the region of Grasse, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We are proud to uphold the centuries-old traditions of the best naturals, from the legendary lavenders of the mountains of Provence to the exquisite roses blooming in the fields around Grasse,” explains Gilbert Ghostine, CEO. “Together with SCA3P, we guarantee a state-of-the-art supply chain for our customers and a responsible business model for the talented farmers and distillers who have dedicated their lives to producing the finest quality lavandin in France.”

“Years of collaboration have built mutual confidence and encouraged innovation between Firmenich and SCA3P,” says Jean-Michel Cotta, President of SCA3P. “Our farmers and distillers need this type of long-term support from the industry. Our exclusive partnership shows that we are here to succeed in the future and to encourage the successful production of natural materials in France.”

Perfumer Elise Benat and lavender farmer, producer and member of the Coop SCA3P Jérôme Boen are seen here in the fields.

In addition to securing the growing needs of Firmenich’s customers for lavandin, lavenders and sage, the Firmenich-SCA3P partnership allows the 230 members of the Coop to anchor their productions on aromatic plants, expanding their current surfaces and bringing in new crops to further diversify their portfolio, including developments in coriander, testing innovative lavender hybrids and new exclusive ingredients. The partnership also focuses on best practices in sustainable agriculture, including water and fertilization management, disease control and biodiversity promotion. This collaboration illustrates the ambition of the NaturalsTogether program to reflect on the best ways to ensure a successful future for natural ingredients.

This partnership with Coop SCA3P, the leader of aromatic agriculture in Haute Provence, strengthens Firmenich’s involvement in the cradle of modern perfumery in the region of Grasse. Acquired in May 2020, Firmenich’s third Fine Fragrance Atelier Villa Botanica will formally open in Grasse in Spring 2021, showcasing natural ingredients and innovations. Firmenich’s Center of Excellence in Grasse treats over 80 raw materials from around the world each year to produce more than 800 natural ingredients for its palette. Firmenich is one of the most important producers of exclusive Rose de Mai absolute, harvested locally and extracted in their facilities in Tourettes. The innovation platform in Grasse hosts Master Perfumers on a regular basis to stimulate and elevate the creation of new ingredients.

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Firmenich achieves key milestone for B Corp Certification

Christine Schott Ledes — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 17:11:01 +0000

Firmenich achieves key milestone for B Corp Certification, first in industry to complete UN SDG Action Manager assessment designed by B Lab

Firmenich, the world’s largest privately-owned Perfume and Taste company, is the first in the industry to complete the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Action Manager assessment, developed by B Lab and the UN Global Compact. A key milestone for its B Corp Certification, the SDG Action Manager assessment confirmed the Group’s overall strength in environmental, social and governance performance in areas such as Health, Human Rights and Climate Action. Reinforcing Firmenich’s global sustainability leadership in sanitation, female empowerment and biodiversity have proven to be critical in integrating the SDG assessment criteria across its operations.

“Taking our 125-year legacy of responsible business into the future, we are the first in our industry to have completed this key step towards B Corp Certification,” said Gilbert Ghostine, CEO of Firmenich. “This will allow us to take our globally-recognized environmental and social performance to the next level, and drive positive impact for people, planet and society.”

“I am impressed to see how seriously Firmenich have taken their B Corp journey. Through the SDG Action Manager, they started with a diligent assessment of their current operations, as one of the first companies in the world to assess their contribution to the SDGs,” said Jonathan Normand, Founder & Executive Director B Lab Switzerland. “ I look forward to seeing Firmenich obtain the B Corp certification.”

“Firmenich has been on a fantastic journey over the past 12 months, working in close collaboration with both B. Lab Switzerland and Europe,” said Dr. Bérangère Magarinos-Ruchat, Chief Sustainability Officer, Firmenich. “SDG Action Manager is a critical building block on our journey to becoming a B Corp. With this assessment we fast-track the integration of the SDG’s across our entire value chain.”

Firmenich has an established track record in environmental and social performance. One of only 36 UN Global Compact LEAD companies, Firmenich has been an active member of the business coalition for over a decade, placing the SDGs at the core of its growth strategy. Advancing its ambitious sustainability goals, Firmenich received the highest Platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing the Group in the top 1% of the 65,000 suppliers assessed. This year Firmenich achieved 100% renewable electricity across all its operations worldwide. An industry first, this significant milestone builds on Firmenich’s second consecutive CDP Triple A ranking for Climate Change, Water and Forests, one of only six companies worldwide. As an inclusive business, Firmenich was the seventh company worldwide, and the first in its industry, to be globally certified as a gender equal employer by EDGE, the world’s leading certification standard in this area.

Bringing together B Lab’s B Impact Assessment, the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, and the Sustainable Development Goals, the SDG Action Manager enables meaningful business action through dynamic self-assessment, benchmarking, and improvement. It is informed by the work and feedback of a range of stakeholders, including experts in corporate sustainability, civil society, UN, and academia; and it is inspired by the Certified B Corp community and participating companies of the UN Global Compact.

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Firmenich Opens Third Fine Fragrance Atelier in Grasse, Villa Botanica Showcases Natural Ingredients & Innovations

Christine Schott Ledes — Thu, 28 May 2020 05:23:14 +0000

Firmenich, the world’s largest privately-owned perfume and taste company, is opening its third prestigious Fine Fragrance Atelier in Grasse, France. Paying tribute to the cradle of modern perfumery, Villa Botanica will showcase the world’s highest quality natural ingredients and innovations, offering customers and creators a unique opportunity to collaborate, co-create and share perfumery culture, creativity and inspiration.

CEO Gilbert Ghostine said, “We are delighted to open a truly unique facility in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Grasse, further strengthening our leadership in naturals and sustainability. In an intimate and safe setting, we will offer our customers privileged access to our exceptional natural materials from Grasse and around the world and collaborate together to develop winning fragrances for today’s conscious consumers and tomorrow’s trend setters.”

le Maire de Grasse Jerome Viaud stated, “The municipal strategy and territorial marketing that we have been implementing for the past six years to bring together the world’s biggest players in perfumery to Grasse is starting to take shape. Firmenich has always been a true partner for our city, with its combination of production sites and innovation center. We deeply appreciate Firmenich’s support of Rose de Mai and jasmine extracts, a great contribution to our renowned heritage and future. This new site in Peyloubet will revive one of the most beautiful spots of our city, and I am delighted to anticipate the high level of fragrance creation that will take place on top of that hill.”

Villa Botanica, on the hill of Peyloubet above Grasse, is a remarkable, 40,000-square-meter site, complete with gardens, creation workshop, reception area and stunning views of the mountains and sea. It provides an intimate, unequalled oasis for Firmenich’s Fine Fragrance creators and customers to collaborate, co-create and be inspired. The Mediterranean bastide will feature gardens covered with the prestigious essences of Provence and greenhouses planted with exotic natural ingredients from around the world, from rose Centifolia, mimosa and lavender to vetiver, cinnamon, patchouli or ylang.

Fabrice Pellegrin, Principal Perfumer, Director of Natural Product Innovation explained, “My calling as a perfumer is rooted in my love of natural raw materials; I need to pick the flowers, crumple the leaves, smell the first fruits of each season. The floral productions from Grasse have no equal in perfumery heritage and are essential to us as composers of fragrance. The Villa Botanica possesses the virtue of tradition and the passion of creative excellence: listening, smelling, creating, innovating and sharing.”

President, Perfumery & Ingredients Armand de Villoutreys added, “At Firmenich, we are proud of our legacy as a center of perfumery culture, in Grasse and around the world. Villa Botanica will allow us to uniquely share our knowledge and expertise in Fine Fragrance with our customers, demonstrating our passion for the highest-quality natural ingredients and inspiring the beloved fragrances that touch the lives of consumers every day.”

Villa Botanica will formally open in Spring 2021. It is Firmenich’s third Fine Fragrance Atelier, after Sao Paulo in August 2019 and Shanghai in September 2019. These unique locations around the world offer Fine Fragrance customers exclusive spaces for collaboration, creation and innovation.

Firmenich’s Center of Excellence in Grasse treats over 80 raw materials from around the world each year to produce more than 800 natural ingredients for its palette. Firmenich is one of the most important producers of exclusive Rose de Mai absolute, harvested locally and extracted in their facilities in Tourettes. The innovation platform in Grasse hosts Master Perfumers on a regular basis to stimulate and elevate the creation of new ingredients.

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