The move formed part of Beiersdorf’s wider climate goals, including the aim to slash overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% in absolute terms by 2025, from 2018 levels, including scope 3 emissions caused in the value chain by suppliers of ingredients and packaging.
Back in March 2020, long-standing previous chairman of the board at Beiersdorf Stefan De Loecker said climate change was “one of the greatest challenges of our time” and pledged that the company would continue its sharp focus on addressing this. The company reiterated this position in its H2 2021 earnings, outlining the goal to transform Beiersdorf’s global production network to climate-neutral by 2030.
The latest rollout of eco-valves and PCR aluminium cans formed part of this.
Patented eco-valve reduces GHG emissions
Working with UK eco-valve specialist Salford Valve Company, Beiersdorf had integrated a “climate-friendlier aerosol valve system” for its Nivea EcoDeo line that it said ensured a higher yield per can resulting in a significant reduction in GHG emissions. The patented Salvalco eco-valve used eco-friendlier, inert cases such as nitrogen as a propellent for the aerosol sprays instead of conventional hydrocarbon propellants.
“As a result of a strong collaboration following the venture capital investment by Oscar&Paul Beiersdorf Venture Capital in 2020, Nivea is the first global brand to use this patented, climate-friendlier aerosol valve – taking the lead in its industry,” Beiersdorf said.
Michael Becker, head of global packaging R&D at Beiersdorf, said: “We share the vision of a climate-positive future with our partners at Salvaco and are excited to deliver now more climate-friendly aerosol products to our consumers.”
Post-consumer recycled aluminium cans
Beiersdorf had also partnered with Swiss packaging specialist Nussbaum Matzingen to roll out 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) aluminium cans across its Nivea Men deodorant ranges and most of the Nivea Men shaving gels in Europe. The new cans reduced CO2 emissions by 28% for the deodorant line and slashed emissions by 35% for the shaving gel line given recycled aluminium required around 95% less energy during production.
The cans, which had also been light-weighted, were now available in Germany and penned for a wider European rollout in 2022.
Markus Tomasini, CTO of the Nussbaum Group, said 100% of the primary aluminium had been replaced using drink can scrap as a starting material. “Tool and process innovation were the key to being able to process the high alloy content in the post-consumer recycled material,” Tomasini said.
Climate-neutral goals – packaging investments key
Jean-François Pascal, vice president of corporate sustainability at Beiersdorf, said the company was “delighted and proud” with its latest two packaging partnerships aimed at accelerating Beiersdorf’s transformation towards a “climate-positive future”.
“With these kinds of partnerships, we can take serious steps on our sustainability journey,” Pascal said.
Earlier this year in April, Beiersdorf also launched ‘climate neutralised’ renewable plastic jars across its Nivea Naturally Good face care range that it had co-developed with Saudi Arabian chemicals major Sabic. The jars rolled out worldwide in June, this year.
Beiersdorf had also been collaborating with manufacturing major Werner & Mertz and R&D institute The Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging (IVV) for some time to co-publish a guidance document on the suitability of post-consumer recyclates in cosmetic grade packaging. The personal care major said the publication of this document earlier this year was designed to fuel urgently needed change in the category.