Sustainability strategy and targets

For Chr. Hansen, sustainability is not a stand-alone discipline. It’s the foundation of our business model. And because it’s an integral part of what we do, we don’t have a separate sustainability strategy. Instead, our corporate strategy “Natures no. 1 – Sustainably” captures the full potential we see across our three business areas Food Cultures & Enzymes, Health & Nutrition and Natural Colors.

Our approach to sustainability is innovation led. Through our strong microbial platform and our capabilities in developing natural product solutions we are uniquely positioned to help pave the way for a more sustainable future. We focus on the areas where we can have the highest impact: 

• Better farming – We help feed the growing population by promoting sustainable agriculture with our silage inoculant and Plant Health solutions. 
• Good health – We improve global health by developing products with documented health benefits.
• Less waste – We help reduce food waste and improve yield and productivity, amongst others with our bioprotective cultures.

In addition to our commercial targets, we have set ourselves ambitious operational goals along the four dimensions workplace responsibility, climate and environment, business and product integrity as well as human rights and responsible sourcing.

Our commercial and operational sustainabilty goals

UN Global Goals mapping

Chr. Hansen has been a pioneer in developing a methodology to measure the contribution of its product portfolio to the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development. The five-step methodology was developed in 2017 and has gone through a limited assurance process by PwC. 

As per 2017/18, our contribution to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals is 82% of our total revenue. 
Read more about the methodology

Sustainability Board

The Sustainability Board is responsible for ensuring ownership, involvement and commitment from the entire business in defining, prioritizing and executing Chr. Hansen’s sustainability objectives and activities. The Sustainability Board is chaired by the CEO and its members are representatives from all three business areas as well as central functions such as HR, Sourcing and EHS. The Sustainability Board meets three times a year.

Governance

Chr. Hansen aims to maintain an effective and transparent corporate governance framework which ensures that the company is managed and monitored in a responsible manner. For more information on our management structure, Board of Directors activities, remuneration policies and AGM matters, please refer to the Governance section.