SUPPLIER
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Stated attributes
Publicly stated commitments — not necessarily independently verified.
Beiersdorf AG
Household/Personal Care
Leif rating: Likely Good
Headquartered in Germany
Beiersdorf AG is a large multinational personal-care company (40,566 employees globally) with a structured sustainability program centered on its 2045 net-zero target, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. The company has achieved 30% recycled content in packaging and removed solid microplastics from NIVEA and Eucerin products, targeting 50% reduction in fossil-based virgin plastic by 2025. On labor, Beiersdorf requires suppliers to comply with an extensive Code of Conduct (signed by 90% of procurement volume) aligned with ILO standards, enforced through third-party audits. However, the brand faces recent controversies: a 2025 class-action lawsuit alleging that Nivea 'Nourish by Nature' and 'Naturally Good' lines misrepresent synthetic ingredients as natural origin, and a 2025 Swiss competition investigation into alleged predatory pricing practices toward Migros.
- FSC ↗
- Renewable energy
- Net-zero target
- Sustainable packaging
- Waste reduction
- No forced labor
- No child labor
- Supplier code of conduct
How Beiersdorf AG scores
Three pillars, scored independently. Higher is better.
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Environmental64.4Likely good
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Labor55Likely good
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Compliance47.1Likely fair
What Beiersdorf AG does well
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Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated emissions targets
Beiersdorf's greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, covering both near-term and long-term reduction pathways aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
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UN Global Compact participant
Beiersdorf has been a signatory to the UN Global Compact since 2006, committing to its ten principles covering human rights, labor standards, environmental responsibility, and anti-corruption.
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ISO 14001 environmental management certification
Multiple Beiersdorf production facilities hold ISO 14001 certification for environmental management systems, as disclosed in the company's sustainability reporting.
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Scope 3 emissions disclosure
Beiersdorf publicly discloses Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions in its annual sustainability report and CDP submission, covering categories including purchased goods and services and consumer use of sold products.
Controversies
Reported issues Leif found in public sources. Their presence lowers the rating.
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Greenwashing allegations regarding NIVEA packaging claims
In 2022, Beiersdorf faced scrutiny from consumer advocacy groups in Germany over marketing claims related to the sustainability of NIVEA product packaging, with critics arguing that claims about recyclability were insufficiently substantiated at the point of sale.
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Supply chain deforestation linkage concerns
Beiersdorf, along with numerous other personal care companies, was identified in a 2020 report by Rainforest Action Network as sourcing palm oil through supply chains with documented links to deforestation, despite corporate commitments to sustainable sourcing.
The detail
Environment
Beiersdorf publishes an annual sustainability report disclosing greenhouse gas emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, and has set targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for emissions reductions. According to the company's 2023 sustainability report, Beiersdorf has committed to increasing the use of renewable energy in its own operations and to improving the recyclability of its product packaging. The company reports on water consumption at its production sites and has stated goals around reducing plastic use and increasing the share of recycled content in packaging. Beiersdorf holds ISO 14001 environmental management certification at a number of its production facilities.
Labor
Beiersdorf publishes a Supplier Code of Conduct and conducts supplier audits as part of its supply chain management program, with sourcing spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The company reports on workforce diversity metrics, including gender representation at management levels, in its annual sustainability report. Beiersdorf has published a Modern Slavery Act statement in compliance with UK requirements and participates in the UN Global Compact, committing to its principles on labor rights. The company reports on employee health and safety indicators, including lost-time injury rates, in its annual disclosures.
Beiersdorf AG products on Amazon
2 products from Beiersdorf AG, sold on Amazon (US). Leif earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
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Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment (14 Oz) + 3-in-1 Diaper Rash Cream (3.5 Oz), Hypoallergenic and Fragrance Free Skin Care Set for Babies
Shop on Amazon →
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Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Spray SPF 50, Water Resistant Spray Sunscreen for Kids, Free From Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, PABA and Dyes, Pediatrician Recommended Sunblock, 5.5 Oz Can, Pack of 3
Shop on Amazon →
Leif's rating reflects an independent sustainability assessment of the brand — drawing on
disclosures, third-party certifications, and public ESG data — not customer reviews.
Ratings are directional, not precise scores.
Read how scoring works and our
full methodology.
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and what each certification actually proves.