Symrise's Sustainability Journey: A B2B Success Story
In today's business landscape, sustainability is not just a buzzword but a critical
component of corporate strategy. Companies across the globe are adopting
sustainable practices to reduce their environmental footprint while also improving
operational efficiency and engaging stakeholders. Symrise stands out as a beacon of
innovation and commitment to environmental stewardship. This article delves into
the company's sustainable strategies and the positive results they've achieved,
offering a blueprint for other businesses aiming to enhance their sustainability
practices.
Background & Leadership
Michelle Miller, the North American Sustainability Manager at Symrise, brings a wealth of experience to the table. With a career spanning roles in environmental health and safety, product stewardship, and as the former Chief Sustainability Officer for a local paper company, Michelle's journey is a testament to her dedication to sustainability. Her current role at Symrise involves overseeing sustainability initiatives specifically for the food and beverage division across nine facilities in the US and Canada. This includes greenhouse gas accounting, water quality management, and waste reduction efforts.
Initiatives & Implementation
One of the standout initiatives under her leadership was a comprehensive waste reduction campaign. The campaign, spanning two weeks, incorporated both online and on-site activities designed to engage employees and foster a culture of sustainability. The campaign included webinars focusing on waste reduction both at home and in the workplace. One focused on manufacturing waste, and for the other Purevant Living offered insights on reducing waste for different departments at the office or at home, providing a dedicated workbook for employees to assess and improve their waste management habits. The initiative aimed to enhance understanding, encourage actionable steps, and ensure correct waste diversion. Employees also participated in idea walls for waste reduction suggestions, desk cleanups to promote the reuse of supplies, and a waste-free lunch challenge. These activities were designed to make sustainability tangible and actionable. Participants who attended the webinars and completed the home audit workbook were entered into prize drawings for sustainable items, adding an element of fun and competition to the campaign.
Results & Impact
The campaign's impact was significant, as it led to immediate improvements in waste management practices across several facilities. For instance, one facility in New Jersey introduced dual bins for better recycling, while others enhanced signage and bin availability to aid correct waste segregation. Miller emphasized, "The initiative uncovered gaps in our waste management system, prompting facilities to collaborate with vendors to ensure proper waste handling." This hands-on approach not only addressed existing issues but also fostered a proactive attitude towards sustainability within the company.
Continued Commitment & Future Plans
The success of the waste reduction campaign includes an expansion of Symrise’s North American sustainability team to 35 members and continues to drive forward new initiatives. Future plans include annual participation in Cool Choices, a program that encourages sustainable actions through team-based competitions, and new themes for upcoming initiatives such as health and wellness, reflecting the holistic approach to sustainability.
Symrise's commitment to sustainability demonstrates the power of well-planned, engaging, and comprehensive sustainability initiatives. By focusing on practical steps and employee education, Symrise has not only improved its environmental impact but also fostered a culture of sustainability within the organization. This success story serves as an inspiration for other businesses aiming to implement sustainable strategies and achieve positive outcomes for person and planet.
-Stephanie Krubsack