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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 2007
2 Symrise CSR | Definition
3Symrise CSR report | Definition
CSR stands for Corporate Social Responsibility. It is a voluntary commitment to social accountability which companies pledge as an integral part of their corporate strategy and activities.
“People
ProfitPlanet
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A CLOSER LOOk...
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Preface page 7
A closer look
... at our company page 8
... at our products page 14
... at our business page 22
... at the environment page 28
... at our people page 36
... at society page 44
Look closer. Think farther. page 48
A CLOSER LOOk...
Contents:
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Dear Friends of Symrise,
corporations usually think in terms of facts, figures
and clear categories, and as a result they often see the
people around them in terms of groups as well — employ-
ees, neighbors, clients and, last but not least, consum-
ers. Each one of these groups has different expectations
for the corporation and what they feel the corporation
should do for them. One thing is clear, however: There
are values that matter to companies. And there are val-
ues that matter to people. And these two sets of values
can be very divergent.
If there is one common denominator, it is the mindset
towards the world we live in. The environment is the
basis of our existence, both as individuals and as a
corporation, and we want — and need — to protect it. This
is why Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not just
something we pay lip service to. Instead, it is a logical
and concrete strategy to secure our ability to survive.
The same is true for our clients. They are as dependent
on the demands of the market as we are, and consum-
ers are the ones who steer these demands. Consumer
confidence in many companies has fallen over the past
several years, and parallel to that, people‘s desire for
health, safety and sustainably manufactured products
has increased dramatically. Ecological and social consid-
erations now play a major role in consumers‘ willingness
to buy a product.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to trust. Trust
is a value that consumers have to be able to offer
manufacturers freely. It is a value that must be apparent
throughout the entire supply chain if a company is to be
considered credible. Here too, our personal commitment
to CSR is not just a response to our clients‘ preferences;
it is an intelligent step towards safeguarding our success
in business — and by extension, safeguarding the future
of the company and all of its employees.
As a manufacturer of fragrances and flavorings, we are
under especially close scrutiny from the outside world.
This is why in 2007 we decided to take a critical look at
ourselves to see what we could improve. We had our cor-
poration and our four most important products assessed
by a neutral third party to review our sustainability. This
gave us many new insights which we are using to develop
concrete strategic goals, both this year and in the future —
we want to put our new insights into practice.
Think on a large scale, but act on the details – this
is our buzzword when it comes to Corporate Social
Responsibility. Join us as we take a closer look.
Sincerely,
Gerold Linzbach
CEO
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYLOOk CLOSER. THINk FARTHER.
Symrise CSR report | Preface
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A CLOSER L OOk AT OuR COmPA NY
9“”“Embracing Corporate Social Responsibility is a convinc-ing approach if we want to protect both our world and our future as a company. We have to realize that bearing re-sponsibility for people, society and the environment is in-extricably linked to corporate success. No company is an island: it is always a part of an eco-system and of society as a whole.”
A CLOSER L OOk AT OuR COmPA NY
Dr. Gerold Linzbach, CEO
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S ustainability is a complex topic. It cannot be as-
sessed by reviewing performance in a single area;
instead, it is the result of numerous individual factors
which blend together to create the big picture. Sustain-
ability is also quantifiable via these factors, which include
energy consumption, CO2 emissions, water use and
others. Programs to standardize and assess sustain-
ability (such as the one issued by the Global Reporting Initiative™ ) are the benchmark that we at Symrise use to
quantify progress in environmental standards.
In 2007, we commissioned an extensive sustainability
study so that we would have detailed information about
our corporate sustainability. The study was designed to
give us information about where we are good and where
we need to be better. The outcome of the audit highlighted
some very encouraging successes, revealed gaps and gave
us inspiration for intelligent measures to improve things.
The study audit was conducted in 2007 by the highly-
regarded Institute of Innovation and Sustainability at the
university of Applied Sciences of Lippe and Hoexter, Ger-
many. The 13 officially recognized and certified criteria
for assessing corporations include environmentally
friendly logistics processes, the implementation of an
eco -management system, social issues, continuing em-
ployee development and the stakeholder dialogue.
The study gave us a sustainability rating of 81%: a result
we can be proud of, but not grounds for complacency.
We were able to identify the areas in which we have suc-
cessfully implemented our CSR strategies and integrated
them into corporate processes. The study also uncovered
areas where we have started down the right path but
have not yet reached our goal. And last but not least, it
showed us where we need to concentrate in the future
and make a point of improving our performance.
To make sure that this sort of review does not remain
a one-time event, we have installed software in our
systems to allow us to continue monitoring the audited
criteria and processes. This will let us determine the
exact degree of sustainability at Symrise, even down to
the individual regions and sites. And at the same time,
this will propel the operative integration of CSR forward
by another large step.
2007 SYmRISE STuDYSuSTAINABILITY IS quANTIFIABLE
Symrise CSR report | A closer look at our company
11Symrise CSR report | A closer look at our company
Among other things, positive assessments were
awarded for corporate planning, business sur-
veys, risk management, corporate governance,
our positive customer relation management, em-
ployee development and the use of renewable
resources. Points were deducted for issues such
as the relative lack of women in senior manage-
ment positions.
19%
24%57%
Overall assessment of Symrise
highest standard worldwide
standard
potential for improvement
12 ““Sustainability at Symrise also means analyzing everyday processes in the company and optimiz-ing them on a long-term basis. For example, by constantly optimizing in-house procedures, we were able to lower the environmental emissions of producing macrocyclic musks significantly.
By launching Total Productivity maintenance (TPm), we also initiated a shift in our corporate culture. This comprehensive approach makes it possible to exploit and maximize our production facilities in an ideal fashion. Practically speaking, this means that we strategically detect losses in efficiency, analyze the respective causes and optimize processes. The critical factor in all of this is getting employees involved from the out-set. They develop potential solutions and imple-ment them by working in teams made up of all levels of the company hierarchy. The added val-ue that everyone gains from this — in addition to the optimized capacity, increased efficiency and savings in costs and energy — comes from the further qualification that the employees receive. This turns TPm into an investment which has a positive effect on people, processes and, last but not least, business performance.“
Dr. Norbert RichterSenior Vice President Global Supply Chain
Scent & Care
PROCESS OPTImIzATIONFOR GREATER EFFICIENCY AND PRODuCTIvITY
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”“ With the SymchronizeTm project, we are turn-ing our extended supply chain management into reality. The goal of this approach is to optimize the added-value chain beyond the standard ar-eas. Our added-value chain covers every step — from acquiring raw materials to the final product — and in doing so it integrates clients and their processes. This turns the client into a partner with whom we coordinate this chain and work together in order to improve our processes. The focus here is on aspects such as demand - oriented supply, increasing productivity while op-timizing the use of resources and storage times, shorter turnaround times and synchronizing pro-cedures. This lets all resources and materials be used to their fullest and helps us develop new potential. Complexity is minimized, and process-es are streamlined. What‘s more, routine tasks can be replaced by more profitable activities — a major advantage for everyone.“
Stephan Sielaff Senior Vice President Global Supply Chain
Flavor & Nutrition
Symrise CSR report | A closer look at our company
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A CLOSER LO OkAT OuR PRO DuCTS
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A CLOSER LO OkAT OuR PRO DuCTS
“Being responsible about products means assuming re-sponsibility for the resources we use to make these prod-ucts. One way we achieve this is by working with innova-tive technologies: SymTrap®, for example, is a brand new Symrise technology that captures high quality flavorings that are otherwise lost in the industrial processing of fruits and vegetables, resulting in a more authentic and natu-ral taste. This means we can use raw materials in a more thorough and optimized manner than ever before — without a dramatic increase in energy consumption.”
“”Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Bertram
Global President Flavor & Nutrition
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T o begin with, the vast majority of the resources we
use are of natural origin. The physical (or chemical)
aspect of our work has to do with the processes we
utilize to obtain our raw materials, such as extraction
or distillation. The quality of our products is the basis
of our success, so being able to supply this quality is
indispensable. The foundation for handling products re-
sponsibly is always Good Manufacturing Practice, which
is the standard for clearly upholding quality control in
production processes and the production environment.
Beyond that, in both divisions we safeguard our stan-
dards by means of wide-ranging systematic regulations
and procedures. At Flavor & Nutrition we have devel-
oped an extensive and systematic Food Safety Policy. It
ensures safety and quality at every level: from acquiring
raw materials all the way to the final product, and from
broad legal guidelines down to specifically developed
crisis plans.
This all makes it possible for us to offer a seal of quality
for our products. Specifically, this means ensuring reli-
able supply, making sure that raw materials are of top
quality and observing sustainable criteria in manufactur-
ing and handling. One example is citrus. In this sector,
we work on site in Brazil and utilize state-of-the-art
technologies so we can identify and sort out any fruits
which have pesticides or residues to make sure they do
not enter the production cycle.
No matter whether it‘s ECOCERT in France, EFSIS
in Great Britain or NFPA SAFE in North America and
Asia: more and more frequently, our products have to
undergo audits by neutral third parties. These reviews
are initiated by our clients, who want to be certain that
the supply chain is sustainable on an ongoing basis. We
have had great success in doing so. At the same time,
we wanted to integrate standardized criteria from the
sustainability study of our products to develop in-house
points of orientation. This is why we had four of our
most important and best-selling products or product
groups reviewed while we were undergoing the audit
we commissioned from the Institute of Innovation and
Sustainability at the university of Applied Sciences
of Lippe and Hoexter, Germany. menthol, bisabolol,
vanilla and citrus were closely analyzed on the basis of
twelve criteria, including eco-efficiency, conservation
of resources, environmental friendliness of production
processes and packaging, and product-related environ-
mental impact. The findings show us that we have taken
steps in the right direction.
PRODuCT SAFETYquALITY — FROm RAW mATERIALS TO THE FINISHED PRODuCT
Symrise CSR report | A closer look at our products
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SYmRISE FOOD SAFETY POLICY
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• Raw material questionnaires
• Daily alert system
• Raw material requirement
• Functionality, upscaling, cpk
• Evaluation, approval, audits
• Raw materials, packaging, hauliers, equipment
• Risk assessment, HACCP
• Contaminants, allergens, hygiene
• Security, contingen-cy, microbiology
• Sensory
• Hygiene rules, hygiene standards
• Cleaning procedu-res, schedules
• Risk assessment, HACCP, AIB
• Contaminants, allergens, security
• Contingency, micro-biology, sensory
• Pest control• Effective measures• TPm
• Packaging management
• Appropriate storage conditions
• Risk assessment, HACCP
• Logistical requirements
• Specifications, CoC, CoA
• Appropriate equip-ment
• validated methods• Traceability
• Crisis exercises• Security (terror,
sabotage)• Contingency plan
IFS/BRC/GmP HEALTH & SAFETY DIN EN ISO 9001, DIN EN ISO 14001
Symrise CSR report | A closer look at our products
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Overall assessment of menthol
During the audit, synthetic l-menthol was analyzed,
and points were deducted due to the lack of envi-
ronmental and organic certifiability. By contrast, it
received top rankings in terms of its eco-efficiency,
resource conservation, an increase in the product
life cycle and environmentally friendly packaging.
Citrus oils received their good rating mostly due to
their eco-efficiency, the successful increase of the
product life cycle, environmentally friendly produc-
tion, logistics and packaging.
PRODuCT ASSESSmENTTESTING SuSTAINABILITY
19.5%
19.5%61%
16%
23%61%
Overall assessment of citrus oils
highest standard worldwide
standard
potential for improvement
Symrise CSR report | A closer look at our products
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Overall assessment of vanilla
Overall assessment of bisabolol
The audit showed that bisabolol needed almost no im-
provement in terms of sustainability. By special request
of one of our clients, we are currently having bisabolol au-
dited for sustainability by ECOCERT and ECOPASS.
vanilla received ideal scores in many areas, including eco-
efficiency, use of renewable and available resources and
environmentally friendly logistics.
14%
5%
81%
10%
21%
69%
Overall assessment of citrus oils
Symrise CSR report | A closer look at our products
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REACHRESPONSIBILITY FOR PRODuCTS AND PEOPLE
”“ The safety of chemical substances has to be guaranteed by the industry itself. REACH is thus a symbol of a shift in values, but it is also an expression of the clearly defined obligation our industry bears. The principles of this ordinance were firmly anchored in our corporate structure well before REACH went into effect. In keeping with our strategy of being indispensable, we also work closely with clients in this regard; product safety is a crucial service which allows us to take work and concerns off our clients‘ hands. One of the sucess factors is communi-cations. They have to remain transparent, and information not only has to be precisely docu-mented, it has to flow smoothly in every direc-tion of the supply chain. Another issue of equal importance is pooling our knowledge with col-leagues in the industry. No matter whether it‘s IFRA, IOFI or RIFm – our knowledge and expe-rience in working with REACH is something we actively share in the associations and groups where we are members so we can live up to our position as a leading company in the mar-ket. Corporate Social Responsibility demands an interlinked approach to thinking and acting far beyond the corporate realm.”
Achim DaubGlobal President Scent & Care
(VP IFRA)
“Symrise CSR report | A closer look at our products
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PRODuCT DEvELOPmENTFOR SAFER AND HEALTHIER ENJOYmENT
Product safetyThe toxicology competence center
The Toxicology Competence Center upholds the quality and safety standards of raw materials and products at
Symrise. It is in charge of toxicological data on all raw materials and products worldwide and generates them for
clients and Symrise employees. In cooperation with regulatory affairs, it documents client specifications (such
as exclusion of certain substances) and is responsible for monitoring, testing and applying for approval of new
substances. It also commissions product tests from approved labs and analyzes test reports. On an international
basis it centrally coordinates all administrative processes, legislative issues, safety reports, hazard classification
and raw-material product labeling. The employees in regulatory affairs and the Toxicology Competence Center
represent Symrise in the world‘s largest associations in the international flavor and fragrance industry.
Product developmentTASTE FOR LIFE® – A lifetime of eating more healthily
Sugar, salt, fat: these ingredients give foods their taste, but they can also cause diet-related diseases such as
obesity, high blood pressure or diabetes. With Taste for Life®, Symrise offers its clients a convincing strategy
for effectively reducing these components in foods – with a unique twist: the finished products retain their full
and undiminished taste. Taste for Life® does not simply mean replacing salt, sugar or fat. It means analyzing the
flavor profile of a food and using this information to develop a customized flavoring concept. The result? The
same authentic taste that consumers expect – and a finished product that credibly fulfills people‘s demand
for healthier food.
Symrise CSR report | A closer look at our products
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A CLOSER LO OkAT OuR BuSI NESS
23“”A CLOSER LO OkAT OuR BuSI NESS
“ Nowadays, Corporate Social Responsibility has become a touchstone for clients and investors. more and more fre-quently, investment decisions are based on the ability to uphold ecological and social standards. Compelling CSR work brings companies recognition and pays off for them. Among other things, our activities have earned us a spot in the portfolio of the Orange Sense Fund, one of the most successful Socially Responsible Investment funds in Europe.”
Dominique Yates, CFO
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G rowth is one of the goals of every company, and
Symrise is no exception. In fact, it is something
we have promised our investors. The figures for 2007
prove that we have been successful. We grew twice as
quickly as the market overall. Our growth rate was 6.2%,
measured in local currency; we experienced double-digit
growth in emerging markets and our EBITDA increased
by 12% to 272 million euros.
Growth cannot take place at the expense of society and
the environment, however. Integrating Corporate Social
Responsibility into our operations and ongoing processes
means that in our business activities, we have to consider
not only economic factors, but societal and ecological
ones as well. Living up to such standards is increasingly
important to our growth. Our major clients are also com-
mitted to sustainability, and therefore expect their suppli-
ers to provide clearly documented evidence of their own
compliance. Symrise’s success in this area can be seen in
our relationships with customers. For example, when the
Japanese kao Corporation looked into the matter of envi-
ronmental conservation, Symrise received an “A-supplier”
rating for our excellent performance in this field.
L’Oréal has also been impressed by our efforts. In 2007,
we were selected as one of eight suppliers to test their
newly introduced assessment system for raw materials.
The selection and the responsible use of raw materials
are especially important in manufacturing cosmetics. The
criteria established by L’Oréal for this pilot project have
been applied to Symrise’s research and development
projects.
In the field of sustainability, one of the most important
touchstones in our business relationships with our cus-
tomers is the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Almost all
corporate giants such as L’Oréal, unilever, P&G, PepsiCo
and kraft require compliance with CDP standards – and
our policy on sustainability has served us well here.
Our commitment to sustainability is not
only important in our cooperation with
customers, however. It also counts with
our investors. In 2007, Symrise earned a place in the
portfolio of the Orange Sense Fund, one of the most
successful “Socially Responsible Investment” funds in
Europe. In this portfolio, the fund brings together a broad
spectrum of small and medium-sized enterprises that
have proven their commitment to sustainability. Addition-
al audits focusing on ethical behavior, such as those car-
ried out by EIRIS (Ethical Investment Research) and SEDEX
(Supplier Ethical Data Exchange), have secured Symrise’s
inclusion in the portfolios of other ethically oriented funds.
Sustainability is not a one-way street; the high stan-
dards set for us by our customers increasingly affect
our purchasing policies around the world. We require all
new products and suppliers to comply with our own CSR
policy, meaning they must also commit to sustainability.
Our policy not only includes numerous environmental
criteria, but also ethical standards such as a ban on child
labor and measures to ensure the health and safety of
workers and grant them certain rights.
This commitment to high standards is an obligation that
Symrise takes on willingly. It is a mark of distinction
– proof of how seriously we regard the importance of
sustainability.
OPERATIvE INTEGRATION OF CSRGROWTH THAT‘S COmPATIBLE WITH THE SOCIETY AND THE ENvIRONmENT
Symrise CSR report | A closer look at our business
25Symrise CSR-Report | A closer look at economy
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SA 8000A norm for ethical behavior
Ethical standards have become the norm in our industry, and fulfilling them is therefore essential to a company‘s
success. The internationally recognized norm for ethically and socially responsible behavior is SA 8000 (Social
Accountability 8000). It was developed by globally active corporations, unions and human rights organizations.
It outlines requirements for workplace safety and health, as well as covering worker rights (e.g. membership in
unions and protection from discrimination) and many other points. Symrise consistently adheres to this standard.
Certifying quality, environment and safety at Symrise
DIN EN ISO 9001
DIN EN ISO 14001
American Institute of Baking (AIB)
International Food Standard (IFS), higher level
British Retail Consortium (BRC), higher level
EFSIS „A“ grade
Good manufacturing Practice (GmP)
Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP)
Socially Responsible Investment (SRI)
quALITY, ENvIRONmENT AND SAFETY mANAGEmENTTHE STANDARDS WHICH ARE OuR CORNERSTONE
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27Symrise CSR report | A closer look at our business
Audit Footprint 2007
Regi
on
Cou
ntry
Site
Qua
lity
ISO
900
1
Envi
ronm
ent
ISO
140
01
Food
Saf
ety
IFS
Food
Saf
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BRC
Food
Saf
ety
AIB
Food
Saf
ety
HAC
CP
Hal
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Kosh
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Org
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EFSI
S
Ethi
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SA 8
000
GM
P
EAME Egypt Cairo * *
EAmE France Paris * *
EAME Germany Holzminden * * * * * * * * * * *
EAmE Germany Braunschweig * * * * *
EAME Germany Noerdlingen * * * *
EAmE Germany Hamburg (kaden) * * *
EAME South Africa Isando * * * * * *
EAmE Spain Parets * * * * * *
EAME Switzerland Le Bouveret * *
EAmE uk Corby * * * *
EAME UK Eye (Steng) *
EAmE uk marlow * *
NA USA Branchburg * * * * * * *
NA uSA Bushy Park * *
NA USA Teterboro * * * * * * *
SA Argentina Tortuguitas * *
SA Brazil São Paulo * * * *
SA Chile Santiago de Chile * * *
SA Columbia Bogotá * *
SA mexico monterrey * * * * * *
SA Venezuela La Victoria * * *
AP Australia Dee Why * * * *
AP China Pudong * * * *
AP India Chennai * * * * *
AP Japan Ibaraki * * *
AP Singapore Singapore * * * * * *
AP Singapore Singapore * * *
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A CLOSER LO Ok ATTHE ENvIRO NmENT
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A CLOSER LO Ok ATTHE ENvIRO NmENT
“We are the world‘s largest manufacturer of natural alpha-bisabolol, which is derived from the oil of the candeia tree, a species found in Brazil. We obtain as much of this oil as possible from controlled farming – and at the same time we make major investments to farm the tree in its natural habitat. We also continue to expand our network of certi-fied partners on site. After all, the high standards of en-vironmental protection and ecological concerns apply not only to us, but to our licensing partners and suppliers – on a worldwide basis.”
“”Dr. Klaus Stanzl
President Scent & Care North America Global Life Essentials
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W e all depend on the environment, and we want to
preserve it for future generations. This is why we
as a fragrances and flavorings manufacturer follow the
principles of Green Chemistry, which advocates using
environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and
protecting resources and the environment as much as
possible. Among other things, this entails raw materi-
als which come from renewable sources and avoiding
hazardous by-products. These principles create the
framework which we orient ourselves towards. more
specifically, we set ourselves well-defined environmental
goals. In 2007 we even exceeded these goals — we were
better than we had aimed for.
To achieve our goals, we made major investments in
current technologies. As a result, we succeeded in
reducing our global odor emissions by 38%. Biofilters and
our energy-efficient regenerative combustion facility in
Holzminden played a major part in this development.
We managed to reduce the amount of wastewater by 4.%
last year. We also took a closer look at our wastewater
disposal, particularly the everyday handling of chemicals,
and consequently we now route surface water at our
Holzminden headquarters to the wastewater treatment
plant. This measure now completely rules out the risk of
potentially contaminating the groundwater in any way.
Our activities in Brazil demonstrate that we apply the
same standards to our work around the globe. As part
of a new investment in a spray-drying tower, in 2007
we also began building a facility for thermic regenera-
tive combustion. When it is complete, the facility will
guarantee that odor emissions at the Sorocaba site are
kept to a minimum. We not only want to protect the
environment because we are officially required to do
so — we want to protect it because it is our benchmark
for ourselves. Examples include our sites in Singapore
and mexico, where we have built our own wastewater
treatment plant and are active in keeping water clean.
In obtaining alpha-bisabolol, our goal is to protect the envi-
ronment and have as minimal an effect on ecological bal-
ance as possible. The material is derived from the candeia
tree which grows in the Brazilian highlands. The demand for
bisabolol totals around 100 tons a year. One cubic meter of
wood yields some ten kilos of raw oil, which in turn yields
around six kilos of alpha-bisabolol. Symrise was one of the
first companies in the region to obtain the majority of its
alpha-bisabolol from controlled farming. In other words, the
trees are not randomly cut down in the forest; they come
from suppliers who consistently plant new trees.
In Brazil we broke ground on the 30,000 m2 Global Citrus
Center in Sorocaba as well. The site is located in the
immediate vicinity of important citrus-growing regions,
allowing us to optimize the added-value chain in an envi-
ronmentally friendly way. We already work with organic
citrus farmers on site.
Another effort to pursue maximally sustainable pro-
cesses included the 2007 acquisition of Aromatics, a
raw materials supplier in madagascar. Here we can apply
the farm-to-fork principle, i.e. we can optimize process
control consistently, from the cultivation phase all the way
to the finished vanilla product. What‘s more, vanilla extracts
can be processed directly on site where they are grown.
The cornerstone of our activities is always an analysis
of environmental aspects. We always determine where
there are environmental aspects to be considered, review
the impact on the environment and identify potential
hazards. These assessments are based on ISO 14001
and are updated annually.
ECOLOGYCLEAR GOALS THAT PROTECT THE ENvIRONmENT
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Example 3 – Enjoyment without regret
Natural products and environmental awareness send clear messages to consumers. In 2007, the SunSpice®
collection of herb and spice oils was awarded an organic certificate in compliance with Eu regulations, which
allows them to be labeled with the seal of organic quality.
Example 2 – Research without animal testing
We demonstrate responsibility in our technologies, already in the R&D phase. Take Cutech: the new skin
model which Symrise developed in 2007 in cooperation with the Italian biotech company Cutech means that
skin tests of cosmetic ingredients can now be conducted without animal testing. This innovation complies
with the new Eu legislation on cosmetics.
Example 1 – Safety without emissions
Sulphurized odorizers are commonly added to natural gas, which has no discernable scent of its own. Gasodor®
S-Free is a milestone in odorizing natural gas: it is the first sulphur-free odorant certified by the German Tech-
nical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water, and it combines environmental friendliness with the high-
est standards for safety, cost-effectiveness and technology. Gasodor® S-Free gives municipal gas companies
an outstanding odorizer for natural gas, which can also help improve their image. Gasodor® S-Free is the first
product that gives natural gas an odor but does not contain sulphur. The network of a major utility company
could use it, lower its environmental impact by 20 tons of sulphur.
SuCCESS STORIESSuSTAINABLE SOLuTIONS FOR OuR CLIENTS
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CLImATE CHANGETRACkING OuR CARBON FOOTPRINT
““We can close our eyes to the topic of climate change – or we can take a closer look. Address-ing the topic means that CO
2 emissions are an
area of concern for us as well. In Holzminden, where our company uses about 50% of its en-ergy, we have achieved a reduction of 6% of our CO
2 output, a total of 2,500 tons. On a global
scale, this is only a small step, of course — but it is still a link in the global chain. To establish even more long-term goals, we follow the standards of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) to evaluate emissions and achieve truly reliable documenta-tion of climate-related data in the future. Based on the CDP, we are also part of the Supply Chain Leadership Collaboration, which was founded in October 2007. It provides a standardized method for determining emissions throughout the entire supply chain – and by extension, it provides the key to tracking a company‘s carbon footprint, even beyond its immediate borders. We are among the first in our field who have dealt with the issue of climate change in this sort of tan-gible way.“
Dr. Helmut Frieden Corporate Vice President Product & Safety,
Health and Environmental Compliance
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AROmA mOLECuLESGREEN CHEmISTRY FOR SAFE FRAGRANCES
”“The principles of sustainability are clearly evi-dent in the work of the Scent & Care division. Our development strategy encompasses the entire life cycle of a product, beginning with the raw material, which should come from re-newable resources in order to contribute to a better CO
2 balance. One example is the aroma
molecule Ambrocenide®, which we derive from cedarwood oil. In the next step, the produc-tion phase, we strictly adhere to the guidelines of Green Chemistry. We place limits on the amount of solvents used overall, replace halo-genated solvents and refrain from using toxic substances. We make sure that our products are non-allergenic and that they feature high levels of efficacy while utilizing as little material as possible. The end of the cycle involves waste management. We always work towards biode-gradability – using oxygen and bacteria to break substances down into nonhazardous materials. Our macrocyclic musks are among the products that show good biodegradability. These are not flash-in-the-pan trends; they are part of a devel-opment that leads to products which are better for people as well as the environment.”
Dr. Johannes PantenVice President Scent & Care Innovations
R&D New Molecules
34
ENvIRONmENTAL FACTS AND FIGuRESEXCEEDING OuR OWN GOALS
2006200585%
90%
95%
100%
105%
2007
Development of total wastewater per sold product (2005 = 100%)
Development of energy use per sold product (2005 = 100%)
Development of water use per sold product (2005 = 100%)
2006200590%
95%
100%
105%
110%
115%
120%
2007
Development of volume of sold products (2005 = 100%)
2006 20062005 200598% 94%
99% 96%
100% 98%
100%101%
102%
2007 2007
Symrise CSR report | A closer look at the environment
100.
0 %
93.9
%
100
%
110
%
112
%
93.3
%
100.
0 %
100.
0 %
100.
4 %
99.1
%
98.4
%
97.2
%
35
20062006 2005200585%0 g
90%1 g
95%2 g
100%3 g
105%4 g
20072007
Development of waste produced per sold product (2005 = 100%)
Heavy metal emissions into waste water (per ton of sold product)
Lead, chrome, copper, nickel g
zinc g
Development of carbon dioxide emission per sold product(2005 = 100%)
1 kWh Electricity 1 kWh Fuel oil1 kWh Gas
= 300 g CO2
= 279 g CO2
= 182 g CO2
Despite increases in volumes, in 2007 we also managed
to lower our worldwide consumption of energy, water,
wastewater, heavy-metal wastewater contaminants, was-
te and in particular the rate of CO2 emissions.20062005
0%
20%
40%
60%
100%
80%
2007
Symrise CSR report | A closer look at the environment
Waste amount for removal
Waste amount for re-use
Total waste:
2005 100.0%2006 83.7%2007 81.7%
93.8
%
100.
0 %
1.43
g
1.35
g2.
20 g
1.40
g
79.2
%
64.6
%19
.1 %
20.8
%
63.2
%18
.5 %
1.45
g
1.43
g
89.9
%
36
A CLOSER LO OkAT OuR PEO PLE
37
A CLOSER LO OkAT OuR PEO PLE
“Our goal is to discover talent in our own ranks and de-velop it. In 2007, we took steps to make that happen: We launched the Symrise Academy, which is our umbrella or-ganization for global strategic professional training initia-tives in both divisions. Our people are the engine and the catalyst for development and innovation, and the Academy represents an investment in training and coaching that is both inspirational and new. The best thing is that it doesn’t just impart our employees with professional skills – it is also a very important motivating factor for them in manag-ing their own career at Symrise.”
“”Dr. Iñigo Natzel
Corporate Vice President Group Human Resources
38
P utting a successful corporate culture into practice is
based on reciprocity. The company has to establish
values and then communicate them to give its employees
a sense of orientation. The employees in turn must be
able to identify with and accept these values and then act
accordingly so that the company as a whole retains its
credibility. The principles of this approach are laid down for
everyone in a global manual, which includes the Code of Conduct that requires all employees to interact with each
other in a fair, professional manner.
At Symrise, we require a high level of commitment from
each and every individual. We expect our employees to
take responsibility for themselves, their jobs and ulti-
mately for the company. This means that each person
is an independent entrepreneur whose objectives and
performance are always consistently interlinked with
the goals and performance results of the company. We
make use of targets and systematic performance reviews
to ensure that an individual’s professional development
goes hand in hand with the overall strategy for human
resources development.
Competence and motivation are the driving forces for
talent management in our corporation. Indeed, we view
talent management as an investment in the shared suc-
cess of employees and the company. For this reason,
we continued to expand this concept in 2007 (see 2006
CSR report). For example, to identify and target creative,
high-performing employees, we have developed a special
in-house test that tracks creative potential in our work-
force. As a result, we now have a pool of almost 100
employees from all divisions who will be actively involved
in product development in the future.
We founded the Symrise Academy so as to bring to-
gether all of the global professional training activities
under one roof – and to translate our concept of a high
performance culture into tangible training initiatives and
programs. The key factors are the proximity to actual
business practice, orientation towards the needs of spe-
cific target groups, focus on demand and the measurabil-
ity of our results. The Symrise Academy comprises three
sections: 1) the Leadership Academy, which includes
programs for employees in sales and communications
features targeted coaching and management training;
2) the Flavor Academy, which focuses on the professional
development of flavorists, and 3) the newly-founded
Perfumers’ Academy, a unique professional development
concept in the field of fragrance creation – a multi-step
program for perfumers, starting with apprenticeships and
including several levels of continuing education.
CORPORATE CuLTuRECREATING vALuES AND PROvIDING ORIENTATION
TALENT mANAGEmENT PROCESS
SYmRISE HR PROCESSES AS A PLATFORm
Talent identification
Job profiles with defined competencies
Individual talent feedback
Annual performance review
Talent development
qualified recruitment processes
Succession planning
Performance-oriented compensation plans
Symrise CSR report | A closer look at our people
39Symrise CSR-Report | A closer look at people
40
OCCuPATIONAL SAFETYTHE FOCuS IS ON PEOPLE
“”“Reciprocity is also important in workplace safety.
Working with our products requires that employees take great care — and the company has to ensure that comprehensive preventative measures are in place. Our stringent workplace safety measures have borne fruit; in 2007 we had one of the lowest accident rates since Symrise was founded. All our divisions have scored good marks for workplace safety — a result that owes credit to the fact that we continuously carry out safety programs and targeted campaigns on specific workplace safety issues. In addition to providing safety informa-tion on a regular basis to employees throughout the world, our efforts have included many things: training in areas such as dangerous goods, first aid, fire safety and transport; safety and workplace inspections; and internal and external courses on systematic basic and advanced training for safety officers. When it comes to occupational safety, in the meantime Symrise has clearly gone beyond the standards of the European chemical industry as well as those of other companies which have also committed to the Responsible Care initiative. That is an incentive for us to keep going down the path we have started. Our goal is clear: We as-pire to reduce the number of accidents to zero.”
Dr. Norbert KalkertManaging Director TESIUM GmbH
(Subsidiary of Symrise GmbH & Co. kG for technology, safety and environmental protection)
Symrise CSR report | A closer look at our people
41
Accidents mAq ( > 1 working day)
20062005
0
2
4
6
8
10
2007
Symrise
6.5
4.2
Severity uSq
200620050
25
50
125
75
150
100
175
200
2007
uSq
110 42
5.9
45
Symrise CSR report | A closer look at our people
Accident control:
mAq =
uSq =
Number of reportable accidents1) x 1,000,000Number of working hours
Number of lost working days x 1,000,000Number of working hours
1) reportable accidents: > 1 working day
42
COmmuNICATIONAN ACTIvE EXCHANGE WITH EvERY TARGET GROuP
Annual Report 2007 Homepage
Employee Magazine Team Spirit Team Spirit Online
IR Website Online Trend & Lifestyle Magazine
Neighborhood Newspaper
IHRNACHBAR
Die Zeitung für die Nachbarn von Symrise
Ausgabe 2/2006
Symrise ermöglicht in diesem Jahr 35 jungen Menschen den Start ins Berufsleben. Als internationaler Konzern bildet Symrise in den verschiedensten Bereichen aus.
NEUE AUSZUBILDENE BEI SYMRISE INDEX
› Symrise inspiriert auch Seite 1 im Internet
› Neue Auszubildende Seite 1 bei Symrise
› Erfolgreicher Start Seite 2 für den Parfümeur
› Fleischlos glücklich? Seite 3
› Die Sprache der Düfte Seite 3
› Emotionen und Essen Seite 4 Du bist, was Du isst!
› Kurioses Seite 4
› Preisausschreiben Seite 4
› Impressum Seite 4
› Seit einigen Tagen ist er online – der neu gestaltete Internet-Auftritt von Symrise. Bereits im
Frühjahr präsentierte der Duft- und Aromenhersteller den neuen Claim „always inspiring more…“ und eine kom-plett neue Unternehmensphilosophie, die jetzt auch online im neuen Internetauftritt sichtbar ist.
Ein globales Projektteam hat in den ver-gangenen Monaten an dem strategischen Konzept und an seiner Implementierung
in allen Unternehmensbereichen von Symrise gearbeitet. In der internen Kommunikation ist die neue Strategie bereits vollständig umgesetzt, nun konnte Symrise den neu gestalteten Internetauftritt freischalten.
Das komplett überarbeitete Erschei- nungsbild entspricht der neuen Storyline von Symrise. Sie zeichnet sich durch eine klare Bildsprache und ein reduziertes, klassisches Design aus. Durch den neuen „Look&Feel“ trägt
Symrise seiner Neupositionierung am Markt nach außen Rechnung.
Die mit der strategischen Neuausrich-tung verbundene Konsolidierung und Umbenennung der Symrise-Divisionen zu „Flavor&Nutrition“ und „Scent&Care“ wird bereits auf der Homepage deutlich. Kunden können sich jetzt noch schnel- ler auf den übersichtlichen Seiten orientieren. Die klare Unterteilung in die drei Bereiche „OUR WORLD“, „OUR BRAND“ und „OUR INSIGHTS“ dienen
dem Nutzer als Informationsquelle und Orientierungshilfe. Schritt für Schritt werden auf diesen ersten Basisauftritt nun weitere Inhalte folgen. In Kürze wird auch ein eigenständiges Online-Magazin von Symrise im Internet zu finden sein. Mit spannenden Themen rund um Duft, Geschmack, Kosmetik und Trends wen-det sich Symrise mit diesem neuen Informationsangebot Branchen über-greifend an Kunden und Endverbraucher. Es lohnt sich also auch in Zukunft, www.symrise.com zu besuchen.
zum „Bachelor of Business Administration“ aus. Die ange-henden Betriebswirte sammeln praktische Erfahrungen im Unternehmen und besuchen parallel Vorlesungen an der Wirtschaftsakademie Göttingen.
Der erste Tag begann für die neuen Symriser mit einer herzli-chen Begrüßung durch die Ausbildungsleiterin Petra Brychcy und Personalchef Karlheinz Klammt: „Eine Investition in Wissen bringt immer noch die besten Zinsen,“ so betonte der Personalleiter, dass die Ausbildung neuer Nachwuchskräfte ein wichtiger Baustein in der Personalpolitik ist. Als größter Ausbilder in Holzminden – mit insgesamt 113 Plätzen – stellt sich Symrise seiner regionalen Verantwortung und investiert in die eigene Zukunft.
› Sieben Industriekaufleute, neun Chemielaboranten, zehn Chemiekanten, zwei Industriemechaniker und erstmals zwei Destillateure begannen am er-
sten August mit ihrer Ausbildung. Symrise bildet ebenfalls
SYMRISE INSPIRIERT AUCH IM INTERNETDer neue Claim „Symrise - always inspiring more…“ stand am Anfang einer neuen Positionierung am Markt. Nun ist diese neue Unternehmens-philosphie auch im Online-Auftritt des Unternehmens sichtbar.
IHRNACHBAR
Die Zeitung für die Nachbarn von Symrise
Ausgabe 1/2007
Als Gewinner des Stadtentwicklungswettbewerbs des Landes Niedersachsen „Ab in die Mitte“ lädt Holzminden vom 13. bis 21. Juli zu einer „Safari der Sinne“ ein.
SAFARI DER SINNE INHALT
› Bio-Zertifikat für Sunspice Öle
› Symrise inspiriert mit neuer Internetrubrik
› Auszubildende als erfolgreiche Börsianer
› Die Nase zum Beruf machen
› Wenn das Wasser im Munde zusammenläuft …
› Der Geschmack der Vergangenheit
› Kurioses: Duft fördert das Denkvermögen
› Impressum
› Immer mehr Endverbraucher fragen nach Bioprodukten, die ohne die in konventionellen
Industrieprodukten üblichen Zusätze und Konservierungsmittel auskommen. Symrise sieht sich selbst und seine Produkte generell nicht in der Bio-Sparte angesiedelt, da Bio-Erzeugnisse im Bereich der Convenience-Produkte eine – wenn auch in starkem Maße wachsende – Nische darstellen. Dennoch hat Symrise nun sechs seiner Sunspice Öle als Bio-Produkte zertifizieren
lassen. Ausschlaggebend hierfür war der spezielle Wunsch eines Kunden, der seine bisher nur als konventionelle Produkte erhältlichen Gewürz-Öle gerne als Bio-Produkte anbieten möchte. Um ein solches Bio-Zertifikat zu erhalten, bedarf es eines aufwendigen Verfahrens. Die Zertifizierungsstelle prüft vor Ort akribisch Rohstoffe, Herstellungsverfahren und viele andere Parameter zur Herstellung des Endproduktes. Erst nach erfolgreich bestandener Zertifizierung erhält jedes
einzelne Produkt das Bio-Gütesiegel.
SUNSPICE® BIO-ÖLE
Die Sunspice Öle sind keine normalen Kräuter- und Gewürzöle. Im Vergleich zu den bisher bekannten, aromatisierten Ölen, die in erster Linie frische Kräuter- und Gewürznoten beinhalten, handelt es sich bei Sunspice Ölen um in Öl gebratene Kräuter und Gewürze, die den Ölen ihre einzigartige Bratkräuter- oder Gewürznote verleihen. Dieses Prinzip hat
seinen Ursprung in der asiatischen Küche. Dort werden Öle vor dem eigentlichen Kochprozess hergestellt, indem man die Kräuter- und Gewürzmischung in Öl brät und im Anschluss das frisch aromatisierte, abgefilterte Öl als Zutat für den eigentlichen Kochprozess des jeweiligen Gerichtes nutzt. Genau diesen kulinarischen Prozess setzt Symrise hier maßstabsgerecht in ein industrielles Verfahren um.
› Holzminden – die sinnlichste Stadt Deutschlands. So sah es zumindest die Jury, die vom Konzept „Safari der Sinne” des Stadtmarketings Holzminden begeistert war. Ziel des Wettbewerbes ist es, den Besucherrückgängen in den Innenstädten entgegen
zu wirken und eine Belebung des Ortszentrums anzustoßen. Es gilt, mit allen an der Innenstadtentwicklung Beteiligten ein Netzwerk zu vertiefen, in dem Ideen für die Zukunft der Innenstadt konzipiert und umgesetzt werden können.
Verschiedene Erlebnisstationen im Innenstadtbereich laden den Besucher auf der „Safari der Sinne“ ein, neue Sinneseindrücke zu sammeln. Je ein Wochentag wird mit einer speziellen Veranstaltung einem der Sinne gewidmet. Für die Stimulierung des Duft- und Geschmackssinns konnte Symrise gewonnen werden. Das Unternehmen plant gerade für die Innenstadt auf mehreren 100 Quadratmetern einen echten Garten mit Rasen, Büschen und Hecken, in dem die Besucher an verschiedenen Stationen riechen und schmecken können. Spannende Erfahrungen für den Sinn des Hörens wird die Ausstellung „Klangräume“ bieten. Zwei Festwochenenden rahmen die „Safari“ ein: mit Open-Air-Kino auf dem Haarmannplatz und einem Musikfestival mit internationaler Besetzung an den Teichanlagen.
Sunspice , das sind Öle mit den Aromen gerösteter Kräuter und Gewürze. Symrise stellt diese Öle mit den typischen Gewürz-Aromen aus der Sunspice Kollektion bereits seit einiger Zeit her. Nun aber haben sechs Geschmacksrichtungen der Öle in einem aufwendigen Prüfverfahren das Bio-Gütezeichen erhalten. Es sind die Varianten Knoblauch Zwiebel, Mediterran, Curry, Chili, Asiatisch und Grill & Steak, die mit Rapsöl aus voll ökologischem Anbau entwickelt werden.
Seite 1, 2
Seite 2
Seite 2
Seite 3
Seite 4
Seite 4
Seite 3
Seite 4
JETZ T AUCH „VOLL“ BIO
Fortsetzung auf Seite 2
INHALT
› Symrise Perfumers’ Academy
› Kennenlernseminarfür Auszubildende
› Ausbildung zum Getränkeentwickler
› Naschgarten-Aktionsstand
› IdeenExpo Hannover
› Winterliche Düfte
› Kurioses: Teebeutel
› Impressum
Die „Symrise Perfumers’ Acade-my“ richtet sich an alle bei Symrise beschäftigten Parfü-
meure, vom Nachwuchstalent bis zu den erfahrenen „Nasen“. Neben der Wissensvermittlung und prak-tischem Training beinhaltet das neu-artige Konzept individuelle Betreuung durch Mentoren sowie verschiedene
Austausch- und Exkursionsprogram-me. Die „Perfumers’ Academy“ zeich-net sich vor allem dadurch aus, dass nicht nur die fachlichen Fähigkeiten der Parfümeure geschult, sondern auch Wissen über die vielfältigen kul-turellen Duftvorlieben, Trends und Märkte vermittelt wird. Erstmalig stehen auch Kommunikations- und
Präsentationstechniken sowie be-triebswirtschaftliche Grundlagen auf dem Stundenplan der Kreativen.Drei verschiedene Programmstufen garantieren, dass jeder Parfümeur bestmöglich weitergebildet wird:Die „Symrise Perfumery School“ vermittelt Nachwuchsparfümeuren die grundlegenden Kenntnisse und
Mit einem einmaligen Konzept beschreitet Symrise neue Wege in der Aus- und Weiterbildung von Parfümeuren. Nur ein halbes Jahr nach-dem Symrise wieder mit der Ausbildung von Parfümeuren im eigenen Haus begonnen hat, bietet die „Perfumers’ Academy“ den kreativen Symrise-Mitarbeitern neben praktischem Training und wertvollem Wissen vor allem eines: inspirierende Erfahrungen.
STARTSCHUSS FÜR „SYMRISE PERFUMERS’ ACADEMY“
Wie jedes Jahr erhielten die neuen Auszubildenden von Symrise, Symotion und Tesium die Möglichkeit, sich bei einem zweitägigen Seminar in der Jugendbildungsstätte Fürstenberg kennen zu lernen und einen ersten Einblick in die Unternehmensstruktur von Symrise zu erhalten.
handwerklichen Fähigkeiten für einen erfolgreichen Start in die Parfümeurskarriere. Fortgeschrittene Duftentwickler profitieren von regi-onsübergreifenden Einsätzen und der individuellen Unterstützung durch Mentoren.
IHRNACHBAR
Die Zeitung für die Nachbarn von Symrise
Ausgabe 3/2007
Fortsetzung auf Seite 2
Seite 1/2
Seite 1
Seite 2
Seite 3
Seite 3
Seite 4
Seite 4
Seite 4
›
ERSTES BESCHNUPPERN
Zum Auftakt des Kennenlernseminars hielten Referenten aus den Bereichen Flavor & Nutrition, der Sensorik, der Personalabteilung und dem Betriebsrat spannende und
anschauliche Vorträge und vermittelten so einen Einblick in die verschiedenen Arbeitsbereiche bei Symrise. Nachmittags war der Teamgeist der neuen Auszubildenden gefragt: Bei einer Rallye mussten sie gemeinsam verschiedene Stationen zu un-terschiedlichen Themen aus der vielfältigen Symrise-Weltmeistern. Den gemütlichen Abschluss des Tages bildete eine Grillfeier in dem Mittelalterdorf „Bokenrode“. Auch am zweiten Tag waren die Azubis gefordert. In Gruppenarbeiten stellten sie die jeweiligen Ausbildungsberufe von Symrise, Symotion und Tesium vor und erhielten so einige Einblicke in die Aufgabenbereiche ihrer Kollegen. Dabei zeigten die Azubis
ungeahnte schauspielerische Talente. Trotz des straffen Zeitplans hatten alle viel Spaß und nahmen viele neue Informationen und Eindrücke mit.
Customer Magazine
Symrise CSR report | A closer look at our people
43
C ommunication is and remains one of the most impor-
tant building blocks of our corporate culture — both
within the company and beyond its borders. A Code of Conduct regulates relationships and interactions with busi-
ness partners, with colleagues and employees, with the
public and the community, with our investors. Thanks to
modern online and offline media, our employees all enjoy
easy access to company information. In addition, these
methods of communication allow them to stay in contact
and enter into direct dialog with coworkers and manage-
ment alike, and to have an active role in determining con-
tent. Our high-quality magazines and online publications
keep customers, suppliers and investors in the loop on trends
and developments throughout the entire Symrise world.
S ymrise not only provides information on healthy
living, but supplements it with opportunities to
participate in health and fitness activities such as soc-
cer, walking, tennis, golf, exercise groups and even zen
meditation. Events such as our Health Promotion Week in Singapore or the “Sports & Culture” program at our
Holzminden site are designed to systematically increase
health consciousness within the company worldwide.
HEALTH AND FITNESSPuTTING THEORY INTO PRACTICE
Symrise CSR report | A closer look at our people
44
A CLOSER LO Ok ATSOCIETY
45
A CLOSER LO Ok ATSOCIETY
“The harmonious union of the environment, business and society is something that we must promote with our ac-tions and inspire by our example, here and now. We are all responsible for shaping the future — both our own and that of coming generations. As a corporation, our respon-sibilities include the task of convincing individuals and society of the significance — and the effectiveness — of Corporate Social Responsibility.”
“”Dr. Helmut Frieden, Corporate Vice President
Product & Safety, Health and Environmental Compliance
46
A company cannot exist without society, let alone
flourish and be successful. At Symrise, we know what
a debt we owe to those around us. We attempt to repay
it through our social activism, which finds expression in
a wide variety of initiatives. One area that we focus on is
education, since young people represent our future. With
personal commitment and targeted investments, we hope
to play a role in guiding and improving this future.
As a member of the Stifterverband der Deutschen Wissen-schaft (Donors’ Association of Science in Germany), an
umbrella organization that supports scientific research
and education, we are especially active in promoting
academic programs that focus on nutrition. We also sup-
port a program for quality management at universities
as well as Bildung und Begabung (Education and Talent),
a nationwide organization for gifted children. In 2007 we
worked with this association to support the Junior Acad-emy, an extracurricular, interdisciplinary summer educa-
tion program for gifted and talented school children.
We contribute to international charities that work to pro-
vide proper nutrition for children or promote their health
and education. In 2007, we sponsored a wide spectrum
of local and regional projects in countries such as
Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Singapore,
Thailand and vietnam. This year we were once again
awarded the “Outstanding Hunger Service Award” for our
public service in the Philippines.
As a flavorings supplier, the issue of nutrition and health
is naturally an area of special interest for us. This is the
reason why we decided in 2006 to target our social ac-
tivities more deliberately than we had before — both with
regard to specific topics and the issues at different sites.
In conjunction with the Fulda university of Applied Sci-
ences, the Lower Saxony state association for health and
the city of Holzminden, a new approach was developed:
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYCREATIvE INvESTmENTS IN SOCIETY‘S FuTuRE
Symrise CSR report | A closer look at society
47
the first Naschgarten, the „Discovery Garden“ project
which focuses on healthier eating habits and fighting
childhood obesity. The unique aspect of this pilot project
which differentiates it from other similar initiatives is the
ongoing scientific support: the Naschgarten will include
years of collecting detailed data so as to document long-
term findings.
The world‘s first Naschgarten was opened in 2007 in
Holzminden: A 8,000 m2 plot of land with a meadow,
old fruit trees and a creek is gradually being turned into
a venue where children between three and twelve can
experience an exceptional world: a garden they can
design and create themselves, a place where they can
sow and plant, harvest and eat – and above all, a chance
to become familiar with healthy and natural foods in a
relaxed and playful environment.
This is a place where not only theoretical knowledge is
shared — instead, kids get involved on a hands-on basis,
enjoy things and experience them firsthand. In keeping
with our corporate slogan always inspiring more ... the
Naschgarten appeals to all of the senses: Children can
encounter nature up close, and the open spaces are the
perfect place to play soccer, skate, run around and be
a child. Workshops, after noon games and sports make
sure that the Naschgarten finds a special place in the
lives of children and their families.
The Naschgarten is an exemplary way of putting our
standards into practice and acting on ethical and
social responsibility in society in a way that is realis-
tic and approachable for everyone. Symrise sees the
Naschgarten project as an investment in the health
of children, which is an investment in the future of
our society. After the successful launch of the site in
Holzminden, a worldwide roll-out of the Naschgarten
project is planned.
Symrise CSR report | A closer look at society
48
LOOk CLOSE R. THINk FARTH ER.
49
LOOk CLOSE R. THINk FARTH ER.
50
C orporate Social Responsibility is a commitment we
have undertaken actively and voluntarily. We have
participated in the Responsible Care global initiative for
more than ten years on a company-wide basis, making
good on our promise to have a genuine impact in the
areas of environmental protection, health and safety
– above and beyond what is required by law. A global
manual provides clear international guidelines for appren-
ticeships, professional training and continuing education.
Our Code of Conduct outlines our international policies
for communications and ethical behavior, not only within
the company but in dealing with neighbors, customers,
suppliers and investors. These are only a few examples of
our dedication.
Symrise is committed to Corporate Social Responsibility
in the broadest sense possible. As an enterprise, we must
contribute to the conservation of the environment and ful-
fill our duties to society. “People, planet and profit” are not
isolated factors. When we take CSR seriously and integrate
it in the activities of our corporation, it becomes clear that
they are inseparably linked.
In 2007 we included Corporate Social Responsibility
in Symrise’s corporate objectives, making its role in
our business operations and processes mandatory. We
consider Corporate Social Responsibility to be a work in
progress, an undertaking that is never completed, but
that constantly changes and evolves. It is a project that
keeps growing — just as our corporation does.
The challenges have become greater over time. We must
face the issue of climate change by reducing CO2 emis-
sions. We must protect and conserve raw materials such
as water, which in some regions is already a scarce and
expensive resource. We must continue to step up our
efforts worldwide to promote the use of renewable raw
materials.
For this reason, this report ends with a new beginning.
Everything that we accomplished in 2007 is but a single
step on our path to a more sustainable future. We will
continue to monitor our company’s commitment to its
social, ecological and economic responsibilities. We will
continue to improve the sustainability of our services,
products and the company as a whole, to the full extent
that is prudent and possible. We will continue to take a
closer look.
THINk FARTHERCSR AS A BENCHmARk FOR THE FuTuRE
Symrise CSR report | CSR as a benchmark for the future
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Europe, Africa, Middle East (and globally responsible)Dr. Helmut Frieden
Corp. vP Product & Safety, Health and Environmental Compliance
Asia PacificDr. Wolfgang Neugebauer
vP Product & Safety, Health and Environmental Compliance Asia Pacific
North AmericaJohn DeProspo
Director Product & Safety, Health and Environmental Compliance North America
Latin America, MexicoIrma Herrejon
Director Product & Safety, Health and Environmental Compliance Latin America, mexico
Concept, editing and design:red roses communications GmbH, Hamburg/Germany