Committed to sustainability
Leave the smallest possible footprint on the environment! Since it was founded in 1960, Louis Widmer has been tirelessly committed to sustainability. Responsibility towards people and the environment shapes the entire corporate culture and vision.
With “Committed to Care”, Louis Widmer is anchoring the sustainability pledge at all company levels. This comprises six areas – from the value-creation chain to treatment of employees, to engagement inside and outside the company. The high demands we place on our products and processes also apply to their sustainability.
1. Clean Beauty
Louis Widmer has the greatest respect for the environment, people and animals. They must be protected at all cost. Louis Widmer has zero tolerance for animal testing and is committed to the “Cruelty-free” label, among other activities.
Almost all Louis Widmer products are vegan. Only few still contain bees wax or chitosan. None of the products contain solid microplastic. Louis Widmer even goes one step further than prescribed by law and always attempts to also eliminate liquid microplastic particles. Louis Widmer is naturally committed to environmentally friendly formulas and manufacturing biodegradable products, such as Louis Widmer sun protection products, for example: they do not contain octocrylene, oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), homosalate or octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate).
2. Packaging
For its product packaging, Louis Widmer focuses on the recyclability of the packaging materials as this is the basis for a functioning packaging cycle. 95 percent of all our product packaging is already 100 percent recyclable. For the remaining five percent, we are working on sustainable packaging solutions. Further measures include the use of monomaterials for simplifying the collection and recycling process, the use of recycled materials, meaning materials that have already been used by consumers and the industry that have been recycled, or reducing packaging materials, such as tubes with smaller caps or thinner walls. Louis Widmer minimises the use of paper through actions such as making package inserts easily available in digital format. The secondary packaging also remains fully recyclable. This and also the FSC certification are marked accordingly on the packaging with the corresponding labels. As a partner of “Swiss Recycle” by Swiss Recycling and the EcoBeautyScore Consortium, Louis Widmer is also committed to the diligent use of resources outside the company.
3. Zero-Pollution
Louis Widmer combines ultimate quality standards with the duty to look after the environment at its Swiss production locations. The company continuously works on reducing its CO2 emissions further. Energy efficiency, for instance, is increased through functional, modern heating and cooling technology. Louis Widmer will develop a CO2-neutral production by 2028. Energy-efficient technologies are also used for industrial processes.
Old lights are continuously being replaced with sustainable LED alternatives at all locations. The electricity consumed by lighting at the head office has already decreased by 50 percent as a result.
“For me, Inclusive Business Excellence means taking responsibility - each and every one of us. Appreciation, openness and respect are included in our values as a family-run company just like equal opportunities and a multicultural environment. With each other, for each other - together we care.”
4. Social Responsibility
Louis Widmer assumes responsibility for people and the environment. The strategic values and targets are reflected in its social commitment. Responsibility toward employees forms the basis for the guiding principle “Inclusive Business Excellence”. Louis Widmer thus supports and integrates disabled persons, unemployed persons sent by job centers and job seekers over 50 to its best ability.
5. Global Diversity
Louis Widmer supports and promotes global diversity. This diversity facilitates openness, understanding, creativity and innovation.
Louis Widmer's corporate and brand culture respects individual skills and ways of life. Fairness is regarded as a basic principle. Cultural differences enable Louis Widmer to engage in an exciting learning and development process. The products are produced at the head office in Schlieren by people from over 11 countries – for people around the world.
6. Partnership: Look Good Feel Better
One matter very close to our heart is our commitment to the partnership with the "Look Good Feel Better" organisation, which we support with great conviction since many years, not only financially but also with our high-quality dermatological skin care products.
The "Look Good Feel Better" foundation organises free workshops for people with cancer throughout Switzerland. In a relaxed atmosphere, participants in the workshops learn how to cope better with the visible consequences of their treatment thanks to make-up and skin care tips, as well as recommendations on headwear. The workshops strengthen both the self-confidence and the courage to face life of those affected.
Our highly effective dermatological skin care products protect and care for the skin of cancer patients and support their well-being throughout their therapy.
Annemarie Widmer, our owner and CEO, has been a member of the Foundation Board since 2008 and also supports this partnership with a great deal of personal commitment.
6. Partnership: ECOALF
Louis Widmer has been an official partner of the "ECOALF Foundation" since 2022 and makes a positive contribution by financially supporting active measures and upcycling projects to clean up the Mediterranean Sea of waste, especially plastic waste.
The non-profit organisation successfully pursues the goal of preventing the harmful effects of plastic pollution on the environment. Plastic waste is collected and upgraded and processed through the development and application of state-of-the-art science and technology.
As a partner of the NGO, Louis Widmer advocates for a sustainable marine ecosystem and promotes awareness of waste problems, their damage to the marine ecosystem and the important role of recycling and circular economy in finding solutions.
