With its global operations in consumer goods and retail, the STEVIA GROUP takes on the responsibility for the well-being of people and the environment.

Sustainability forms an integral part of the STEVIA GROUP's corporate strategy, aiming to achieve 100% sustainable business practices.

To continue offering, as a family business, what the steviapura^® brand stands for: the highest expertise in stevia and uncompromised product quality.

It is widely recognized that sustainability strategies in companies are influenced by customers and consumers. However, we also ensure that our own employees have a voice regarding sustainability at work and within the company.

The STEVIA GROUP enables an ecological lifestyle not only in private, but also in the workplace.

As a company, we have the responsibility to anchor long-term social change firmly within our value system and corporate culture.

Sustainability is gaining increasing importance in society. The group of LOHAS, individuals whose lives align with principles of sustainability and health consciousness, is expanding. Business concepts promoting sustainability require the engagement of all employees. Only through transparency, information, and motivation can employees act sustainably over the long term.

According to a study, 81 percent of consumers report focusing more on sustainability when purchasing products (conducted by KPMG in partnership with IHF Cologne).

Products that are sustainably and ecologically produced, minimizing environmental impact, are increasingly significant for consumers.

When making purchasing decisions, consumers are paying more attention to ecological and social factors. Products with a sustainable image are favored and decisively influence purchasing decisions.

It's not only products but also the STEVIA GROUP that emphasizes sustainability.

Raw materials

Farmers contribute significantly to sustainability and environmental compatibility. Only raw materials that are cultivated and utilized sustainably can ensure a secure supply in the long run.

Essentially, this means systems for renewable raw materials must allow for natural regeneration. That's the only way to ensure that future generations can use them as the current one does.

For more than 300 years, sustainability has been applied successfully, encompassing ecological, economic, and social aspects, such as those involving small farmers. According to the World Bank, roughly 1.5 billion individuals worldwide reside in smallholder households. They typically possess limited production resources. A smallholder is a farmer with limited production assets like machinery.

In the following areas, these farmers make notable contributions to sustainability and environmental sustainability:

·        Increasing crop diversity and biodiversity

·        Climate protection

·        Conservation of resources

·        Structural change in rural areas

Both in raw material production and primary processing, the sustainable production and use of renewable raw materials can enhance value creation and employment, especially in rural regions.

The STEVIA GROUP places significant emphasis on securing a sustainable supply of raw materials while safeguarding climate and small farming structures.

Thus, as a company, we can also help reduce CO2 emissions.

Packaging

Sustainability in packaging, alongside recycling and reusability, is crucial for one in two consumers.

STEVIA GROUP supports a sustainable world by managing resources responsibly.

We create sustainable packaging for our customers, ensuring minimal material use. Consumers often determine a product's sustainability based on its packaging. Paper and cardboard/corrugated packaging are generally considered more eco-friendly by customers.

Advancements in smart product design will soon allow bio-plastics to be used in bottles, thereby conserving resources in the value chain.

Consumers value smaller packaging relative to content and dislike deceptive packaging.

Appropriate packaging size also minimizes material usage, benefiting the environment.

Suppliers

Sustainable supplier management, or "Sustainable Supply Chain Management," is crucial for the STEVIA GROUP in working collaboratively with suppliers.

We aim to offer maximum product safety and top-quality services and products to our customers. We achieve this together with our suppliers. Supplier agreements outline precise guidelines for meeting social, ecological, and economic standards.

These are the foundation for reliable cooperation with our suppliers and promote clarity and transparency. All suppliers are expected to sign the Code of Conduct. Compliance is assured through a defined audit process.

Code of Conduct for suppliers

Selecting suppliers is a responsibility that STEVIA GROUP carries towards our customers and society.

Committed to ethical principles, the STEVIA GROUP conducts responsible supplier management. The supplier Code of Conduct establishes these principles, focusing on:

International Labour Organization

A UN agency for labor and social standards aiming to secure minimum standards and rights globally and ensure decent work for everyone.

UN Declaration of Human Rights

In line with Resolution 217 A (III) from December 10, 1948, is the Declaration of Human Rights. This document is commonly referred to as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Human Rights Charter, or simply the UDHR.

The United Nations issued a non-binding recommendation concerning the fundamental principles of human rights: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights."

UN Rio Declaration on Environment and Development

At the 1992 United Nations Summit Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development was adopted. It outlines 27 principles relating to legislation, politics, economy, and science that nations should adhere to for sustainable development and environmental protection.

UN Global Compact

The UN Global Compact stands as the largest and most significant global initiative for responsible corporate governance. Founded on 10 principles concerning labor conditions, anti-corruption, human rights, and environmental protection, this vision seeks to promote a sustainable global economy.