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PARTNERS IN GREEN Éminence's ingredient farms and manufacturing and distribution practices reflect its commitment to sustainability. ÉMINENCE ORGANIC SKIN CARE "Incorporating social responsibility into our business approach and practice has been a mandate at Éminence Organic Skin Care since the very beginning," says Boldijarre Koronczay (pictured, right), president and founder. In fact, two major pillars of the company's corporate philosophy are 1) giving back to the community, and 2) environmental responsibility. Planting and harvesting at Éminence farms in Hungary utilize sustainable practices that are easy on the environment. "We use natural compost and plant preservation techniques such as honey traps instead of toxic chemical pesticides," explains Koronczay. "We rely on manual labor in order to produce as little carbon dioxide as possible. Plus, we only harvest our organic and biodynamic ingredients from controlled areas." Éminence uses geothermal heating in its laboratory, where products are created by hand, and products are shipped using biodiesel delivery trucks and also through an airline with a special program in place to offset carbon emissions. "Our warehouses use 100% biodegradable corn packing chips that dissolve harmlessly in water, as well as software that eliminates the need for printing paper invoices," states Koronczay. "Our offices have been planned to d be energy-efficient and incorporate solar panels. Plus, o we offer a subsidy to help incentivize staff to take public transit to work." The Éminence offices, warehouses and ingredient farms neach use comprehenrams sive recycling programs to ensure reduction of waste, which includes paper and packaging. "We use recycled, nontoxic plastic, boxes made with postconsumer recycled material, and natural inks and dyes on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper," says Koronczay. "And we're so excited about our latest initiative, Forests for the Future. In order to fight the leading cause of global climate change, we will plant a tree for every product sold. In the first year, we estimate that trees equivalent to approximately 1,000 football fields will be p planted around the world." Koronczay admits that all of th these measures can be challenging, but feels the rewards are more than worth the effort. "We have proven that providing extraordinary products and service for our customers can be done in an environmentally responsible manner. In fact, that's something we believe is integral to our success," he says. "It's rewarding to lead the spa industry in green practices, to give back to our community and do our part to save the planet. It's also very rewarding to see the dramatic shift toward sustainability in the industry since we began." JURLIQUE Above: Jurlique's Revegetation Project added 7,500 native trees to its biodynamic farm. Right: The company's "Green Team." 40 DAYSPA | APRIL 2013 Jurlique's stated mission is to provide the purest, most effective skin care through nature, science and innovation. "We believe in giving something back to the world by always seeking new ways to improve our business practices in line with our commitment to corporate and social responsibility," stresses Richard Pietz, global director of product development. "Our main areas of attention are enacting positive environpra mental practices, and undertaking initiatha tives that support the empowerment of wom women and girls around the world to lead better lives. "We have a motivated and active 'Green Team' at our manufacturing site and farm, that ensures we keep ourselves honest from an environmental p perspective," continues Pietz. "O "Our environmental sustainability policy is well-established, and everyone in the company is made aware of its importance to Jurlique upon employment." Jurlique follows strict organic farming principles on its biodynamic farm, certified by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia. The company has also committed to sourcing ingredients from sustainable and fair-trade suppliers. Jurlique's goal is a 20% reduction of energy and water consumption by 2015. "At our manufacturing site and farm, we have undertaken a comprehensive energy audit to determine our current energy usage and potential efficiency projects," Pietz reports. "We currently have multiple projects underway to conserve energy, including a comprehensive behavioral change campaign to educate our staff on the benefits, both environmental and economic, of energy conservation."