Rooted in Responsibility: Our 2024 Sustainability Journey

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Rooted in Responsibility: Our 2024 Sustainability Journey

At Wildsmith, care is not a campaign. It’s a commitment to skin, to soil and to the systems that sustain them. Born from the land at Heckfield Estate and inspired by the rhythms of nature, our brand has always championed a way of living and creating that nourishes both people and planet. In 2024, that commitment took deeper root.

A Year of Conscious Growth

This past year, we proudly published our first official Impact Report, a reflection of the actions and intentions that shape Wildsmith behind the scenes. From formulation to packaging, sourcing to community partnerships, every decision we make is underscored by our belief in Radical Botany: that science and nature, when combined mindfully, can cultivate both skin health and ecological integrity.

We launched seven new products in 2024, including our Stillness Body Butter and Performance Body Cleansers, each crafted to meet the highest standards of efficacy and environmental care. These innovations were complemented by our growing English Ceramic Collection, a celebration of British artisanal craft and low-impact materials.

Our team expanded by 40%, and with that growth came renewed energy for collaboration, for questioning norms, and for embedding sustainability into every layer of our work.

Ingredient Integrity

Our formulations are rooted in regenerative principles, with ingredients grown biodynamically on the Heckfield Estate whenever possible. These time-honoured practices, guided by the natural rhythms of the sun, moon and stars, are rooted in tradition and proven to be highly effective. Calendula and Chamomile, hand-harvested at dawn during our summer flower picking days, are transformed into potent extracts for use in our Stillness range.

In tandem with nature, we harness lab-grown actives clinically tested for efficacy and designed to mirror the skin’s own rhythms. This dual approach, natural where it counts and science where it serves, helps us reduce our environmental footprint while preserving the performance that defines Wildsmith.

Reimagining Packaging

Packaging is one of the beauty industry’s greatest challenges and opportunities. In 2024, we expanded our partnership with Shellworks, introducing Vivomer, a biodegradable biopolymer made through fermentation. This innovative material breaks down without leaving microplastics, helping us move closer to a circular model.

Glass, aluminium, FSC-certified paper, and soy-based inks form the foundation of our materials palette, and 50% of our packaging is now locally sourced within the UK. We also continue transitioning to mono-plastic pumps and lids to improve recyclability, and many of our ranges now feature refillable formats.

We engaged deeply with industry events such as the Plastic Solutions Summit to help shape the future of responsible packaging. As our Product Development Manager, Anmol Mahil, reflected: “Creating new products at Wildsmith is about merging science, creativity and responsibility. Every decision is guided by our commitment to sustainability.”

Measuring What Matters

Accountability is crucial. That is why we have partnered with FuturePlus to track our environmental and social progress across five pillars: Climate, Environment, Social, Economic, and Diversity & Inclusion. In 2024, we achieved a 13% increase in our ‘Actual’ sustainability score, and we now actively contribute to 16 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

We calculated our greenhouse gas emissions, totalling just 3.14 tCO2e across gas and electricity use, and have committed to expanding our reporting to include scope 3 supply chain emissions in 2025. Our UK manufacturing partner, who now uses a renewable biomass system, plays a crucial role in keeping our production as low-impact as possible.

People and Purpose

Sustainability is not just about the planet; it is about people. We have nurtured a team culture centred on wellbeing, growth, and inclusivity. In 2024, we hosted a team day at Heckfield and introduced access to health, nutrition, and financial wellbeing resources. Our learning platform offers over 570 courses, including those on inclusive leadership.

We also made strides in social impact. Our Cancer Care Training and Slow Touch treatments, developed in partnership with SATCC and the Made for Life Foundation, offer nurturing care to individuals undergoing cancer treatment. These specialised spa treatments, delivered by therapists trained through our HABIA-endorsed programme, aim to make expert skincare inclusive, restorative, and accessible.

Looking Ahead

As we look to the year ahead, our focus remains clear: to scale with purpose. We are deepening our investment in sustainable packaging, inclusive wellbeing services, and regenerative sourcing. We will continue pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a responsible skincare brand, not just in how we formulate, but in how we live, lead, and inspire.

We invite you to explore the full 2024 Impact Report and, as always, to join us on this journey where skin health and planetary care are never separate, but intrinsically intertwined.

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