Every Kenvue product starts with a carefully selected blend of ingredients, each one essential to delivering care that millions of people rely on every day. These same ingredients also represent one of the biggest opportunities to improve environmental performance. Breakthroughs in environmental science, agronomy, biotechnology, and green chemistry are reimagining the way we design and source ingredients, harnessing the power of science to drive meaningful sustainability advancements.
At Kenvue, we believe a sustainable ingredient is one that minimizes negative impacts on both people and the planet throughout its lifecycle. That includes materials sourced from renewable or responsibly managed resources, manufactured in ways that reduce energy use and emissions, and designed to be biodegradable and safe for ecosystems. It also means meeting rigorous regulatory standards and driving innovation that sets brands apart through trusted responsibility.
Our sustainable ingredients strategy is built on three key pillars:
- Intentional design: Ingredients must be easy to adopt into formulations, supported by accessible guidance, training, and cost assessments.
- Sustainable solutions: Preference is given to ingredients with a lower carbon footprint, through renewable feedstocks or more energy-efficient production processes.
- Green chemistry: Ingredients should be biodegradable, low in toxicity, and designed to avoid persistence in the environment.
In 2024, Kenvue completed a mapping of its most carbon-intensive raw materials. We identified the top 40 chemical ingredients with the highest carbon emissions, pinpointing hotspots either in the production of the substances themselves or upstream in their value chains. The findings grouped materials into three broad categories: crop-based, fossil-based, and those with high energy demand.
We’re now developing strategies to decarbonize high-impact ingredients. By collaborating with suppliers, we’re identifying lower-carbon alternatives that can be easily integrated into our existing formulations. This approach turns ingredients into a platform for innovation, creating a healthier future for people and the planet.