What we've achieved to-date
We are committed to prioritising people, planet and community through initiatives that deliver on this promise.
People
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. Managing diversity and inclusion to ensure that we are taking active steps to accommodate and support individuals with learning or emotional difficulties. All employees take part in Diversity & Inclusion training.
We have implemented wellbeing schemes and continuous learning opportunities for all employees. Experts in wellbeing attend our head office to deliver workshops for employees to learn wellbeing and lifestyle improvement techniques. All employees are given access to a learning and development portal.
We have also formed a Diversity and Inclusion Action Board.
55% of our operating board are women and we have put measures in place to ensure truly representative diversity throughout the business.
Planet
Our headquarters uses 100% renewable energy.
All our retail cartons use paper from 100% sustainable forests (FSC certified).
We have removed over 1.5 tonnes of virgin plastic from our products in 2020, and use fully recyclable and, where possible, reusable packaging.
Our products are free from the following chemicals: Bisphenol A, Butyl, Benzyl Phthalate (BBP), Formaldehyde, Parabens, Hydrogen Peroxide, Nano Particles, Oxybenzone, Phthalates, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Micro Beads.
Community
Our employees are encouraged to take a collective 500 hours per year to undertake work with our community charity partners.
10% of proceeds from our Inner Strength Blend are donated to the Defence Against Cancer Foundation in Holland. These proceeds support invaluable research into immunotherapy, a new and promising cancer treatment which uses the body's own immune system to fight the disease.
In support of our sponsorship with Mind, the mental health charity, we donated £25,000 towards their continued support of the UK’s mental wellbeing.
Throughout 2020, we donated over £100,000 worth of wellbeing products to NHS key workers and The Beauty Banks.
Our Future Commitments
People
We will put in place gender and ethnicity pay gap monitoring and reporting and take action to close gaps where possible.
We will pay all directly engaged staff the Real Living Wage.
At least 75% of our staff will be 'satisfied’ or ‘engaged’ according to formal satisfaction or engagement surveys.
Planet
We will become carbon neutral across our direct company operations by 2023.
By 2023, 100% of our palm oil, palm oil derivatives, wood, pulp and paper will come from sources certified to be sustainable.
By 2023, all plastic packaging will be 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable and contain an average 30% recycled content across the portfolio
Community
By 2023, all our Tier 1 suppliers will be screened, assessed and verified for their environmental, social and governance practices.
We work to adopt and promote the most positive practices possible throughout our business model and operations. And share our journey and achievements with colleagues and industry partners, so that we set the new standard for social and environmental
responsibility in our sector.
"When Aromatherapy Associates was founded in the mid-Eighties, its purpose was to help people in times of need, support them through the highs and lows of life and help their wellbeing. Right from the very start, our founders were passionate about fulfilling a greater need and doing good in the world rather than just making money. Caring for people and the planet was very much at the core of the brand then, as it is now."
"With our B Corp certification, we are able to create a better business that represents the highest standards of environmental and social impact and to live and breathe this as part of our whole business operandi. Our task now is not to rest on our laurels but to work together as a team, engaging with communities and inspiring others. For Aromatherapy Associates, it’s not just about being best in the world but best for the world. Our aim is to leave a stronger legacy for the brand for people’s wellbeing, the impact we have on the planet and the people we serve.”
- Anna Teal, CEO, Aromatherapy Associates