Leading global company Natura Cosmetics becomes first emerging market business to achieve a Carbon Integrity Platinum Claim
São Paulo, Brazil – 10 June 2024: Natura Cosmetics, part of Natura & Co holding, a global leader in sustainable and ethical beauty, has achieved a Carbon Integrity Platinum Claim. Issued by the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI), this means Natura Cosmetics has purchased and retired high-quality carbon credits, equal to or greater than 100% of its remaining emissions. Natura Cosmetics’ investments in high-integrity carbon credits go above and beyond its science-aligned decarbonization efforts, in a boost for global net zero and financing for people and nature. Today’s announcement marks the first Carbon Integrity Claim for a company based in Latin America. Natura Cosmetics sets an important precedent, demonstrating that Carbon Integrity Claims are within reach for companies across emerging economies and from diverse sectors. It also builds momentum globally in strengthening integrity, transparency, and accountability across voluntary carbon markets.
Natura Cosmetics works with over 10,191 small holder farmers in the Amazon region, supporting sustainable development and conservation efforts. Reaching over 6 million consultants and representatives with its family of brands in more than 100 countries, Natura & Co is a purpose-driven business with a significant global manufacturing and production footprint.
“Natura Cosmetics is sending a clear signal for others in Brazil and globally to follow,” explains Mark Kenber, Executive Director of VCMI. “They are showing what’s possible and the value of high-integrity carbon credits in boosting the pace of decarbonization, while delivering benefits for people and planet. The Carbon Integrity Platinum Claim has provided clarity, confidence and recognition for action.”
The announcement comes as Natura Cosmetics publishes its first-ever climate transition strategy, to ensure the company will achieve Net Zero, reduce its emissions in line with the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement. Natura Cosmetics has validated science-based targets for scopes 1, 2, and 3 in the short term according to SBTi criteria. This comes as part of its wider 2030 Vision, called ‘Commitment to Life’ sustainability strategy.
Since 2007, Natura Cosmetics has avoided emissions of more than 1.8 million tons of carbon. The company’s carbon credit projects have also contributed to the conservation of over 21,000 hectares of Amazon forest, through which more than 4.7 million tons of carbon have been reduced or removed.
“This achievement reinforces our commitment to not only reducing our own emissions but also investing in high-quality carbon credits that contribute to global Net Zero. By working closely with our small holder suppliers and partners in the Amazon, we aim to foster sustainable development and conservation efforts that benefit both people and nature. This recognition by VCMI affirms our dedication to integrity, transparency, and accountability in all our environmental endeavors,” emphasizes Angela Pinhati, Director of Sustainability at Natura &Co Latin America.
Through VCMI’s Claims Code of Practice, companies can make a Carbon Integrity Claim. To showcase increasing levels of climate achievement, companies and non-state actors can make three distinct types of Carbon Integrity Claim – Silver, Gold, and Platinum – to demonstrate they are going above and beyond their science-aligned emissions cuts. By making a Carbon Integrity Claim, a company uses high-quality carbon credits to help accelerate action for net zero emissions globally. The Claims Code provides clear and transparent guidance for companies to engage in voluntary carbon markets with confidence and make credible claims that involve the use of carbon credits. Claims are verified using the VCMI Monitoring, Reporting and Assurance (MRA) Framework. Natura Cosmetics is the second company, following Bain & Company, to make a make a Carbon Integrity Platinum Claim.
About VCMI
The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) is the issuing body behind the ‘Carbon Integrity’ mark. It is an international non-profit organization with a mission to enable high-integrity voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) that deliver real and additional benefits to the atmosphere, help protect nature, and accelerate the transition to ambitious, economy-wide climate policies and regulation. www.vcmintegrity.org
About Natura
Founded in 1969, Natura is a Brazilian cosmetics, fragrances and toiletries multinational. Leader in the direct selling sector in Brazil, it is part of Natura &Co Latin America, the result of the combination of the Natura and Avon brands, with a network of 3.5 million Beauty Consultants and Representatives, as well as more than 1,000 company-owned stores and franchises and the e-commerce operation. In December 2014, Natura became the first publicly traded company in the world to receive B Corp certification, reinforcing its commitment to transparent, sustainable conduct in the social, environmental and economic dimensions. It was also the first Brazilian company to be awarded the “The Leaping Bunny” seal, granted by the animal protection organisation Cruelty Free International, in 2018. This attests to the company’s commitment not to test its products or ingredients on animals since 2007. With operations in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, France, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru and the United States, Natura brand products may be acquired from Natura consultants, via e-commerce, the Natura app, company-owned stores or franchises. For further information, see www.naturabrasil.com or access the company’s social networks: LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.