A sustainable holistic approach
Since 1995, HiPP has been applying the EU-wide environmental management system EMAS at its site in Pfaffenhofen. At that time, the company was the first food manufacturer and the third company in Germany to implement this comprehensive environmental management system. All HiPP’s facilities in the EU are currently EMAS validated. HiPP’s EMAS certification represents a long-term commitment to continuously improve environmental performance, with results reviewed and verified by an independent external auditor. In addition, in 2024, all European sites were certified for the first time according to the requirements of We IMPACT. We IMPACT complements EMAS and creates a comprehensive sustainability standard by also integrating social and economic perspectives. The standard replaces EMAS plus, which HiPP has applied since 2018.
Organic farming at its core
HiPP has grown its raw materials organically on selected farms since the 1950s. The cultivation takes place with respect for the soil and without pesticides, GMOs or antibiotics. Today, threats to biodiversity are a growing challenge as climate change and soil degradation make ecosystems more vulnerable. To meet this, HiPP runs model farms where sustainable methods are tested and developed – a way of combining production with nature conservation. The positive effect of organic farming is also confirmed by a biodiversity study that HiPP has been conducting in collaboration with leading researchers since 2018, comparing conventionally cultivated agricultural land with organically cultivated land.
Soil health as a climate strategy
HiPP sees healthy soils as crucial for both sustainable agriculture and climate balance. By increasing the amount of humus and promoting a rich microlife, the soil’s fertility and ability to bind carbon dioxide is improved, while becoming more productive. One key method is aerobic composting – a process that reduces methane emissions and turns organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. The method has been applied for over 20 years at HiPP’s own organic farm in Poland, and the knowledge is now shared globally with partners.
Benefits of composting:
- improved soil structure and water retention
- reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- increased carbon sequestration
- improved biodiversity
Concrete climate results
HiPP’s efforts have produced measurable results. At one of HiPP’s five production sites in Pfaffenhofen, greenhouse gas emissions from finished products have been reduced by 90% between 1993 and 2021. At the other four production sites, energy-related emissions have halved over the last two decades. Since 2016, the Herford plant has been operating a CHP plant, and since 2021 they have been using only renewable electricity. HiPP has already exceeded its target to reduce emissions by a further 20% by 2025. The company is also committed to setting science-based climate targets under the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
HiPP sustainability challenge – packaging
HiPP attaches great importance to improving the sustainability of its packaging, for example by making it as recyclable as possible. This is a challenge as food packaging must also meet a variety of food safety requirements. So far, the company has not found any recycled plastic that meets the requirements for purity and safety for direct contact with the contents. This limits the possibility of using recycled material fully in the packaging.
Focus on people
HiPP’s work for social sustainability is as ambitious as ecological. The focus is on good working conditions, diversity and social engagement. The company offers secure employment with high standards, flexible working hours and training opportunities. Through apprenticeship programmes and collaboration with schools, HiPP invests in the next generation of skills. A clear code of conduct also applies to the supplier chain and ensures that ethics, respect and social responsibility permeate the entire organisation.
A future of sustainable baby food
HiPP shows that high product quality, ecology and ambitious climate goals can be combined in practice. With over 70 years of experience and a holistic approach to sustainability, HiPP is already setting the standard for the baby food of the future today.
Gentle skin care
HiPP’s skincare range for children contains carefully selected and mild ingredients that are developed to eliminate the risk of irritation. It contains no unnecessary additives and shows respect for both skin and the environment by being a gentle alternative to daily skincare.
HiPP’s products use natural and nutritious ingredients. The company consistently excludes substances such as microplastics, mineral oils and synthetic additives. Instead, cold-pressed organic almond oil is used, for example, with a nourishing, soothing and moisturising effect on dry and sensitive skin. In line with EU cosmetics regulations, the products are not tested on animals, and many products are vegan. HiPP works actively to reduce its environmental impact through sustainable packaging solutions. For safety reasons, recycled plastic is not yet used in direct contact with the product, but recycled material is used in outer packaging such as cartons and brochures – a balance between environmental consideration and child safety.
