Corporate responsibility is a multifaceted issue. Luonkos is committed to comprehensive sustainability. The company was founded to create change and a better future. Sustainability is at the core of the company's DNA. Luonkos provides solutions that allow both current and future consumers to enjoy healthy skin with fewer products. The products are responsibly produced and packaged as environmentally friendly as possible.Corporate responsibility has been in the headlines recently. Here are the key points regarding the corporate responsibility of Luonkos Finland Oy Ltd, a values-based company led by women in Naantali. Typically, corporate responsibility is divided into environmental, social, and economic responsibility, and below are the main aspects of Luonkos's practices.
Environmental Responsibility
Protection of Water, Air, and Soil: Luonkos products have a minimal water footprint in both production and end-use. The products do not harm water bodies, the air, or the soil. Most of the ingredients are natural and biodegradable. Luonkos actively seeks to utilize raw materials, such as birch bark powder, from industrial by-products in cosmetics manufacturing.
Combatting Climate Change: Luonkos production is designed to minimize environmental impact. The products enable simplification of skincare routines and reduction of overconsumption. The products and their packaging are free from plastics. The packaging materials are chosen based on zero waste principles and are easily recyclable. The primary packaging material is bio-degradable recyclable cardboard from Kotkamills, printed with food-grade dyes. The packaging is folded by hand, eliminating the need for adhesives. Labels are either paper labels or made from new innovative materials like pine oil.
Efficient and Resource-Conserving Use of Natural Resources: Luonkos production uses only renewable and natural raw materials. The products are waterless and free from preservatives. Luonkos always prefers sourcing ingredients from local producers.
Responsibility for the Product's Lifecycle and Value Chain: Carefully chosen ingredients do not harm the soil, air, or water, even when they end up in the wastewater. The entire value chain is examined, and sustainability is maximized throughout. Production-generated waste is minimized and recycled. The equipment and furniture purchased for production are reused items. Luonkos has chosen fossil-free "green" energy. Even the logistics are eco-driven. Luonkos aims to inspire people to make more environmentally friendly choices.
Social Responsibility
Employee Well-Being and Expertise: Luonkos aims to build and maintain a good and balanced working environment for both permanent and seasonal employees. Occupational safety, a flat hierarchy, employees' expertise in their work, and open communication are at the core of leadership. Luonkos aims to pay higher wages than the industry collective agreement (TES) defines and ensures a commitment to continuous training. Luonkos has also provided job opportunities for trainees and vocational rehabilitation participants.
Product Responsibility and Consumer Protection: The raw materials for the products are carefully chosen for their effectiveness and potency, without unnecessary filler ingredients, while respecting environmental values and principles of local production. Luonkos products are both anhydrous (free of water) and preservative-free. Luonkos utilizes innovative raw materials produced with circular economy principles, such as birch bark extract and Finnish breakthrough technology, forest microbiome extract. The ingredients are safe, and the products undergo testing during the development process. The products are registered in the EU database, and neither the products nor their raw materials are tested on animals. All products adhere to Finnish consumer protection laws, and we are committed to complying with them.
Good Practices in Business Networks and Relationships with Local Communities and Society: Luonkos always strives for good, humane, open, and responsible collaboration with every stakeholder. In the Naantali summer boutique, responsible products from local operators are selected. Representatives from Luonkos participate in speaking engagements to share insights about values-based business in various forums, with the idea of inspiring other businesses to adopt responsible practices.
Human Rights: Luonkos aims to promote equality and human rights in every way possible. For several years, Luonkos has supported the Pride event through sponsorship. Luonkos and Naisten Pankki support women's education and entrepreneurship in impoverished countries through collaboration and fundraising. A new charitable partnership with World Vision is set to commence on March 2, 2023.
Supporting Charitable Activities: Luonkos is actively involved in various ways to raise funds for charity campaigns, including organizations like Save the Children, Naisten Pankki (Women's Bank), World Vision, and we have donated to organizations such as Naisten Linja (Women's Line) and Hope Ry. Through Naisten Pankki, Luonkos has enabled 100 women to gain a profession
Economic Social Responsibility
Creating Economic Well-being for Society: Luonkos generates jobs in Finland. All production and operations take place in Finland, and all partners are domestic. Taxes are paid in Finland. Luonkos aims to inspire businesses to adopt a comprehensive responsible business model. Luonkos has been awarded the Avainlippu (Key Flag) and Design from Finland marks. Luonkos is a member of Pro Luonnonkosmetiikka (Pro Natural Cosmetics) and the Finnish Entrepreneurs organization. The products are eco-certified with the Fi-Natura certification.
"We want to represent leadership in sustainability in everything we do. The products are created with an eye on future trends. I deeply believe that companies have the opportunity to create future-proof products and conditions for mitigating climate change through their choices. Ultimately, it comes down to everyday small and larger choices and fundamental questions, like whether this promotes sustainability or is the right thing to do. Yes, the heart knows. The basis for the choice should then lie elsewhere than in short-term euros," summarizes Piritta Fors, CEO of Luonkos. Piritta Fors has a background in futures studies (MA, Futures Studies) and is a business coach (Business Coach Master).
Luonkos develops, produces, and sells a range of innovative skincare products, both domestic and international award winners. Their waterless multitasking products enable skincare with fewer but highly quality ecological products. Luonkos is one of the most awarded and beloved Finnish natural cosmetics brands.
"An ethical, ecological, and domestic natural cosmetics series. Plastic-free packaging, handmade products, and clean functionality are delightful throughout the series." - Award justification from the Finnish Beauty Editors' Association
