Sustainability at Rapsodine!

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. In our factory in Mariestad, Sweden, we produce Swedish organic skin care, hair care and home care products, where every step is guided by care for both people and the environment.

Our sustainability work is based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on Goals 3, 5, 7, 8, 12 and 13. These goals reflect the areas we work with every day. On this page, we describe how we actively contribute to the goals through our products, processes and collaborations and how we continue to develop our sustainability efforts going forward.

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all

UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 aims to ensure good health and well-being for people of all ages. Health is not only influenced by access to healthcare, but also by the environment we live in, the food we eat and the products we use every day.
For us at Rapsodine, this means taking responsibility for both human health and the natural environment we are part of.

How we contribute at Rapsodine

Target 3.4 – Promote mental health and well-being

What it means:
The UN aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being through preventive measures and healthier lifestyles.

Our contribution:
We want to make it easy to care for both skin and well-being. Our products are based on Swedish, organic rapeseed oil, a renewable, locally sourced raw material that supports the skin’s natural balance. We develop mild, natural formulations and also offer fragrance-free alternatives for people with sensitive skin or allergies.

Through our communication, we highlight the importance of balance, recovery and self-care, and aim to inspire well-being that goes beyond skincare alone. Health is also about caring for others. That is why we annually support Glädjespridaren, an initiative that helps families facing financial hardship create joy for children during Christmas, and we support Cancerfonden in their important work in research and care.

Internally, we work to ensure a safe and supportive work environment through wellness benefits and everyday consideration, so that our employees feel good and enjoy their workplace.

Target 3.9 – Reduce illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution

What it means:
The UN aims to reduce the number of illnesses and deaths caused by hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution.

Our contribution:
We actively work to reduce chemical exposure for both people and the environment. Our products are free from microplastics and mineral oils and are instead based on natural, plant-based ingredients. We choose organic raw materials, use mild preservatives and ensure that every ingredient is biodegradable.

Through the Good Environmental Choice ecolabel on our home care products, the use of biobased plastic and recyclable packaging, we help reduce the spread of harmful substances in nature and create safer products for both people and the environment.

How we work going forward with Goal 3

We want to continue promoting and inspiring a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle, both internally and externally. Going forward, we aim to:

• Develop more educational material about health, natural skin and hair care, and sustainable living for employees, customers and retailers.

• Continue developing gentle yet effective products that support the skin’s natural balance.

• Communicate more clearly how our ingredients and product choices reduce impact on both people and the environment.
  
  

Goal 5: Gender Equality

Equal rights and opportunities for all

UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Gender equality is a fundamental prerequisite for a sustainable society and an area where every organisation can make a difference.

At Rapsodine, gender equality means valuing all people equally, regardless of gender, age, background or culture. We believe that respect, inclusion and diversity create both well-being and creativity in the workplace.

How we contribute at Rapsodine

Target 5.1 – End all forms of discrimination

What it means:
The UN aims to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and girls and, ultimately, ensure equal rights for all people.

Our contribution:
We take a clear stand against all forms of discrimination and actively work for an inclusive work environment. Our team consists of people with different backgrounds, experiences and cultures, which we see as a strength. We promote openness, respect and equality throughout the organisation and offer equal opportunities for development and participation.

Target 5.5 – Ensure women’s full participation and leadership

What it means:
The UN aims to ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making.

Our contribution:
At Rapsodine, women and men are represented in roughly equal numbers. We believe leadership and responsibility should be based on competence, engagement and care, not gender or background.

How we work going forward with Goal 5

We aim to continue developing our work with equality and inclusion so that all employees feel safe, seen and respected. Going forward, we aim to:

• Develop and improve our equality and diversity policy with clear commitments and goals.

• Continue fostering an open and inclusive company culture where everyone has equal opportunities to develop and influence.

• Conduct regular employee surveys to follow up on well-being, participation and perceived equality in the workplace, and use the results to drive improvements.

 

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

For a future built on renewable energy and efficient resource use

UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 aims to ensure access to reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. Energy is essential for development, but it must be produced and used in ways that do not harm the climate.

For us at Rapsodine, this means taking responsibility for how the energy we use affects both the environment and future generations. We continuously strive to reduce our climate footprint through smart energy choices and efficient production solutions.

How we contribute at Rapsodine

Target 7.2 – Increase the share of renewable energy

What it means:
The UN aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Our contribution:
We use 100% green electricity across our entire business. By choosing energy from renewable sources, we reduce our carbon emissions and contribute to more sustainable energy use. Our ambition is to run our entire production on energy that is as climate-neutral as possible.

Target 7.3 – Improve energy efficiency

What it means:
The UN aims to double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency through modern technology and sustainable investments.

Our contribution:
We continuously work to reduce energy consumption in both our factory and office.

• We are gradually replacing all lighting with energy-efficient LED solutions.

• We use an electric company car and prioritise electric alternatives for future vehicles and transport.

These measures reduce both our climate impact and operating costs, while also inspiring other businesses to make more sustainable choices.

How we work going forward with Goal 7

We want to continue developing our efforts to contribute to more sustainable energy use throughout our operations. Going forward, we aim to:

• Explore the possibility of producing our own renewable energy.

• Further optimise our production processes to reduce energy consumption.

• Communicate our work with sustainable energy more clearly to inspire both consumers and partners to choose green energy.
  
  

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

For sustainable growth, meaningful jobs and a strong local community

UN Sustainable Development Goal 8 aims to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent working conditions for all.
A sustainable economy is not only about profitability, but about creating long-term value for people, society and the environment.

For us at Rapsodine, this means creating jobs, collaborating with other businesses and running our company with care, responsibility and a long-term perspective.

How we contribute at Rapsodine

Target 8.3 – Promote sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation

What it means:
The UN aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises in creating sustainable jobs through innovation, entrepreneurship and responsible business practices.

Our contribution:
Since our founding, we have focused on long-term and responsible entrepreneurship. Our production in Mariestad creates jobs outside major metropolitan areas and contributes to a stronger local community. We collaborate with small-scale and local suppliers who share our values around sustainability and quality, and we actively participate in local business networks that promote growth and cooperation in the region.

By welcoming interns, we contribute to learning, skills development and future employment. We support youth organisations and local initiatives that strengthen community life, and with our AAA credit rating, we demonstrate that sustainable business can also be financially stable.

Target 8.4 – Improve resource efficiency and sustainable production

What it means:
The UN aims to improve resource efficiency in consumption and production and to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation.

Our contribution:
We strive to grow in ways that do not deplete natural resources. In our own factory in Mariestad, we aim for zero waste, and all second-grade products are sold in our factory store instead of being discarded.

Through refill solutions and collaborations with packaging-free stores, we reduce waste and transport needs while inspiring others to choose more sustainable alternatives. We continuously invest in energy-efficient solutions and sustainable materials so that our growth is based on quality and responsibility, not overconsumption.

How we work going forward with Goal 8

We want to continue contributing to a resilient and sustainable business sector where growth and responsibility go hand in hand. Going forward, we aim to:

• Develop a Supplier Code of Conduct to ensure sustainable and ethical working conditions throughout our supply chain.

• Continue developing sustainable partnerships with local businesses and organisations to strengthen both the ecological and social economy.
  
  

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

For a circular system where resources are used with care

UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. This means using natural resources in ways that do not deplete the environment and creating products that can be reused, recycled and kept in circulation.

For us at Rapsodine, this means producing products with as little impact as possible, from raw material to finished product and making it easy for our customers to consume sustainably in everyday life.

How we contribute at Rapsodine

Target 12.2 – Sustainable use of natural resources

What it means:
The UN aims to ensure sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

Our contribution:
We carefully select our raw materials and primarily use Swedish-grown and organic ingredients. By producing all products in our own factory in Mariestad, we ensure efficient resource use, minimise waste and reduce transportation.

Target 12.5 – Reduce waste through reuse and recycling

What it means:
The UN aims to significantly reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.

Our contribution:
We actively work to reduce waste at every stage of production.

• Our products are concentrated and long-lasting, meaning they last longer.

• We sell second-grade products in our factory store instead of discarding them.

• Our refill stations and collaborations with packaging-free stores make it possible to refill existing bottles instead of buying new ones something we were first to introduce in Swedish skincare.

• All our packaging is recyclable, and we use biobased plastic and recycled materials where possible.

• We avoid unnecessary outer packaging and sort all packaging waste.

In this way, we strive towards a circular product lifecycle where resources are used again and again.

Target 12.8 – Increase knowledge and awareness of sustainable lifestyles

What it means:
The UN aims to ensure that people everywhere have the information and awareness needed to live sustainably in harmony with nature.

Our contribution:
We aim to inspire both customers and partners to make conscious choices. Through initiatives such as Circular Week, where we donate part of our sales to the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, we show that sustainability is more important than short-term consumption.

Across our channels, we share knowledge about natural skincare, reuse and refill solutions, and we educate retailers on how to communicate sustainable choices to their customers.

How we work going forward with Goal 12

We want to continue developing our work towards fully circular products, where every ste from raw material to recycling is handled with care. Going forward, we aim to:

• Continue sharing knowledge across all our channels.

• Develop more refill solutions and make sustainable choices even more accessible.

• Develop a sustainable procurement policy for our own purchasing.

Measure and report our climate and environmental impact to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

Goal 13: Climate Action

For a stable climate and a sustainable future

UN Sustainable Development Goal 13 calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and every company has a responsibility to reduce its impact and contribute to the transition to a more sustainable society.

For us at Rapsodine, this means actively reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency and making climate-smart choices throughout our operations from raw materials to transport.

How we contribute at Rapsodine

Target 13.2 – Integrate climate measures into policies and planning

What it means:
The UN encourages all countries and actors to integrate climate action into strategies, planning and decision-making.

Our contribution:
We have a long-term environmental approach that runs throughout our entire business. Sustainability is integrated into product development, purchasing, communication and transport.

• We use 100% green electricity in production and at the office.

• We manufacture all products in Sweden, reducing the need for long-distance transport.

• We prioritise biobased plastic and recycled materials in our packaging to reduce emissions from fossil plastics.

• We prioritise sourcing packaging from local Swedish suppliers.

By continuously evaluating and improving our processes, we work to reduce our climate footprint at every stage.

Target 13.3 – Increase knowledge and awareness of climate change

What it means:
The UN aims to improve education, awareness and capacity to address climate change and its impacts.

Our contribution:
We want to inspire both customers and partners to make more climate-smart choices. Through our communication, we show how small changes in everyday life such as choosing refill, biobased packaging and locally produced Swedish products can make a big difference.

We share knowledge about sustainable skincare and environmentally friendly alternatives across our channels and encourage long-term thinking in consumption.

How we work going forward with Goal 13

We aim to continue reducing our climate impact while inspiring other companies to do the same. Going forward, we aim to:

• Map and measure our total climate footprint in order to set clear targets and track progress.

• Explore the possibility of producing our own renewable energy.

• Continue developing climate-smart packaging and strengthen partnerships with suppliers who share our climate ambitions.

• Participate in and support initiatives that raise awareness of climate issues, both locally and nationally.