AAK’s Personal Care Division has been recognized with a 2017 Sustainable Beauty Award for the launch of AAK’s Sustainability Partner Program and its ongoing work in West Africa to promote the sustainable sourcing of shea via the Kolo Nafaso direct sourcing program. The Sustainability Pioneer Award,organized by Ecovia Intelligence,honors an operator in the beauty industry that is a leader in some aspect of sustainability. For AAK, this leadership is in the form of its pioneering work to advance shea sustainability initiatives in the supply chain through innovative use of public-private partnerships, and its wide offerings of functional and sustainable shea-based ingredient technologies for personal care.
 
“AAK leads the way in developing sustainable, innovative and technologically advanced shea-based ingredients for the beauty industry, opening up new opportunities for both cosmetic formulators and the women in West Africa who rely on shea for an income,” said Carsten Jaeger, global marketing director, AAK Sweden. "We have a high level of loyalty among the women and villages that are engaged in our direct sourcing program from the improved financial conditions they enjoy from trading directly, as well as the education, operational support and logistical support that they receive from AAK."
 
The AAK Sustainability Partner Program, launched in the US. Market in May, has been welcomed by cosmetic brands as an active means to contribute directly to sustainability in the shea supply chain, while receiving expert co-development support for the application of shea-based technologies that deliver high functionality, sustainability, and social value directly into personal care products.  
 
“We’re all working together to execute this program in the beauty industry,” said John O’Keefe, director of sales, personal care, AAK USA Inc. “The AAK Sustainability Partner Program is for any personal care company that is looking to contribute to real sustainable progress in the supply chain, while using shea-based technology to increase the social value of their brands.”
 
“AAK is a deserved winner of the Sustainability Pioneer Award for its work on sustainable sourcing of shea,” noted Amarjit Sahota, president of Ecovia Intelligence and organizer of the Sustainable Beauty Awards. “By working directly with the women in West Africa, the company is creating positive social impacts whilst developing sustainable ingredients.”
 
AAK achievements in the area of sustainability are many and varied, extending beyond the shea supply chain. All ingredients originate from renewable, natural sources and the company is pledged to reducing consumption of energy and water, and to reduce waste and emissions. Full details of objectives, projects and results can be found in the Annual Sustainability Report.

AAK Personal Care is part of AAK and specializes in developing and manufacturing high-performing, value-adding, functional and sustainable vegetable based bio-actives, emollients and other ingredients for the global cosmetics and personal care industry. The product range is complemented by outstanding technical expertise and service.