Sustainability Committee

Formed in 2020, our Sustainability Committee is chaired by our Chief Sustainability Officer and is a formal subcommittee of the Executive Committee. It has delegated authority to oversee the development, measurement and delivery of our KPIs across the three pillars of our sustainability strategy: Climate, Land and People, supported by our Fundamentals, as well as overseeing employee engagement and training in sustainability.

It comprises members of the Executive Committee and senior leaders from across Croda, with each member responsible for delivering specific 2030 targets. Expert advice and support are provided by the Group Sustainability team and third-party partners. The Committee supports the Board through oversight of the Group’s long-term sustainability strategy, monitoring the Group’s material impacts, risks and opportunities, reviewing developments and emerging best practice for all stakeholders, and building Board competence in sustainability.

Supporting strategic sustainability

The Sustainability Committee plays a crucial role in driving accountability and ensuring alignment with Croda’s 2030 goals. By fostering collaboration across teams and regions, the Committee integrates sustainability considerations into decision-making at every level of the organisation.

In addition to monitoring progress on key performance indicators, the Committee champions innovation and partnership to address emerging global challenges. This includes staying ahead of regulatory changes, driving advancements in sustainable technologies, and fostering a culture where sustainability is deeply embedded into the mindset of all employees.

Main activities and priorities in 2025

A key focus for the Committee was the refreshed sustainability strategy. The Committee worked with the executive team to define priorities for the business and ensure that the sustainability strategy is fully embedded within the Group’s overall corporate strategy. This included a two-day strategic review by the executive team held at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and attended by myself as Chair and other fellow members of the Committee. The Committee reviewed and challenged the refreshed sustainability strategy, which was subsequently approved by the Board, with Croda’s continued ambition to be Net Zero by 2050 framing the corporate approach in the coming years. Within the refreshed and simplified strategy, the Committee examined the commitments to deliver on updated short-term Science Based Targets by 2030, still aligned with a 1.5oC trajectory, and ensuring at least 75% of raw materials are sourced from renewable carbon. Recognising Croda’s impact on nature, the Committee assessed the refreshed strategy commitment to removing deforestation risk in key bio-based supply chains by 2030 and delivery of the objective to halve the water use impact of our operations in water-stressed regions by 2030. The focus of the refreshed sustainability strategy is on a smaller number of priorities which our customers value most, and where we can have the biggest impact. Read more abut Croda's sustainability targets, validated by SBTi.

Progress against existing Group sustainability targets and metrics continued to be monitored, including consideration of the implications for stakeholders. The Committee received detailed presentations from the business on the Agriculture and Consumer Care sustainability strategies which emphasised the importance of aligning Croda’s business value proposition with market sustainability goals. Updates were presented on future regulatory requirements, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, as well as initiatives to strengthen employee engagement and cultural alignment through enhanced communications and recognition programmes. The Chair of the Croda Foundation presented to the November meeting and the Committee reaffirmed Croda’s ongoing commitment to support the Foundation and its aim of improving more lives sustainably. This continued partnership reinforces Croda’s position as a global leader in social impact and philanthropy.

Looking ahead to 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, the Committee will concentrate on deepening oversight of sustainability strategy execution across Consumer Care, Agriculture, and Pharma, and ensure continued alignment with the Group’s long-term objectives. It will also continue to build knowledge and capability through targeted deep-dives on significant topics such as water stewardship, net zero commitments, and transition planning. A key priority will be reviewing and assessing engagement of key stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, investors and regulators and NGOs, in Croda’s sustainability agenda.