Weleda AG, the global leader in certified natural cosmetics and anthroposophical medicines, has a new landmark.
Together with distinguished guests from politics, business, and society, the company officially opened its new logistics centre – the Weleda Cradle Campus – in Schwäbisch Gmünd during an event focused on the future of sustainable economy.
Attendees included Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister for Economic Affairs of the State of Baden-Württemberg, and Richard Arnold, Mayor of Schwäbisch Gmünd.
The Cradle Campus is a beacon of sustainability – environmentally, economically, and socially. The architecture has already received recognition for its innovative approach. Built primarily from locally sourced timber and rammed earth, and powered by solar and geothermal energy, the new facility operates with zero emissions.
The design was developed in consultation with employees to meet their needs and expectations. With a total project volume of EUR 90 million, this new logistics centre represents the largest single investment in the history of Weleda.
"The Cradle Campus aligns perfectly with the Weleda strategy It stands for responsible growth – for growth in harmony with people and nature," said Weleda AG CEO, Tina Müller.
"Protecting our planet requires new ways of thinking and acting. It is not enough to simply do less harm to natural resources."
"We need to give back and actively restore the foundations of life. We must operate regeneratively. Sustainability and growth are not opposing forces. Sustainability drives growth," said Müller.
With the new building – whose ground-breaking ceremony took place in September 2021 – Weleda has consolidated its international sales logistics, previously spread across six locations, into a single central hub.
As part of this initiative, the company has digitalised its logistics processes and significantly improved order picking and shipping efficiency for its customers through a fully automated high-bay warehouse.
With the new timber high-bay facility, with a capacity of 17,200 pallets, Weleda has considerably expanded its logistics capabilities. Under standard operating conditions, up to 10,000 orders will be dispatched daily from the Cradle Campus to 47 countries worldwide.
"With the Cradle Campus, we are ideally equipped to support the growth of Weleda, elevating our logistics to an entirely new level," said Weleda management board member, Alois Mayer.
The Cradle Campus has already received multiple awards for its comprehensive approach to sustainable architecture. It was honoured with the prestigious Polis Award 2024 in the 'Ecological Reality' category and most recently won the Iconic Award from the German Design Council in the 'Best of Best – Innovative Architecture' category.
The company has revitalised its new site by establishing optimal conditions to support diverse ecosystems. The outdoor areas now feature orchard meadows with wild fruit, a juniper heath, and rose hedges, transforming a previous agricultural monoculture into a thriving, biodiverse landscape.
"Certainly, the project was a financial challenge for Weleda, but seeing what has been achieved here, we can confidently say, it was worth it," added Müller.
You can find the Weleda product range and download hi-res imagery for editorial inclusions, here.
Image credit: Supplied
