Weleda has opened a new award-winning ‘Cradle Campus’ in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany.
The EUR 90m facility is made using locally sourced timber and rammed earth, and is described as one of the most sustainable logistics sites in Europe. The campus emits zero emissions, supports the circular economy and fosters biodiversity in its surrounding outdoor spaces.
Designed by Ulm-based architects Michelgroup, Weleda’s Cradle Campus has been built with sustainability at its core. The site compromises of 72,000 square metres which are powered by solar and geothermal energy for a 100% emission-free facility.
The Cradle Campus consolidates six logistics locations into one, streamlining operations to serve 47 countries. The new facility can process up to 10,000 orders daily. Products manufactured at Weleda sites in the UK, Switzerland and Germany will pass through the dynamic logistics hub.
Beyond logistics, the Cradle Campus reflects Weleda’s commitment to environmental responsibility, incorporating circular economy principles and enhancing biodiversity on-site with orchard meadows, wild fruit hedges and a juniper heath.
Tina Müller, CEO of Weleda AG, said, “The Cradle Campus aligns perfectly with the Weleda strategy. It stands for responsible growth. Protecting our planet requires new ways of thinking and acting. It is not enough to simply do less harm to natural resources. We must operate regeneratively. Sustainability and growth are not opposing forces; sustainability drives growth.”
The Cradle Campus has already received multiple awards for its sustainable architecture. Even during the early stages of construction, the large-scale project achieved the DGNB Platinum Standard Pre-Certificate, the highest rating from the German Sustainable Building Council. It won 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.
EI Comment: Weleda is applauded for the green credentials of its new logistics centre. Since its formation in 1921, Weleda has been at the forefront of sustainability endeavours. It has received multiple awards at the Sustainable Beauty Awards, which recognises sustainability excellence in the beauty industry.
