Sustainability
Sustainability is fundamental to how dsm-firmenich brings progress to life – for people and planet.
Patchouli plays a central role in our fragrance creations and supports thousands of smallholder farmers throughout Indonesia.
Although patchouli has been cultivated for centuries, the patchouli production in Indonesia has shifted from one region to another—moving from Aceh to Java, then South Sulawesi and now North Sulawesi—reflecting combined pressures of climate variability, soil fatigue, and market volatility. These recurring cycles are disrupting farmers’ livelihoods and contributing to unsustainable production patterns.
Recognizing the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of this iconic ingredient, we launched the Patchouli Project in 2017 with one of our longstanding partners. Through this initiative, we aim to transform patchouli into a stable, future proof crop that strengthens rural incomes while safeguarding the ecosystems where it is grown.
The patchouli project supports 300 farmers across three villages through direct sourcing at floor price, gender-inclusive practices, and capacity building. The project promotes climate-resilient sustainable practices and empowers farmers and their community while ensuring long-term, responsibly sourced patchouli volumes verified under Union for Ethical Biotrade (UEBT) standard. UEBT is a non-profit association that works to regenerate nature and secure a better future for people through the ethical sourcing of ingredients from biodiversity.
The first project phase delivered significant progress: farmers reduced reliance on agricultural inputs, improved weed and pest management and regenerative practices. Women’s participation increased through the Gender Action Learning System (GALS). A guaranteed floor price was implemented, traceable sourcing ensured through geo-mapping, and 20.000 tree seedlings were distributed for sustainable energy use.
Although the path ahead presents challenges, we are ready to act and drive meaningful progress to create lasting, sustainable value together.
At the heart of the patchouli project is the conviction that a stable and resilient supply chain begins with farming communities that feel supported, included, and equipped for the future.
In Southeast Sulawesi, household incomes remain vulnerable to fluctuating patchouli prices and unpredictable weather patterns. Through direct sourcing and a guaranteed floor price aligned with living wage assessments, we are helping families stabilize their income and plan for future with greater confidence.
Equally important is our investment in social empowerment.
The roll-out of the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) is enabling women and their families to participate more actively in economic and community decision-making. As a direct result, households are developing long-term strategies that engage both women and men, leading to greater effectiveness and sustainability. 17 Champion families are beginning to share their learnings, gradually strengthening the social cohesion and confidence across villages. We aim to further empower farming communities by expanding gender-inclusive training and strengthening the leadership of women.
In parallel, the project is financing a full-time team of technicians to provide farmers with hands-on technical coaching on sustainable farming practices, either directly at their farm or through demonstration plots, where they can observe improved crop management and adapt practices to the realities of a changing climate. Supported by agronomic coaching and farmer-to-farmer exchanges, growers can observe techniques, test climate resilient practices, and adapt them progressively. We will expand farmers’ capability efforts by establishing a community house which will become a center of learning and collaboration.
These efforts are fostering a more connected and better prepared farming community—one that is building the skills, knowledge, and agency needed to navigate change and shape its own long-term resilience.
Southeast Sulawesi, where patchouli grows, is both rich in biodiversity and increasingly exposed to climate change.
While drought episodes existed before, their intensity increased, further impacting patchouli production. Climate resilience is therefore a priority of the patchouli project, to permit the perpetuation of the crop in the region. The onsite technical team helps farmers use climate-resilient methods like mulching, agroforestry, rotation, and intercropping. These approaches make patchouli more resistant to drought and pests, improve soil health, protect ecosystems, and boost yields.
Our ambitions extend beyond the farm; we aim for patchouli production to support the preservation of local biodiversity as well. To achieve this, we maintain strict oversight of cultivation plots traceability and comprehensive geo‑mapping to ensure that farming areas do not encroach on forested land. Simultaneously, the project is progressing along its intrants pathway by implementing a phased strategy to eliminate hazardous inputs. This approach supports the adoption of sustainable farming practices, enabling farmers to respond effectively to environmental challenges and fostering healthier ecosystems.
Environmental progress extends beyond cultivation
To guide our actions, biodiversity is regularly monitored by experts from the local university who survey invasive, endemic and vulnerable fauna and flora species —covering mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and plants. Their analysis helps establish a robust ecological baseline and highlight areas where action is most needed. Early observations confirm the presence of diverse fauna and flora around the project villages, reinforcing our responsibility to protect these ecosystems. Continued monitoring will guide the biodiversity action plan and shape targeted interventions over the coming years to safeguard biodiversity.
Amongst identified actions, preparatory work is underway to improve distillation efficiency and reduce firewood consumption, while tree seedlings planting efforts aim to secure sustainable fuelwood sources for the long term. Distillation wastes are being converted into organic fertilizer, supporting supply chain circularity and soil health.
Taken together, these actions reflect a gradual purposeful transition toward climate resilient, lower impact patchouli production—strengthening both the value chain and the ecosystems that sustain it.
As we enter the next phase of the Patchouli project, our commitment remains clear: to continue strengthening farmer resilience while deepening our environmental stewardship.
While the journey ahead is demanding, by 2028, we aim to broaden gender inclusive empowerment, expand climate resilient farming practices, and uphold deforestation free sourcing. We will also advance our biodiversity efforts and pursue continuous improvements in distillation sustainability and carbon reduction.
Together with our partner, we remain firmly dedicated to shaping a long-term patchouli value chain that supports stronger communities, healthier ecosystems, and a stable, sustainable supply for the future.
Sustainability is fundamental to how dsm-firmenich brings progress to life – for people and planet.
Dive into our progress for people and planet across various leading ESG benchmarks.
We drive progress across our value chain – to create sustainable value for all.