Denmark’s Oterra delivers core sustainability strategy goals

Danish-based natural colours specialist, Oterra, has just released its 2030 sustainability strategy, highlighting core goals of reducing environmental impact and responsible sourcing, writes Neill Barston.

The business has continued on a growth trajectory in recent years, with confectionery, bakery and snacks markets remaining a notable part of its portfolio.

As the company observed, its strategy has three focus areas: Nature, Climate and People. Each target is a step toward a more resilient, transparent, and sustainable company.

“We believe that working with nature, not against, it drives efficiency, resilience, and long-term growth. Our 2030 Sustainability Strategy reflects this conviction. It is a roadmap for strengthening our operations, safeguarding our supply chain, and creating real value for our business, customers, partners, and society,” said Oterra CEO Martin Sonntag.

The strategy includes goals for no deforestation, water stewardship, waste recycled or reused, SBTi validated greenhouse gas targets, energy efficiency and gender distribution targets, health and safety, business integrity, and responsible sourcing.

“Nature, Climate and People are interconnected and our strategy reflects that. The goals build on a foundation of protecting ecosystems, reducing GHG emissions, forging impactful partnerships, and advancing responsible sourcing practices,” says Oterra’s Head of Global Sustainability Vera Karmeback.

Protecting the natural systems that grow raw materials is both a responsibility and a strategic imperative for Oterra. Healthy soils strengthen yields, water availability underpins the supply chain, and biodiversity ensures long-term resilience.

Awareness of colors sourced from natural ingredients has grown in recent years. Oterra’s strategy aims to meet this rising demand while reducing absolute GHG emissions, achieving the difficult but necessary decoupling of business growth from emissions.

“Since 2022 we have reduced direct emissions by 20% and have moved to 100% renewable electricity. Looking ahead, we are committed to achieving net zero, with a clear near-term focus on meeting our 2030 targets of reducing our total greenhouse gas emissions by 28% as a critical first milestone,” Karmeback adds.

“A big part of our 2030 emissions roadmap is what we call ‘carbon farming’ – decarbonisation initiatives in partnership with our farmers and suppliers, such as reducing the use of non-organic fertilisers or improving soils so they store more carbon.”