European Disposables and Nonwovens Association

The European Disposables and Nonwovens Association (edana) is an international union of manufacturers of nonwoven materials and related products. The union's aims are to impart information actively and to engage in open dialogue with members. We contribute to the development of industry standards, in particular in the working groups for wet wipes, absorbent hygiene products, circular economy for personal & healthcare and sustainability for personal & healthcare. We contribute to the development of industry standards, e.g. for environmental claims and EU legislation for viscose wet wipes.

Industrieverband Körperpflege- und Waschmittel e.V.

As a manufacturer of care and cleaning products, we are part of the Industrieverband Körperpflege- und Waschmittel e. V. (IKW) [Industrial Association of Body Care and Washing Agents]. The IKW supports its members by providing advice on and assistance in business activities, thus promoting the economic development of its members. We use this platform as an early source of information concerning changes to national and European laws in the cosmetics sector.

Verband der Chemischen Industrie e.V.

Verband der Chemischen Industrie e. V. (VCI) [Association of the Chemical Industry] represents the interests of the chemical industry in the fields of politics, business, science and the media. Nölken uses membership in the VCI to obtain early information on the topics of REACH, energy and climate policy, research and innovation, and sustainability in the chemicals sector.

Forum Nachhaltiges Palmöl e.V.

The Forum Nachhaltiges Palmöl e. V. (FONAP) [Forum for Sustainable Palm Oil] has set itself the goal of making 100% certified palm oil available in the DACH region. In collaboration with representatives from industry and trade, politics and NGOs, the FONAP develops solutions to sustainable palm (kernel) oil. Since 2013, we have been active in the derivatives working group, working on promoting understanding of derivatives. We are involved in the development of FONAP projects in the project and human rights working group, and we help to raise awareness among consumers with regard to palm oil in the communication working group.

Foundation Development and Climate Alliance

Foundation Development and Climate Alliance aims to combine development work and international climate protection through voluntary compensation for greenhouse gas emissions. Here, the funds for the financing of development and climate protection projects should be generated in developing and emerging countries. Nölken has been supporting the Alliance since November 2021. We avoid, reduce and compensate for our CO₂ emissions and have declared our ambition of achieving climate neutrality by 2045 with a voluntary public commitment.

United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)

Nölken Hygiene Products has been a participant of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) initiative since 2011 and is committed to the ten principles of the UNGC in the areas of human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and anti-corruption. These principles form the foundation of our sustainability strategy and sustainability report, which aim to align economic goals with socially and environmentally responsible actions.

Other associations and initiatives

Nölken also engages with the following associations and initiatives:

• SEPAWA (Vereinigung der Seifen-, Parfüm- und Waschmittelfachleute e.V.) [Association of Soap-Boilers, Perfumers and Detergent Experts]
• RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil)
• The “Erfolgsfaktor Familie” [Success Factor Family] network
• Initiative pro Recyclingpapier [Initiative for Recycled Paper]
• Initiative zur Stärkung der Region (ISR) [Initiative to Strengthen the Region]