October 7th, 2025
The origins of Neal’s Yard
Founded in 1981 in Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, by Romy Fraser, Neal’s Yard Remedies grew organically from an apothecary into a global wellbeing brand celebrated for its integrity. As the first health-and-beauty company to earn Soil Association organic certification in 1991 and the first UK high‑street retailer certified CarbonNeutral® in 2008, the company has long set the benchmark for responsible skincare. Today it remains independently owned, family-led and committed to trading ethically at every scale.
Process and production
At the heart of Neal’s Yard Remedies is a profound dedication to natural and organic production. Approximately 92% of its physically processed agricultural ingredients (by weight) hold COSMOS organic certification and the company refuses to use GMO components. Their Sustainable Purchasing Policy mandates not only certified organic or fair-trade ingredients but also human rights protections across the supply chain. Around 80% of their direct spending is assessed annually and suppliers are required to sign anti‑slavery, anti‑bribery and fair trade contracts under global standards including ILO and UN conventions.
This ethical reach extends deep into the source communities. The brand partners with farmers and wild-harvesters from regions like Kenya, Uganda, New Zealand, Mexico, the DRC and Nepal. In Samburu, Kenya, they funded solar wells for frankincense gatherers and pay premium rates, supporting education and sustainable harvesting via FairWild and Fair for Life certifications.
Climate leadership is part of Neal’s Yard DNA. Since 2008 they’ve offset greenhouse gas emissions annually through projects like UN-backed forest and biodiversity initiatives. Even their eco‑factory in Dorset is built with sustainable features. Such as energy-efficient air systems, greywater recycling, rainwater capture and solar panels covering 700 m². These producing over 5% of its electricity onsite and stores and offices use 100% UK-sourced renewable electricity and gas!
Now that’s taking responsibility where it counts!
More progressive still, is their emissions-intensity goal, striving for a 47% reduction by 2025 and 87% by 2050. Measuring this against 2010 levels and aligned with Science Based Targets. Of which they’ve already achieved about 19% reduction so far.
Bee-ing responsible
Neal’s Yard Remedies holds the Leaping Bunny cruelty-free certification. Therefore, signifying that none of their products are tested on animals, a gold standard trusted internationally. Their support for pollinator health goes far beyond product formulation. The long‑running Bee Lovely and #StandByBees campaigns helped pressure governments into a 2013 ban on neonicotinoid pesticides and continue to lobby for policy change. The brand also collaborates with over 100 organisations in the UK on bee protection. Fundraising via limited-edition charity collections and organising Bee Symposiums to raise awareness and funding.
Celebrating success
Neal’s Yard Remedies has earned high-profile recognition. Such as Sustainable Luxury Brand of the Year at the Walpole British Luxury Awards 2023. Also being named Brand of the Decade by Country & Town House in 2025. This was awarded for their consistent environmental stewardship and forward-thinking leadership. For over a decade, they have maintained a perfect 100/100 ethics accreditation from the Ethical Company Organisation (Good Shopping Guide) thanks to transparent policy, governance and traceable supply chains.
Their Dorset site is not just a production facility, it is a working gallery for sustainability. With organic gardens growing calendula, borage, verbena and other botanicals used in their formulations. They’ve even moved glass bottle manufacturing to Yorkshire to save an estimated 12 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Programs like plastic bottle refills in-store, community recycling collections. In this, encouraging creative reuse of their iconic blue glass bottles all reflect their innovative methods and incredible ingenuity.
Neal’s Yard Remedies embodies the concept that ethical values and environmental care can be embedded into every aspect of business. From transparent sourcing and fair trade supply chains. Also, through renewable energy, industry partnerships on biodiversity and certifications that hold them to the highest standards, they offer a model of responsible beauty.
As they continue their journey toward becoming a truly Net Positive business, the brand’s legacy shows how beauty can be mindful. They are ever advancing toward a kinder future for people and the planet.
Created by Jessica Marwood.
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