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Posted June 10, 2025 by Justina Kim, Technical Service Associate, Human Nutrition and Health
As a global ingredient manufacturer with a presence in over 90 countries, Kemin Industries recognizes the importance of protecting our planet for future generations. Sustainability is not just part of our mission, which is woven into everything we do. From innovating eco-conscious solutions to reducing our environmental footprint, we believe that even the smallest actions can lead to meaningful change. This Earth Day, our teams around the world came together to demonstrate our collective dedication to environmental stewardship through a variety of hands-on activities and initiatives.
North America: Collective Action for a Cleaner Tomorrow
From our global headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, to our campuses in Missouri and Oklahoma, Kemin employees united for a month of impactful, hands-on environmental efforts. The team organized a trash cleanup around the campus and nearby areas, collecting litter to beautify the community and reduce pollution. In addition to clearing waste, the event featured an electronic waste collection drive, providing employees with a responsible way to dispose of outdated tech, keeping hazardous materials out of landfills.
A clothing donation station encouraged team members to give gently used items a second life, supporting local organizations and promoting sustainable fashion. To support biodiversity and enhance green spaces, employees planted trees on and around the Kemin campus, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. Finally, a paper shredding and recycling service helped divert sensitive documents from landfills, reinforcing the importance of responsible resource management.
These collective efforts reflect the heart of Kemin’s sustainability mission: empowering individuals to make a difference through everyday actions.
APAC: Hands-On Efforts and Innovative Engagement
Across Asia, Kemin teams embraced Earth Day with a wide range of activities that combined environmental education, community service, and personal responsibility.
In Zhuhai, China, employees took part in multiple hands-on sustainability efforts, including campus weeding, a community trash cleanup, and an office-wide decluttering initiative to improve their immediate environment. The team also visited a local waste-to-energy plant, gaining insights into how modern technology is being used to convert waste into renewable energy. To connect sustainability with creativity, employees participated in a pottery workshop that emphasized mindful consumption and the value of handcrafted goods. Meanwhile, in Beijing, employees observed a “Bring Your Own Cup” day at Starbucks, promoting reusable containers, and took part in group hiking activities to enjoy nature and reflect on the importance of preserving it.
In Singapore, the team tackled digital clutter by hosting a Digital Clean-Up Day, encouraging employees to delete unnecessary files, reduce cloud storage use, and adopt cleaner digital habits—a reminder that sustainability also extends to our virtual environments.
In India, employees made a lasting environmental impact by planting 35 trees on a newly acquired 1-acre plot of land. The team also led a clothing donation drive, promoting reuse and supporting those in need, while reducing textile waste.
From urban offices to natural landscapes, the Asia teams showed that meaningful sustainability action can take many forms—and every effort counts toward a healthier planet.
Europe: Cultivating a Greener Workplace and Environment
Kemin Europe embraced Earth Day with thoughtful, hands-on initiatives focused on sustainability both inside and outside the workplace.
In Belgium, employees participated in a “Bike to Work” challenge, choosing pedal power over cars to reduce carbon emissions and promote healthier commuting habits. Inside the office, team members took part in a “Clean Desk and Organize” day, creating a more efficient and environmentally conscious workspace. To support local biodiversity, the team also built an insect hotel, offering shelter for pollinators and other beneficial insects—an innovative step in fostering a thriving ecosystem right on campus.
In Italy, the Kemin team focused on long-term environmental impact by planting hedges and fruit trees on company grounds. These green additions not only beautify the landscape but also contribute to carbon sequestration, support local wildlife, and offer sustainable food sources.
Together, Kemin’s European teams demonstrated that creating a sustainable future starts with intentional actions—whether through greener transportation, better workplace habits, or giving back to nature.
Latin America: Education, Engagement, and Everyday Action
Kemin Brazil celebrated Earth Day throughout the month of April with a series of impactful initiatives designed to promote environmental awareness and professional growth, both inside and outside the organization.
A month-long electronics recycling campaign encouraged employees to dispose of old devices responsibly, helping prevent e-waste from entering landfills and raising awareness of the environmental hazards associated with improper disposal.
Kemin also partnered with local youth organizations to host two informative lectures for young people. On April 25, the focus was on career development, offering insights into opportunities within sustainability-focused industries. On April 28, a second session addressed environmental education, inspiring students to take an active role in protecting their surroundings and considering careers that support a greener future.
To further embed sustainability into the workplace culture, Kemin Brazil ran a campaign throughout April encouraging employees to complete the Sustainability 101 training. This initiative helped deepen understanding of the company’s environmental goals and empowered staff with practical ways to make a difference in their daily roles.
Through education, community involvement, and responsible practices, Kemin Brazil exemplified how sustainability is both a mindset and a movement—one that grows stronger with every action taken.
South Africa: Where Trees Take Root and Curiosity Grows
In honor of Earth Day, the Kemin South Africa team focused on community, education, and environmental restoration through meaningful engagement with local partners. A group of employees visited Thuthuka Primary School in the Tembisa district, near the Kemin offices in Olifantsfontein, to spend time with learners, school staff, and community leaders. The visit was more than a celebration—it was a shared experience of learning, conversation, and connection.
In collaboration with the school, the team planted ten young trees on the school grounds. True to the name “Thuthuka,” which means to develop, the trees symbolize both environmental care and the growth potential of every student. The initiative served as a reminder that sustainability begins with education and community empowerment.
In addition to the school visit, employees returned to the Kemin office area to clean up the road near their location, a much-needed effort following recent heavy rains and nearby construction. These actions reflected a strong commitment to both the immediate environment and the broader principles of stewardship and responsibility.
Looking Ahead: Growing a Greener Future Together
Earth Day at Kemin is more than a calendar event—it’s a global expression of our purpose-driven culture. From tree planting and recycling to education and innovation, our teams around the world demonstrated how collective effort can lead to real change. Sustainability is a journey, and we’re proud to walk that path together—supporting healthier communities, thriving ecosystems, and a more resilient planet for generations to come.
Justina Kim, Technical Service Associate, Human Nutrition and Health
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