As part of the DS Group, our subsidiary Esti Chem A/S exemplifies how sustainability can be embedded into the core of a company’s strategy. Based in Gadstrup, Denmark, Esti Chem develops eco-friendly, ester-based additives for industries ranging from cleaning and printing to metalworking and construction. Their products often replace conventional chemical solvents with biodegradable and renewable alternatives—especially in sectors where environmental impact is a key concern.
We spoke with Lone Dyring Olsen, Quality & EHS Manager at Esti Chem, to learn more about their approach to sustainability and certification.
Why is sustainability not just a “nice-to-have” for Esti Chem, but a central component of the company’s strategy?
Many of Esti Chem’s products are based on renewable feedstocks such as vegetable oils. Our products can in many cases replace products based on fossil materials such as petrochemicals. So, sustainability has from the very beginning of the company’s lifetime been an integrated part of the business strategy.
What prompted Esti Chem to pursue certifications like ISO 14001 or EcoVadis?
We are dealing with big, international customers, who are requesting certifications such as ISO 14001 and documentation of our activities within sustainability according to an internally known system such as EcoVadis. There are different systems to choose between, but we found EcoVadis to be well known within our industry and amongst our customers.
Core Sustainability Goals at Esti Chem
Products
Promoting chemicals based on renewable raw products such as vegetable oils, reducing carbon footprint
Making the working life safer
Promoting chemicals that show less evaporation and less chemical hazard labelling than the current products
Reducing chemical pollution risks
Promoting chemicals that are biodegradable and less toxic to the environment than the current products
How important are sustainability certificates to your customers today compared to five or ten years ago?
Five to ten years ago, the discussion around sustainability was more general in its nature with few targets and commitments. Today’s requirements are much more concrete with requirements for target setting and improvements on a running basis.
Are there any specific requirements or tenders for which such certifications are essential?
Certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 – all implemented under the High-Level Structure – demonstrate that we operate within internationally recognized systems for quality, environment, and occupational health and safety. These standards are increasingly expected, especially in tenders or collaborations with larger corporate clients who require structured risk and compliance management.
This saves us a lot of questions, and we can get to talk about our product features and applications. The same is applicable for EcoVadis – overall we don’t have to fill out a huge number of questionnaires and it saves us time and builds trust quite easily.
Additionally, for customers requesting products based on certified sustainable palm kernel oil, we are RSPO certified. This supports traceability and responsible sourcing.
Esti Chem awarded with EcoVadis meldal
EcoVadis is a globally trusted provider of business sustainability ratings and is overseen by an international scientific committee. Its methodology assesses how well a company integrates sustainability and CSR principles into its operations, focusing on areas such as environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Companies are rated and ranked across industries, and Esti Chem has repeatedly earned the prestigious Platinum Medal, placing it among the top 1% of rated companies.
RSPO: palm oil from responsible sources
RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) is a global, multi-stakeholder initiative that promotes the production and use of sustainable palm oil through certified standards. It brings together producers, processors, retailers, NGOs, and investors to ensure environmental protection, social responsibility, and traceability throughout the palm oil supply chain. Esti Chem’s RSPO certification reflects its commitment to responsible sourcing and supports customers who require verified sustainable palm kernel oil in their formulations.
How do the certifications help you in international competition?
It is a door-opener; no further questions asked, and we can move on with the discussion on how we can work together.
What are you currently working on in terms of sustainability?
We are actively working with our CO₂ footprint across Scope 1, 2, and 3, including Product Carbon Footprint (PCF). With 2020 as our baseline year, we have defined targets for all three scopes, which are publicly available on our homepage.
We have already achieved our target for Scope 2, and further improvements for Scope 1 are planned in the coming years. For Scope 3, raw materials represent the largest impact. Here, we closely follow developments among our suppliers, particularly regarding improvements in raw materials, packaging, and transportation.
Our focus is improving data quality to ensure more accurate and transparent accounting, and it will be easier to make the right improvements.
70 %
reduction in Scope 1 by 2030
70 %
reduction in Scope 2 by 2030
100 %
carbon neutrality by 2050
What role does the collaboration with the Diersch & Schröder Group play?
We have had good support by the DS guidelines such as Code of Conduct, anti-fraud guidelines etc. This puts the company Esti Chem in a greater perspective, which is important when talking to bigger clients.
How complex is the certification process?
The certification process for ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 helped us improve the way we work – not just once, but continuously. To support this, we use a software system that keeps track of documentation, registrations, employee competences, maintenance, etc. It gives us a clear overview and makes sure nothing is forgotten – from legal requirements to who is trained for what.
Overall, the certification has made our daily work more structured and supports ongoing improvements across teams and tasks.
Thank you very much for the interview!
Versatile Products for Diverse Industrial Applications:
Pioneering the Future of Chemistry
Together with our chemical subsidiaries LEVACO Chemicals, Additiv-Chemie Luers, and Sparks AS, Esti Chem is helping shape a future where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. As part of the DS Group, Esti Chem continues to set high standards for responsible business practices in the chemical industry
