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Berlin / Würzburg, 21 April 2026 – Kneipp is one of the leading providers of nature-based body care and health products and is now taking the next consistent step in its sustainability commitment: an initial range of 16 body care products has been successfully certified according to the flustix standard “Product Content Microplastic-Free.”
The certification is based on the internationally recognised definition of microplastics under REACH and goes significantly beyond conventional ingredient checks. The results of the product assessment show that Kneipp refrains from the use of solid synthetic polymers as well as other commonly used plastic components.
As part of the flustix certification, products are tested by independent, accredited laboratories in line with the latest state of the art and current requirements under accredited conditions, and the process is overseen by TÜV SÜD. For microplastic detection, the highest level of analytical precision is applied in accordance with current best practice. In addition, water-soluble synthetic polymers are assessed in a differentiated manner: Kneipp does not use substances that are poorly biodegradable with high molecular chain lengths.
The result: the products submitted by Kneipp as part of the certification process meet the strict requirements and have been certified with the “flustix PLASTIKFREI – Product Content Microplastic-Free” trustmark within a certification process overseen by TÜV SÜD.
Malte Biss (CEO flustix):
“With this certification Kneipp demonstrates how credible product communication works today: based on clearly defined and internationally recognised criteria, independent laboratory analysis, and certification in cooperation with accredited partners such as TÜV SÜD. This combination not only builds trust in the market, but also meets the growing regulatory requirements for substantiated environmental claims under EmpCo – while enabling Kneipp to communicate a clearly verifiable sustainability criterion transparently at the point of sale, increasingly expected by consumers.”
Setting new standards for credible product communication
The avoidance of microplastics is a central element of Kneipp’s sustainability commitment. Through flustix certification, the microplastic-free status of the products is independently verified and certified.
Sven-Olaf Hansen (Global Chief Marketing Officer at Kneipp):
“It’s about transparency for us. Consumers must be able to trust the credibility of the product properties being communicated. While rigorous certifications involve a certain level of effort for us as a company, they provide our customers with confidence when making a purchase. This makes us all the more pleased to be the first cosmetics manufacturer to receive the flustix trustmark for microplastic-free products across an entire cross-category product range.”
Dr. Robert Hermann (Business Unit Leiters Sustainability Austria):
“The high quality standards, combined with technical precision and a strong spirit of innovation, make TÜV SÜD a reliable partner for testing and certification services. TÜV SÜD’s global network of expertise, with over 30,000 employees across more than 1,000 locations, brings together top-level specialist knowledge and creates the transparency, credibility and legal certainty required for companies like Kneipp in sustainability communication. With the ‘PLASTIKFREI – Product Content Microplastic-Free’ programme, we are demonstrating together with flustix how independent certification and corporate responsibility can effectively go hand in hand.”
Genuine sustainability – independently verified
Kneipp’s commitment, combined with verification by flustix, demonstrates how companies can measure, substantiate and credibly communicate their sustainability performance to end consumers. By combining a regulatory-based definition, independent laboratory analysis and accredited certification (including by TÜV SÜD), a robust form of proof is created that meets both current and future requirements for environmental claims while providing maximum transparency for consumers. This is particularly relevant in the context of the “Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition” (EmpCo) Directive, where independent verification of environmental claims is becoming essential.
With this certification, Kneipp positions itself in the field of sustainable, microplastic-free cosmetic products – and flustix once again as a key partner for transparent and legally compliant sustainability communication in the market.
Image material available at the following link (credits as indicated).
About KNEIPP
The traditional brand Kneipp® has stood for effective, innovative and natural products for health and well-being for 135 years, based on the holistic philosophy of Sebastian Kneipp. Expertise in natural medicine and pharmaceutical experience, state-of-the-art production processes, and rigorous scientific controls ensure the proven quality of Kneipp products. The Kneipp Group, headquartered in Würzburg, operates across Europe and Asia and employs around 650 people, approximately 550 of whom are based in Germany. Kneipp is a wholly owned subsidiary of PAUL HARTMANN AG, Heidenheim.
About flustix | RETHINK PLASTICS
The flustix initiative provides product trustmarks in the field of plastic sustainability, supporting the responsible use of plastic as a valuable material. To this end, flustix offers six different trustmarks: the three “flustix LESS PLASTICS – MIN. XX% PLASTIC-FREE” trustmarks and the “flustix MICROPLASTIC-FREE” trustmark recognise, in cooperation with accredited testing laboratories and certification bodies, the overall product as well as either the packaging or the product itself, including product contents free from microplastics. The flustix RECYCLED trustmark certifies recyclates, semi-finished goods and products or packaging containing recycled content. The flustix RECYCLABLE trustmark confirms and communicates the recyclability of packaging. flustix trustmarks serve as guidance for market participants and consumers in making sustainable purchasing decisions and support companies in implementing sustainability-focused business strategies. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Berlin, flustix continues to expand its role as an independent partner for transparent sustainability communication. Further information on the flustix initiative: www.flustix.com
About TÜV SÜD in AUSTRIA
TÜV SÜD is a specialist in industry, mobility and certification. The company acts as a responsible process partner across its core competencies of inspection, testing, expert assessments, certification and training, supporting customers throughout the entire value chain. More than 200 highly qualified employees across locations in Vienna, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol and Vorarlberg enable sustainable economic success and make a significant contribution to the safety and reliability of technical innovations. The Austrian national subsidiary is part of TÜV SÜD and integrated into its global network of expertise, with over 30,000 employees across more than 1,000 locations in over 50 countries. Further information: www.tuvsud.com/at
Press Contact
flustix GmbH
Julia Biss
BISS PR & Communications
Kronprinzendamm 20
D – 10711 Berlin
Tel.: +49 30 809 333 100
E-Mail: j.biss@biss-pr.de
Kneipp
Kneipp GmbH
Simone Eschenbach
Winterhäuser Str. 85, 97084 Würzburg
E-Mail: simone.eschenbach@kneipp.de
