ELAVE Skincare publishes these policies and statements as part of our commitment to responsible business, human rights, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, grievance mechanisms, climate action, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Last updated: July 2026
On this page
- Human Rights Policy
- Advocacy, Lobbying and Political Contributions Policy
- Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment Statement
- Grievance Mechanism
- Climate Action Plan
Human Rights Policy
1. Our Commitment
ELAVE Skincare is committed to respecting human rights across all our activities. We believe that every individual has the right to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect - whether they are our employees, our suppliers' workers, or communities in the regions where our ingredients are sourced.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all individuals and communities affected by ELAVE Skincare's own operations and its entire value chain, including direct employees, temporary workers, contractors, suppliers (Tier 1 and beyond), customers, and local communities.
3. Our Framework
- The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Bill of Rights.
- The International Labour Organization's (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
4. Assessing Our Impacts
We are committed to regularly assessing our potential and actual negative human rights impacts. This includes conducting human rights impact assessments covering our own operations and supply chain, engaging with our stakeholders, and reviewing our risks at least every 36 months.
5. Remediating Negative Impacts
Where we identify that our operations or value chain have caused or contributed to negative human rights impacts, we are committed to taking appropriate steps to remediate those impacts - including working with affected individuals and communities to provide effective remedy.
6. Continuous Improvement
We understand that respecting human rights is an ongoing journey. We are committed to continuously improving our practices, engaging transparently with our stakeholders, and reporting on our progress.
7. Governance
This policy has been approved by the highest governing body of ELAVE Skincare and is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
Advocacy, Lobbying and Political Contributions Policy
1. Purpose
ELAVE Skincare is committed to conducting our non-direct advocacy activities ethically, transparently, and in a manner consistent with the company's purpose, values, and social and environmental commitments.
The company recognises that public policy and industry standards can influence environmental and social outcomes. ELAVE Skincare participates indirectly in advocacy activities, it will do so only in support of initiatives that contribute positively to society, public health, human rights, sustainability, environmental protection, ethical business practices, or responsible industry development.
ELAVE Skincare does not engage in lobbying activities that seek to weaken environmental protections, social safeguards, consumer rights, labour standards, or public health regulations.
2. Scope
- All directors, officers and employees of ELAVE Skincare.
- Participation in industry associations, trade bodies, business networks and intermediary organisations that may engage in lobbying or advocacy activities on behalf of their members.
- Any third parties acting on behalf of ELAVE Skincare.
3. Commitment to Responsible Advocacy
- Support positive social and/or environmental outcomes.
- Align with the company's mission, values and sustainability commitments.
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Be conducted honestly, transparently and ethically.
- Avoid misleading, inaccurate or unsubstantiated claims.
- Use reliable, evidence-based, technical or scientific information wherever possible.
4. Industry Associations and Intermediary Organisations
ELAVE Skincare may participate in industry associations, business networks and intermediary organisations that engage in advocacy activities relevant to their members.
The company recognises that membership of such organisations may create risks where the organisation's advocacy positions differ from ELAVE Skincare's values or commitments. Therefore, all memberships will be periodically reviewed to ensure broad alignment with the company's social, environmental and ethical commitments.
Where a material misalignment is identified, ELAVE Skincare will engage with the organisation to raise concerns, seek clarification, advocate for alignment where appropriate, and consider suspending or terminating membership where concerns cannot be satisfactorily resolved.
5. Political Contributions
ELAVE Skincare does not make financial contributions, donations or sponsorships to political parties, political candidates, elected officials or political campaigns.
The company does not provide in-kind political contributions, including company resources, facilities, products, services or employee time, for political purposes.
Any exception to this commitment would require prior approval from the Board of Directors and full disclosure in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
6. Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery
All advocacy, lobbying and stakeholder engagement activities must be conducted in accordance with ELAVE Skincare's Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption commitments.
No employee, representative or third party acting on behalf of the company may offer, promise or provide anything of value to improperly influence a public official, regulator or decision-maker; request or accept any improper advantage in connection with advocacy activities; or engage in conduct that could reasonably be perceived as bribery, corruption or undue influence.
Any suspected breach of these requirements must be reported immediately through the company's grievance or reporting mechanisms.
7. Governance and Accountability
The Board of Directors is responsible for approving this policy and overseeing its implementation.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is accountable for implementing this policy, maintaining records of relevant memberships and advocacy activities, monitoring compliance, ensuring corrective action is taken where non-compliance is identified, and reporting material issues to the Board.
This policy will be formally reviewed at least every three years or sooner if significant changes occur in the company's activities, governance arrangements or applicable regulations.
8. Policy Implementation
- Employees responsible for managing relationships with industry associations or intermediary organisations will be made aware of the requirements of this policy.
- Advocacy-related decisions will be reviewed for alignment with the company's values and commitments.
- Records of relevant memberships and reviews will be maintained.
- Governance responsibilities will be clearly assigned and documented.
9. Identifying, Managing and Monitoring Risks of Non-Compliance
ELAVE Skincare identifies risks of non-compliance by maintaining an up-to-date register of all industry association and intermediary organisation memberships.
The company periodically reviews the publicly stated positions, advocacy activities and policy stances of these organisations to identify any material misalignment with ELAVE Skincare's values, mission or social and environmental commitments.
Where a misalignment is identified, the company will engage with the relevant organisation to raise concerns and, where appropriate, seek corrective action. If concerns cannot be resolved, ELAVE Skincare may suspend or terminate its membership.
The CEO holds overall responsibility for monitoring these risks and ensuring that appropriate corrective action is taken in a timely manner.
10. Evaluating Compliance
- Active memberships in industry associations and intermediary organisations.
- Any advocacy or lobbying positions adopted by those organisations.
- Alignment with ELAVE Skincare's commitments and values.
- Any concerns raised through the grievance mechanism.
- Any instances of non-compliance and actions taken.
11. Stakeholder Concerns and Grievances
Employees, suppliers, customers and other stakeholders may raise concerns regarding activities covered by this policy through ELAVE Skincare's grievance mechanism. All concerns will be reviewed promptly, investigated where necessary and addressed without retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.
12. Transparency
ELAVE Skincare will maintain a register of memberships in industry associations, trade bodies and intermediary organisations. The company will make this policy publicly available through its website and will communicate material updates to relevant stakeholders.
13. Current Memberships
- Enterprise Ireland - https://www.ibec.ie/
- Chamber of Commerce - https://www.dundalk.ie/
- IBEC - https://www.ibec.ie/
- This list will be reviewed and updated annually.
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment Statement
Purpose
At ELAVE Skincare, we are committed to fostering a workplace and business environment built on fairness, respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity. We believe that diversity of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and ideas strengthens our organisation and contributes to better outcomes for our employees, customers, communities, and business.
Our Commitment
ELAVE Skincare is committed to promoting Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) across all areas of our business. We strive to create an environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect and have equal opportunities to contribute, develop, and succeed.
We are committed to:
- Promoting a workplace culture that values diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Providing equal opportunities in recruitment, promotion, development, training, and reward.
- Maintaining a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, and unfair treatment.
- Making employment decisions based on merit, skills, experience, and business needs.
- Encouraging diverse perspectives and open communication throughout the organisation.
- Treating all employees, customers, suppliers, and business partners fairly and respectfully.
- Identifying and addressing barriers that may prevent individuals from fully participating in the workplace.
- Supporting policies and practices that promote fairness, accessibility, and inclusion.
Scope
This commitment applies to all aspects of ELAVE Skincare's operations, including:
- Employees and job applicants.
- Customers.
- Suppliers and business partners.
- Community engagement and social impact activities.
- Company policies, procedures, and business practices.
Accountability
The Leadership Team is responsible for supporting and promoting this commitment throughout the organisation. All employees are expected to contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace and to uphold the principles outlined in this statement.
This Commitment Statement is shared with all ELAVE Skincare workers and is accessible at all times via the company shared drive. It will also be incorporated into the Company Handbook. In addition, this Commitment Statement is published on the ELAVE Skincare website and is available to all stakeholders.
Review
ELAVE Skincare will regularly review its policies, practices and workplace culture to ensure continued alignment with these commitments and to support ongoing improvement.
Grievance Mechanism
Our Commitment
At ELAVE Skincare, we are committed to acting responsibly towards all our stakeholders, including customers, workers, suppliers, and the wider community.
If you have a concern about our social, environmental, or governance practices, we want to hear from you.
Who Can Raise a Grievance?
Any stakeholder, including customers, employees, suppliers, community members, or other parties affected by our operations, may submit a grievance.
Grounds for Accepting a Grievance
We will accept a grievance if it relates to:
- Our social or environmental impact.
- Our business conduct or governance practices.
- Treatment of workers, customers, or suppliers.
- Any concern about actions taken by GFA that may have caused harm.
We will notify you if your submission does not meet the grounds for a formal grievance and explain why.
How to Submit a Grievance
You can raise a grievance by:
- Email: onlineshop@gardinerfamilyapothecary.com
- Telephone (Ireland): (042) 933 2305
- Telephone (International): +353 42 933 2305
- Post: Elave Skincare, Gardiner Family Apothecary, Coes Road West, Dundalk, County Louth, A91 HR67, Ireland.
Please include your name, if you wish, a description of your concern, and any relevant dates or details. Anonymous submissions are accepted.
Grievance Process and Deadlines
- Acknowledgement of receipt - within 5 working days.
- Initial review and assessment - within 10 working days.
- Investigation and resolution process - within 30 working days.
- Communication of outcome - upon conclusion of investigation.
We will keep you informed at each step. If more time is needed, we will notify you and explain the reason for any delay.
How Resolutions Are Facilitated
Grievances are reviewed by the Sales team. Where appropriate, we may:
- Arrange a direct conversation with the complainant.
- Involve a neutral third party for mediation.
- Take corrective action within the business.
- Refer the matter to an appropriate external body.
Protection Against Retaliation
GFA is committed to protecting anyone who raises a grievance in good faith. We guarantee:
- Confidentiality - your identity and submission will be kept confidential to the extent possible.
- No retaliation - no person will suffer negative consequences for raising a concern in good faith.
- Safe reporting - anonymous submissions are welcomed and treated equally.
Climate Action Plan
Purpose
At ELAVE Skincare, we recognise that climate change is one of the defining environmental challenges of our generation. As an Irish manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical devices and healthcare products, we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our operations while protecting natural resources for future generations.
This Climate Action Plan sets out how ELAVE Skincare will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve resource efficiency, strengthen environmental resilience and contribute to the global ambition of limiting climate change to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Climate action is integrated within our Environmental Management System and supported by our Environmental Policy, Environmental Objectives and Targets, Environmental Aspects and Risk Assessment, Operational Environmental Risk Assessments, Environmental Liabilities Assessment, Product Life Cycle Assessment, Water Management Policy, and Nature Related Impact and Materiality Assessment.
Scope
This plan applies to activities at the ELAVE Skincare manufacturing facility at Coe's Road, Dundalk, Ireland, including research and development, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, biocide and medical device manufacturing, packaging and warehousing, distribution and logistics, quality, engineering and laboratory operations, and administrative and support services.
The plan covers environmental impacts arising throughout the product lifecycle, from raw material sourcing through manufacturing, distribution, product use and end-of-life considerations.
Environmental Context
Our Coe's Road facility is located within an environmentally sensitive area: above a locally important vulnerable aquifer, close to the Blackwater Stream, and approximately one kilometre from Dundalk Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA).
Environmental and climate-related risks are assessed through our Environmental Management System, Operational Environmental Risk Assessments, Environmental Liabilities Assessment and Nature Related Impact and Materiality Assessment, so that climate action also supports the protection of ecosystems, biodiversity and water resources.
Climate Governance
Climate action is overseen by senior management, with overall accountability resting with the Chief Executive Officer. Implementation is coordinated by the Environmental Awareness Committee, with representation from Engineering, Laboratory, Operations, Packaging, Warehouse, Dispatch, Procurement, Finance and Administration.
The committee reviews environmental performance, identifies improvement opportunities and monitors progress against climate objectives. Performance is reviewed quarterly and formally evaluated during the annual Environmental Management Review.
Climate Commitments
ELAVE Skincare is committed to continual improvement in environmental performance through responsible management of energy, water, materials and natural resources.
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Improving energy efficiency.
- Minimising waste generation.
- Supporting circular economy principles.
- Reducing water consumption.
- Protecting biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
- Integrating sustainability into product development.
- Promoting responsible sourcing throughout our supply chain.
- Improving environmental performance through measurable objectives.
Climate Objectives
- Carbon emissions: reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 20% relative to the 2014 baseline by December 2028.
- Energy efficiency: reduce energy consumption per unit of production by 10% relative to the 2014 baseline by December 2028.
- Waste and circular economy: achieve a minimum 90% recycling rate while progressing towards a zero-waste manufacturing site by December 2028.
- Water stewardship: reduce mains water consumption by 10% relative to the 2014 baseline by December 2028.
- Sustainable procurement: assess 90% of key suppliers against environmental and sustainability criteria by June 2027.
Climate Action Programme
The Climate Action Programme translates our climate objectives into practical environmental improvement initiatives implemented through the Environmental Management System and Environmental Management Plan.
Carbon Emissions and Energy Management
- Monitor Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions.
- Develop Scope 3 emissions reporting using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
- Monitor electricity, gas and heating oil consumption.
- Maintain HVAC heat recovery and improve energy efficiency.
- Investigate renewable electricity options, including solar PV.
- Evaluate low-carbon technologies and improve energy awareness.
- Reduce carbon intensity relative to operational output.
Sustainable Manufacturing
- Improve manufacturing efficiency through process optimisation.
- Reduce processing times and recover energy during manufacturing where possible.
- Improve resource efficiency across manufacturing activities.
- Integrate environmental considerations into product development.
- Apply lifecycle thinking throughout product design.
Waste and Circular Economy
- Continue waste segregation programmes and increase recycling rates.
- Reduce waste at source and maintain Zero Waste to Landfill performance.
- Improve hazardous waste monitoring and increase material recovery.
- Work with licensed recycling partners and evaluate new recycling initiatives.
Water Stewardship
- Monitor water consumption and wastewater quality.
- Harvest and reuse rainwater where practical.
- Improve water efficiency and reduce water intensity relative to production.
- Protect groundwater and surrounding watercourses.
- Maintain compliance with the Production Waste to Sewer Licence.
Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain
- Purchase environmentally responsible materials where possible.
- Assess suppliers against environmental criteria.
- Promote responsible sourcing and improved supplier environmental performance.
- Increase supply chain carbon awareness.
- Encourage local sourcing and incorporate environmental requirements into contractor management.
Climate Resilience, Biodiversity and Environmental Protection
- Protect biodiversity, groundwater and surrounding ecosystems.
- Improve spill prevention and bund integrity.
- Reduce environmental risks and maintain emergency preparedness.
- Improve resilience to severe weather events.
- Integrate the Nature Related Impact and Materiality Assessment into environmental decision making.
Environmental Awareness and Governance
- Deliver annual climate awareness training.
- Maintain the Environmental Awareness Committee.
- Encourage employee participation in environmental improvement.
- Monitor environmental KPIs and review climate performance through Management Review.
Implementation, Resources and Monitoring
The programme is implemented through ELAVE Skincare's Environmental Management System and Environmental Management Plan (FRM 130), which sets out detailed implementation schedules, allocated resources, financial commitments, responsible persons, timescales and performance monitoring arrangements.
Implementation is supported by dedicated staff resources, cross-functional participation, quarterly Environmental Committee meetings, existing operational budgets, approved capital investment projects and procurement approval processes for major capital expenditure.
Monitoring includes quarterly Environmental Awareness Committee meetings, monthly monitoring of energy, water, waste and greenhouse gas performance, quarterly KPI reviews, annual Environmental Management Review, ISO 14001 internal and external audits, and annual reviews of the Environmental Management Plan and Climate Action Plan.
Corrective actions are assigned and schedules are updated where milestones are not achieved.
Product Life Cycle
ELAVE Skincare considers sustainability throughout the product lifecycle, including responsible raw material sourcing, product design and formulation, manufacturing efficiency, sustainable packaging, transportation and distribution, consumer use, and end-of-life disposal.
This lifecycle approach helps reduce environmental impacts across the value chain, not only within our own manufacturing site.
Climate Risk and Resilience
Climate-related risks include severe weather events, flooding, supply chain disruption, changing environmental legislation and increasing energy costs. These risks are managed through environmental risk assessments, emergency preparedness procedures, monitoring of energy and water use, operational environmental controls, and continual review of regulatory developments.
Our approach aims to reduce emissions while strengthening resilience across our operations and supply chain.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Employees: environmental awareness training, Environmental Committee participation and improvement initiatives.
- Suppliers: environmental questionnaires and responsible sourcing programmes.
- Customers: sustainability communications and website updates.
- Community: environmental partnerships, including Reforest Nation.
Monitoring and Continual Improvement
Progress is monitored through key performance indicators covering greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, water usage, wastewater quality, waste generation, recycling performance and supplier environmental performance.
Performance data is reviewed by the Environmental Awareness Committee and annually during Management Review. Corrective actions are implemented where objectives are not achieved.
Public Availability and Review
This Climate Action Plan is publicly available through the ELAVE Skincare website and within Environmental Management System documentation. The plan is reviewed annually and updated whenever significant organisational, operational or regulatory changes occur.
ELAVE Skincare will publish an annual progress update against the climate objectives, including performance data and key actions implemented during the year.
Questions or concerns?
For questions about these policies, or to raise a concern, please contact us through our Contact Us page.





