In the heart of northern Italy, the Davines Group, a family-owned company founded in Parma in 1983, is redefining the relationship between sustainability and business success. Operating in over 90 countries, Davines has established itself as a leader in professional haircare — but its true distinction lies in its unwavering commitment to sustainability, an ethos that shapes everything from product development to corporate culture.
A Regenerative Business Model
While many companies have incorporated sustainability initiatives into their corporate strategies, Davines has fully embraced the concept of regenerative business — a philosophy that aspires not only to minimize environmental harm but to actively restore and enhance natural and social ecosystems.
This holistic vision earned Davines B Corp certification in 2016, aligning the company with an elite global network of businesses dedicated to balancing profit with purpose. B Corps are held to rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability.
“We have always believed in a regenerative approach to business, which not only aims to minimize negative impacts but seeks to create positive impacts for the environment and society. For us, sustainability is not just a commitment but a fundamental part of our corporate purpose.” said Davide Bollati, Chairman of Davines Group.
Davines’ commitment to sustainability is not limited to its product lines. It’s etched into the architecture of its headquarters, the Davines Village, an innovative facility nestled in the outskirts of Parma. Designed with eco-friendly materials and powered by renewable energy, the campus is surrounded by organic gardens and green spaces, creating a physical manifestation of the company’s environmental philosophy.
But the Village is more than just a workplace. It serves as a cultural and educational hub, where employees, partners, and community members gather for workshops, training sessions, and events that explore sustainability in practice.
Ethical Ingredients, Innovative Formulations
The company’s sustainability ethos extends deep into its supply chain and product development. Davines prioritizes ethically sourced, biodegradable ingredients, collaborating closely with small-scale farmers to ensure fair wages and sustainable farming practices. Its formulations are meticulously designed to minimize environmental impact, from reducing water consumption during production to cutting plastic use in packaging.
Davines has also set ambitious goals for its carbon footprint, working toward carbon neutrality through reforestation projects, renewable energy procurement, and comprehensive supply chain assessments. By meticulously measuring its environmental impact, the company can hold itself accountable — and invite scrutiny from consumers, employees, and environmental groups alike.
Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage
For Davines, sustainability is not a marketing ploy, nor a corporate social responsibility box-checking exercise. It is the foundation of the company’s competitive strategy, shaping how it attracts talent, builds customer loyalty, and fosters innovation. This consistency between values and actions has earned Davines both consumer trust and industry acclaim, with the company regularly recognized for its leadership in corporate responsibility.
What sets Davines apart is the integration of economic prosperity and environmental ethics. The company’s leadership sees sustainability not as a cost center, but as a source of long-term value creation. By investing in regenerative practices, Davines not only strengthens its own supply chain resilience, but also appeals to a new generation of consumers for whom brand ethics are non-negotiable
Redefining Prosperity for a New Era
The success of Davines challenges the long-standing narrative that profit and sustainability are inherently at odds. Instead, the company offers a compelling case study in how regenerative business practices can drive financial performance. By putting planet and people at the center of its business model, Davines has created a self-reinforcing cycle, where ethical innovation fuels economic success, and vice versa.
“Sustainability and prosperity are not opposites, but rather two closely linked aspects. By placing sustainability at the center of our strategy, we have created a business model that is not only ethical but also competitive and resilient in the long term.” – Davide Bollati, Chairman of Davines Group.
As businesses worldwide grapple with the accelerating climate crisis, evolving consumer expectations, and regulatory pressures, Davines presents a blueprint for the future: a company that restores ecosystems, empowers communities, and delivers value to all stakeholders — including generations yet to come.
