Syensqo is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Sustainable Guar Initiative. With COSSMA, Marie Arzel from Syensqo talks about past challenges and future opportunities.
COSSMA: What have been
the biggest challenges and achievements over the past decade?
Marie Arzel: Rajasthan, one of India’s driest regions, is home to smallholder farmers who cultivate guar, a crop essential to the beauty industry and beyond. These farmers face significant challenges, including unpredictable weather, economic insecurity, and the need for a more sustainable and resilient guar supply chain.The reliance on monsoon rains often leads to frequent crop failures. Traditional farming methods, lacking modern agricultural training, result in low yields. Additionally, the local market dynamics create a trading system with intermediaries that frequently pressure farmers to sell at lower prices. These issues threaten both the livelihoods of farmers and the global supply of guar.The Sustainable Guar Initiative (SGI), launched in 2015 by Syensqo and its partners, aims to address these challenges and has achieved remarkable success. Over 12,000 farmers have been trained to improve agricultural practices and yields. Community initiatives, such as crop diversification, natural resource management, and the sharing of best agricultural practices, have enhanced soil health and water conservation efforts. Additionally, the program has created new financial opportunities for women and promoted gender equality within SGI villages.SGI has set new benchmarks for sustainable agriculture and community development in the Bikaner region. It supports the beauty industry’s demand for ethically sourced guar, benefiting flagship brands like “Naternal” and “Jaguar”. The “Naternal” brand features bio-based, biodegradable polymers, emphasizing responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.Through a holistic approach, the collaboration between Syensqo, beauty industry stakeholders, TechnoServe, and local players has transformed local guar farming into a sustainable and responsible supply chain. This transformation has established interdependent pillars that ensure products meet both performance and ethical sourcing expectations. As a result, tangible and measurable changes have been realized in guar farming communities and within the global beauty industry.
How has the SGI approach evolved over the years, and what new strategies have been implemented?
Over the past decade, the Sustainable Guar Initiative (SGI) has transformed guar farming into a sustainable and responsible supply chain, significantly impacting both local communities and the global beauty industry. The evolution of the SGI program has been consolidated step by step through new partnerships and continuous engagement with local stakeholders. The SGI approach is grounded in four interconnected pillars that ensure long-term impact:
- Agricultural Impact: SGI empowers farmers with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), helping them boost yields, improve soil health, and build resilience against unpredictable weather conditions.
- Economic Impact: Traditionally, guar farmers have operated in a system with limited control over pricing and market access. SGI transforms farming into a business by offering training in financial literacy, resource management, and cooperative organizing in order to capacitate the local farming community.
- Social Impact: A sustainable future isn’t just about crops and supply chains–it’s about people. SGI uplifts farming communities by promoting women’s empowerment, improving education, and investing in health and hygiene initiatives.
- Environmental Impact: Agriculture and the environment are deeply connected, and guar farming is no exception. SGI is dedicated to natural resource conservation, from rainwater harvesting systems to community-led reforestation efforts.
Each of these four pillars is essential–they work in harmony rather than standing alone. The collaboration and expertise of each member of the supply chain, including Syensqo, beauty leaders, NGOs, and farmers, transform guar farming into a truly sustainable, ethical, and resilient supply chain. Additional beauty industry players have expanded the program’s reach by incorporating new farmers and new tools such as the introduction of advanced water conservation techniques to address challenges like limited irrigation and unpredictable rainfall. This expansion also diversifies training opportunities, consolidating expertise across all pillars.Strengthened partnerships with beauty players and TechnoServe have facilitated a more integrated approach to sustainability and supply chain management. The focus on regenerative agricultural practices ensures that farming not only meets current demands but also nurtures the environment for future generations.
You emphasize the strong involvement of women in the initiative. Can you share an example of how this has transformed their lives?
In many parts of rural Rajasthan, traditional gender roles have historically limited opportunities for women in agriculture. But through the Sustainable Guar Initiative, this is changing. Women are no longer just helping on farms. Through the SGI’s Women’s Leadership Programs, over 3,300 women have received training in financial literacy, sustainable farming techniques, and cooperative management. This has empowered them to participate in family income decision-making processes and become farming leaders in their communities. SGI has also introduced self-help groups where women pool resources, share knowledge, and advocate for their rights.
What measures have been put in place to ensure the long-term self-sufficiency of farmers?
SGI beneficiaries have received, and continue to receive, expertise and knowledge from third-party partners, empowering them to gradually achieve self-sufficiency. A prime example of this is the Training of Trainer system and the Champion farmers initiative. While benefiting from NGO expertise, these farmers are developing both soft and hard skills to train others, thereby reducing long-term dependency on external support. Creating sustainable change takes time; although a decade may seem lengthy, it is considered medium-term for such a significant shift in a value chain. Consequently, ongoing strategies for fostering autonomy are still in place to consolidate existing achievements, with the next steps being carefully implemented to ensure a fully autonomous and reliable supply chain in the long term.
Climate change is increasingly affecting agriculture in Rajasthan – how doe SGI address these challenges?
Over the past decade, the Sustainable Guar Initiative has trained thousands of smallholder farmers, in one of India’s driest regions, significantly improving agricultural practices and yields. As these farmers face challenges such as reliance on monsoon rains, the initiative focuses on enhancing soil health and water conservation efforts. SGI teaches farmers Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), such as crop rotation, organic composting, and pest management, which naturally enrich the soil. These methods increase soil fertility, improve water retention, and boost guar productivity, allowing farmers to achieve higher yields with fewer resources.Additionally, SGI emphasizes Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) to help farmers adapt to unpredictable weather patterns. This includes introducing drought-resistant guar seeds that require less water and remain resilient during extreme heat waves, crucial in Rajasthan’s harsh climate. Beyond crop cultivation, SGI prioritizes natural resource conservation, training farmers in mulching and cover cropping techniques to prevent soil erosion and retain moisture. These approaches reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers and improve the long-term health of the land, ensuring sustainability for future generations.
Sustainability and profitability can sometimes be at odds – how do you ensure that farmers benefit economically while maintaining sustainable practices?
One of the most remarkable successes of the Sustainable Guar Initiative is the introduction of community-led seed development programs. Instead of relying on costly commercial seeds, farmers are now trained to develop and store high-quality guar seeds themselves. This approach not only reduces costs and enhances financial independence but also ensures the long-term sustainability of guar farming for future generations.The impact of these initiatives is clear. By adopting sustainable practices, guar yields have increased by up to 25%, while water consumption has decreased by 30%. More importantly, these techniques empower farmers to build resilience, allowing them to sustain their livelihoods despite the growing challenges posed by climate change, and effectively doubling their incomes.
You collaborate with major brands like Henkel and Procter & Gamble – how does their involvement impact the initiative?
Our collaboration with key beauty industry players, such as Henkel and Procter & Gamble, has enabled us to significantly expand the Sustainable Guar Initiative. This expansion includes increasing the number of participating villages and farmers, thereby broadening the program’s reach and impact. The involvement of these industry leaders underscores the importance of our mission, and we are honored to work closely with them to further extend the program’s influence.Through our collective efforts, we have trained thousands of farmers, enhanced supply chain transparency, and introduced sustainable agricultural techniques that substantially reduce environmental impact. However, this is just the beginning. Partnering with the SGI represents a commitment to something greater than beauty. It embodies a dedication to advocating for ethical supply chains, climate-smart agriculture, and resilient communities. Together, we are paving the way for a more sustainable and ethical future in the beauty industry.
What new technologies or innovations could be integrated into sustainable guar production in the future?
Guar is a key ingredient powering our flagship brands, “Naternal” and “Jaguar”, enabling beauty formulators to create products that meet both performance and ethical sourcing expectations. Launched two years ago, the “Naternal” brand features next-generation bio-based, biodegradable-by-design polymers, crafted to elevate care to new heights. These innovative materials emphasize responsible sourcing, exceptional performance, and a regenerative legacy for our planet. We are committed to expanding this range of products, with additional offerings currently in development. Collaborating with our Research & Innovation (R&I) experts, we aim to design additional biodegradable grades and continue to identify and optimize levers to reduce our environmental carbon footprint.
Syensqo is inviting more companies to join the initiative. What challenges do you face in this regard, and what incentives could help attract new partners?
At Syensqo, we believe that sustainable beauty begins at the very foundation, with the farmers, the land, and the responsible practices that bring guar to life. The Sustainable Guar Initiative has already transformed lives, empowered farming communities, and set a new standard for sustainable ingredient sourcing. Through SGI, we have trained thousands of farmers, enhanced supply chain transparency, and introduced sustainable agricultural techniques that significantly reduce environmental impact. Joining the Sustainable Guar Initiative presents both challenges and opportunities for new partners. One of the primary challenges is aligning diverse corporate goals and sustainability standards with the initiative’s objectives. Additionally, ensuring transparent communication and collaboration among multiple stakeholders can be complex, particularly when dealing with different organizational cultures and priorities. This is why we allocate internal dedicated resources. We invite more brands to join this movement as partners or sponsors. Partnering with SGI means standing for something greater than beauty; it means advocating for ethical supply chains, climate-smart agriculture, and resilient communities.
How is the demand for sustainably sourced guar evolving, and what trends are emerging in the beauty industry?
Today’s beauty consumers are more conscious than ever about the products they use. They demand not only high-performing products but also those crafted with natural, ethically sourced, and environmentally responsible ingredients. This shift has amplified the urgency for ethical sourcing, fueled by escalating environmental challenges, increased consumer demand for transparency, and a collective industry drive towards responsible supply chains. At Syensqo, we are committed to positioning ourselves as a leader in sustainable sourcing, ensuring a secure feedstock supply while enhancing transparency for our customers.
What are the biggest challenges ahead for sustainably sourced ingredients, particularly in terms of consumer trends and regulatory requirements?
The growing demand for sustainable products from consumers, combined with our customers’ ambitious sustainability goals, is driving significant innovation in the beauty care industry. Today’s consumers want products that are not only effective but also protect the planet for future generations. Consumers are becoming more cautious about greenwashing and seek assurance in the sustainability claims of the products they buy. To address this concern, regulations in France–and soon across Europe–are banning unjustified green claims on cosmetic packaging. Compliance with these regulations is essential. At Syensqo, we continuously innovate to meet these standards, and these regulations offer a secure framework of trust among supply chain stakeholders regarding sustainable commitments.In parallel, there is a strong focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from the sourcing of raw materials. This places a critical responsibility on ingredient suppliers and formulators to revolutionize their sourcing practices to meet both current and future sustainability objectives. Moreover, market trends and the commitments of leading cosmetic companies highlight the importance of biodegradability and environmental impact in beauty products. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental fate of the products they use and their potential impact on ecosystems. The emphasis on biodegradability is driven by three key factors: regulations, consumer demand, and labels & certifications. Recognizing the varying degrees of biodegradability, Syensqo introduced the Beauty Biodeg Score. This tool provides clarity and helps navigate the different levels of biodegradability, ensuring that both industry stakeholders and consumers can make informed decisions aligned with sustainability goals
Where do you see Syensqo in the next 10 years regarding sustainable sourcing and ethical supply chains?
SGI has set new benchmarks for sustainable agriculture and community development in the Bikaner region. We aim to continue while fostering global collaboration across the entire value chain through additional partnerships, as we believe that bringing more stakeholders together through cooperation is the key to responsible supply chain complexity. We have always been actively engaged on the ground and will continue to do so with our partners. With the robust framework and experience we have built, we are very well equipped to replicate the approach on other feedstocks. The complexity of the supply chain requires bringing all stakeholders together to enhance cooperation.