Corporate responsibility and sustainability have been core values at cosnova since our foundation. We are convinced that economic success and corporate responsibility are mutually dependent. Long-term success is also based on responsible action, which also gives us a competitive advantage.
For us, sustainable corporate management is not an abstract strategy, but an active part of our daily activities. In this interview, founder Christina Oster-Daum explains how this conviction is put into practice at cosnova and what influence it has on our company's success.
What factors contribute to cosnova's success?
Christina Oster-Daum: Our mission “Make everyone feel more beautiful” has been at the heart of our company's direction from the very beginning. We focus on high-quality, innovative cosmetic products that are affordable and therefore accessible to as many people as possible while being as sustainable as possible. For us, this means driving forward the “democratization of beauty”.
Innovation and agility are essential drivers of our success. We don't just recognize trends, we actively set them - this is an essential part of our DNA. But our success would be unthinkable without our dedicated team. The passion and commitment of our employees is reflected in our results.
How does cosnova manage to motivate its employees?
Christina Oster-Daum: High performance comes from the right framework conditions. Our corporate culture is characterized by mutual respect, appreciation and a strong team spirit. We want our employees to enjoy coming to the office - it's a place of inspiration and exchange where fun is not neglected. With flexible working models, sabbaticals, workation options and a wide range of fitness and sports activities, we create a balance between professional and private commitments. For us, this culture of flexibility and support is the key to motivating and retaining our talent in the long term.
What role does sustainability play in the company's success?
Christina Oster-Daum: Sustainability is not a “nice-to-have” for us, but a fundamental responsibility - towards the planet and future generations. We are continuously developing our products and processes to conserve resources and reduce our ecological footprint. An important lever here is our focus on more sustainable packaging and improved education regarding recycling. We see this as an ongoing journey in which we are constantly learning and improving.
cosnova is involved in numerous social and ecological projects. Where does this commitment come from?
Christina Oster-Daum: Corporate responsibility does not end with the business balance sheet. We want to make a positive contribution to people and the environment. We promote this commitment through corporate volunteering, for example, where our employees are given two days a year to do voluntary work. Through regular donations, we support people in need and environmental projects both locally and globally and are committed to fair working conditions. We are also particularly proud of our initiative “cosnova says NO - together against violence against women”, which was launched in 2023. This initiative raises awareness of the issue, gives those affected a voice, and supports them financially.
This modern working culture is a central component of our people strategy. But what does it look like in practice? We take a look at everyday working life at cosnova and present three of our job models as examples.