Herbalist & Alchemist releases 2024 Sustainability Report highlighting Zero Waste and responsible sourcing

The botanical product manufacturer Herbalist & Alchemist (H&A) released its annual sustainability report,¹ highlighting waste reduction and responsible sourcing initiatives achieved in 2024 and how the company has incorporated these actions into its business model.

Mission in Herbal Manufacturing

Founded in 1982, the company’s mission is to create and distribute its products from organically grown, wild-sourced, or sustainably harvested plant materials. The products are formulated by founder and ethnobotanist David Winston.

As noted in their September 18 press release,² the company became a Certified B Corporation in 2010, and has most recently prioritized its Zero Waste program, sustainable sourcing initiative, and emissions tracking.

“When we initially worked for B Corp certification in 2010, the process created a benchmark that we use to continually ask ourselves what more we can do, a process that continues,” stated H&A CEO Beth Lambert, in the press release. “After establishing our Green Team, with members from each department working together to find more ways to be sustainable, we’ve achieved far more than we thought possible 15 years ago.”

Zero Waste Certification: Recycling, Upcycling, and Composting

Zero Waste certification requires that 90% of waste material be reused, donated, or composted, with only 10% of waste be sent to landfills, the press release explains. In 2021, H&A became Zero Waste certified, and in 2024, 96% of its landfill waste was diverted.

Data on the company's recycling in 2024 includes:

• 11,079 pounds total recycled material
• 6,242 lbs. compost generated
• 1,555 lbs. upcycled material

The Green Team has implemented several ways to reduce waste. One example of diverted materials are ice packs, used to keep fresh herbs cool, which are then donated to children’s summer camps and food pantries. In addition, the 55-gallon drums become rain barrels or raised vegetable beds. Other efforts include using plant-based shipping material and working with organizations such as TerraCycle to recycle certain materials.

Additionally, marc, a byproduct of the production process of herbs, is distributed to local farmers.

Sustainably Sourced Botanicals: Organic, Regenerative, and Ethical Practices

In response to climate change, the company supports carbon-storing and regenerative agriculture, sourcing several of its raw materials from farmers conducting growing practices aligning to organic, regenerative, ethically wildcrafted, non-GMO, and other standards. Wild-simulated growing is becoming a more suitable choice, H&A notes, as wild crafted materials are becoming more unpredictable. In 2024-2025, 77% of its sourcing was certified organic, and 23% was ecologically harvested.

As an example of successful, sustainably grown material, the company’s American ginseng source grows forest-grown wild-simulated ginseng, ensuring the highest amount of Ginsenoside levels by waiting until the roots are six to eight years before harvesting.

“David and I are so proud of our Green Team leadership and our whole staff for their commitment to sustainability,” said Beth Lambert, Herbalist & Alchemist CEO. “We truly believe that managing by principles that are good for people and the earth contributes to the long-term sustainability of our business.”

Carbon Footprint & Emissions Tracking in Herbal Supplement Manufacturing

H&A aims to reduce its carbon footprint in supplement manufacturing. In accounting for its emissions reductions, H&A shared its three scopes of activity:

• Scope 1, direct, onsite carbon emissions from processing: 60.18 metric tons
• Scope 2, electricity emissions: 85.59 metric tons
• Scope 3, supple chain emissions: 361.19 metric tons

As noted in the report, the greenhouse gas emissions from the company equate to those typically produced by a family of four. H&A also uses local farmers or wildcrafters when possible, with nearly 50% of suppliers being local businesses. For international sources, about 70% of the company’s Geo-Authentic Chinese herbs are certified organic.

References

1. Herbalist & Alchemist. Sustainability Report 2024. https://files.constantcontact.com/4fcb2078001/ab65ba33-d52b-4e22-acc9-a8d0bd04486e.pdf (accessed 2025-09-24).
2. Herbalist & Alchemist. Herbalist & Alchemist Publishes Annual Sustainability Report Highlighting Continued Success in Reducing Global Footprint. September 18, 2025. (accessed 2025-09-24).