Weleda has opened a new award-winning ‘Cradle Campus’ in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany.
Built primarily from locally sourced timber and rammed earth, the state-of-the-art campus is one of the most sustainable logistics sites in Europe. The hub, which emits zero emissions, supports the circular economy and fosters biodiversity in its surrounding outdoor spaces.
Designed by Ulm-based architects Michelgroup, Weleda’s Cradle Campus has been built with sustainability at its core. The site compromises of 72,000 square metres which are powered by solar and geothermal energy for a 100% emission-free facility.
As Weleda’s largest investment at €90 million, the Cradle Campus consolidates six logistics locations into one, streamlining operations to serve 47 countries. The new facility can process up to 10,000 orders daily. Products manufactured at Weleda UK and destined for other Weleda companies around the globe, together with products from Weleda Switzerland and Weleda Germany that are sold by Weleda UK, will all pass through the dynamic logistics hub.
Beyond logistics, the Cradle Campus reflects Weleda’s commitment to environmental responsibility, incorporating circular economy principles and enhancing biodiversity on-site with orchard meadows, wild fruit hedges and a juniper heath.
“The Cradle Campus aligns perfectly with the Weleda strategy. It stands for responsible growth”, explained Tina Müller, CEO of Weleda AG. “Protecting our planet requires new ways of thinking and acting. It is not enough to simply do less harm to natural resources. We must operate regeneratively. Sustainability and growth are not opposing forces. Sustainability drives growth”.
As part of this initiative, the company has digitalised its logistics processes and significantly improved order picking and shipping efficiency for its customers through a fully automated high-bay warehouse. With the new timber facility, with a capacity of 17,200 pallets ad equipped for further growth, Weleda has considerably expanded its logistics capabilities.
The Cradle Campus has already received multiple awards for its sustainable architecture. Even during the early stages of construction, the large-scale project achieved the DGNB Platinum Standard Pre-Certificate, the highest rating from the German Sustainable Building Council. It won the prestigious Polis Award 2024 in the ‘Ecological Reality’ category, and most recently won the Iconic Award from the German Design Council in the ‘Best of Best – Innovative Architecture’ category.
