Syensqo commemorates the 10th anniversary of its Sustainable Guar Initiative (SGI), a groundbreaking program dedicated to fostering a self-sustaining, inclusive, and ethical guar supply chain in India. Since its launch in 2015, SGI has played a pivotal role in empowering smallholder farmers, particularly in northwest Rajasthan’s Bikaner region, while meeting the beauty industry’s increasing demand for responsibly sourced ingredients.

The initiative, implemented in collaboration with TechnoServe, local guar processor Hindustan Gum & Chemicals (Hichem), and renowned beauty brands such as Henkel and Procter & Gamble, has set new benchmarks for sustainable agriculture. By integrating best practices in farming, building producer cooperatives, and focusing on long-term community resilience, SGI is reshaping the guar value chain for the better.

Guar beans are a vital ingredient in the beauty industry, offering natural conditioning and thickening properties in formulations. Syensqo's flagship brands, Naternal™ and Jaguar®, rely on this renewable resource, reinforcing the company's commitment to sustainability and high-performance beauty solutions.

“Aligned with Syensqo’s mission to advance humanity, the Sustainable Guar Initiative exemplifies our dedication to ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility,” said Ilham Kadri, CEO of Syensqo. “By empowering farmers and cultivating self-sufficient agricultural communities, we are not only strengthening our supply chain but also ensuring that our customers have access to sustainably sourced ingredients. We welcome other industry players to join us in expanding this initiative’s positive impact.”

Supported by the Syensqo Fund, the Sustainable Guar Initiative stands out for its holistic approach to ethical sourcing. Beyond enhancing agricultural practices, it prioritizes economic, environmental, and social sustainability. By improving farmer capacity and establishing cooperatives, the program fosters independent, resilient farming communities that can thrive long-term.

"The social transformation SGI has sparked within local communities is remarkable," said Joydeep Dutt, Country Director - India, TechnoServe. "Farmer empowerment, particularly among women, has been a game-changer. The program has not only improved yields but also instilled confidence, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills. Many women farmers have taken on active roles in producer cooperatives, driving meaningful change within their communities."

Key Milestones of the Sustainable Guar Initiative:

• Expanded to 62 villages, positively impacting over 12,300 farmers
• Empowered 3,300+ women farmers through leadership and cooperative programs
• Achieved an average 2.7x increase in guar yield, despite fluctuating climate conditions
• More than doubled farmers' income, improving economic stability in rural communities

As Syensqo looks ahead, the company remains committed to driving sustainable transformation in the guar industry, reinforcing ethical sourcing practices, and continuing to empower farming communities for generations to come.