Givaudan’s responsible artificial intelligence approach
At Givaudan, we recognise the potential of artificial intelligence to support innovation, improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and create value for our customers, partners, employees and communities. We are committed to developing, procuring and using AI responsibly, securely and ethically, in line with our values, applicable laws and regulations, and our commitment to doing business with integrity.
AI is a powerful tool, but it must be used with care. Our approach is designed to help ensure that AI supports human expertise, strengthens trust, protects data and privacy, and is applied in a way that is safe, fair, transparent and accountable.’
Purpose of this statement
This statement explains Givaudan’s approach to the responsible use of AI across our business activities. It describes the principles that guide how we develop, use and govern AI-enabled solutions.
It applies to AI systems and AI-enabled capabilities used to support our operations, innovation, business processes, decision-making and interactions with stakeholders.
Our approach to AI
Givaudan uses AI to augment human capability, not to remove human accountability. We see AI as a tool that can help our people interpret information, automate routine tasks, support creativity, improve productivity and enable better decisions.
We apply a risk-based approach to AI. The level of governance, review, testing and oversight depends on the purpose of the AI system, the sensitivity of the data involved, the potential impact on individuals or organisations, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Where AI may have a meaningful impact, we seek to ensure appropriate human oversight, clear accountability and safeguards proportionate to the level of risk.
Our approach to AI is guided by the following principles.
Safety
We seek to ensure that AI systems are designed, deployed and used in a way that minimises the risk of harm to people, organisations, the environment and society. Where AI is used in contexts that may affect health, safety, product quality, business continuity or other sensitive outcomes, appropriate validation, monitoring and control measures are considered.
Reliability
AI systems should operate consistently and be fit for their intended purpose. We recognise that AI-generated outputs, particularly from generative AI systems, may be incomplete, inaccurate or misleading. For this reason, AI-generated outputs should be reviewed with appropriate care before they are used in decision-making, communications, product-related activities or other business-relevant contexts.
Security
We apply appropriate security measures to protect AI systems, data, models and supporting infrastructure from unauthorised access, misuse, manipulation or compromise. Our use of AI is supported by internal standards and controls relating to information security, access management, confidentiality and the protection of sensitive business information.
Privacy and data protection
We respect privacy and protect personal data. When AI involves personal data, we process such data only where there is an appropriate purpose, legal basis and safeguard, in accordance with applicable data protection laws and our internal privacy standards. We aim to apply privacy-by-design principles in AI-related activities, including data minimisation, purpose limitation, access control, anonymisation or pseudonymisation where appropriate, and protection against unauthorised use or disclosure.
Fairness and non-discrimination
We seek to use AI in a way that is fair, inclusive and respectful of individuals. AI systems should be designed, assessed and used with consideration of the risk of unfair bias or discriminatory outcomes. Where relevant risks are identified, we aim to mitigate them through appropriate data, design, testing, monitoring and governance measures.
Transparency
We aim to be clear about the use of AI where it is relevant and appropriate to do so. This includes providing meaningful information about AI-enabled functionality, the purpose for which AI is used, and the role of human oversight where AI supports decisions or interactions with people. Transparency may be applied in a proportionate way, taking into account legal, security, confidentiality, intellectual property and technical considerations.
Explainability
Where AI systems support decisions or outputs that may have a meaningful impact, we seek to ensure that the results can be understood, interpreted and challenged at an appropriate level. The degree of explainability required depends on the context, the potential impact, the type of AI system, and applicable legal or regulatory requirements.
Accountability
Human accountability remains central to Givaudan’s use of AI. AI systems should have appropriate ownership, oversight and governance. Where AI supports business decisions, communications, product development or operational activities, the relevant human decision-makers remain responsible for the appropriate use and validation of AI-supported outputs.
Responsible use of generative AI
Generative AI can support productivity, creativity and innovation, but it must be used responsibly. We provide guidance to our people on the secure and responsible use of generative AI, including the need to protect confidential information, personal data, intellectual property and business-sensitive information. We also encourage users to critically review AI-generated content before relying on it or sharing it.
Human-centric AI
We believe AI should augment human capabilities, not replace human judgement. We maintain appropriate levels of human oversight, particularly where AI is used to support important decisions. Individuals remain responsible for validating and appropriately using AI-generated outputs.
Data protection and responsible data use
We are committed to:
- Using data lawfully and transparently
- Minimising the use of personal data wherever possible
- Implementing robust safeguards to protect sensitive information
We do not use personal data in ways that are inconsistent with applicable legal and ethical standards.
Managing risks and impacts
We recognise that AI can present risks, including:
- Bias and unintended outcomes
- Misinterpretation or inaccurate outputs
- Ethical and societal implications
To address this, we:
- Evaluate AI systems before deployment
- Monitor performance and outcomes
- Take corrective action where issues are identified
Governance and oversight
Givaudan applies governance to AI initiatives based on their risk, purpose, data sensitivity and potential impact.
Our responsible AI approach involves relevant business, technology, information security, privacy, legal, compliance and people-related expertise, as appropriate. This cross-functional approach helps ensure that AI opportunities are assessed not only from a technical perspective, but also from ethical, legal, privacy, security, workforce and business perspectives.
AI initiatives may be subject to review, assessment and safeguards before deployment and during operation. These may include consideration of:
- intended purpose and expected benefits
- data sources and data quality
- privacy and confidentiality
- security requirements
- potential bias or unfair impact
- human oversight and accountability
- explainability and transparency
- regulatory obligations
- monitoring and continuous improvement
Use of third party AI solutions
Where Givaudan uses AI solutions provided by third parties, we seek to apply appropriate due diligence and contractual safeguards.
We expect suppliers, partners and technology providers involved in AI-enabled solutions to respect applicable laws, data protection requirements, security expectations, confidentiality obligations and responsible AI practices.
People, skills and awareness
Responsible AI depends not only on technology, but also on people.
Givaudan supports awareness, guidance and learning to help employees understand the opportunities, limitations and risks of AI. This includes encouraging responsible use, critical thinking, appropriate validation of AI outputs, and protection of confidential and personal information.
Where AI may affect roles, skills or ways of working, we aim to consider the impact on employees and support the development of relevant capabilities.
Continuous improvement
AI technologies, regulations and societal expectations continue to evolve. Givaudan is committed to reviewing and improving its responsible AI approach over time.
We monitor relevant developments and adapt our governance, practices and safeguards where appropriate, with the objective of enabling innovation while maintaining trust, safety, integrity and accountability.
Building trust through responsible AI
By embedding ethical considerations into every stage of the AI lifecycle, Givaudan aims to:
- Foster trust with customers, partners, and society
- Deliver innovative solutions responsibly
- Contribute positively to the future of AI
For questions about Givaudan’s approach to responsible AI, please contact one of our team members.
Last edited on 30 June 2026