Donations in kind from innatura to charitable organisations in LU

Anyone involved in voluntary work, particularly in social welfare, is familiar with the problem: the need is great and resources are scarce. This is precisely where a nationwide social enterprise comes in – one that is likely still largely unknown to many volunteers in Ludwigshafen: innatura.

The non-profit in-kind donation platform innatura collects brand-new goods and makes them available to charitable organisations via an online shop. A behind-the-scenes look for clubs in Ludwigshafen on 24 June 2026 at 5 pm!

Press release

A platform to tackle waste – and to provide more support 

Every year, brand-new products worth billions are destroyed in Germany – for reasons such as changes to packaging or overproduction.
„“What some people throw away may be urgently needed by others” – it is on this principle that innatura brings together businesses and social organisations.

The Cologne-based non-profit limited company collects such goods and makes them available to charitable organisations via an online shop.

From shampoo to incontinence products

The range is extensive – and particularly relevant to social work:
hygiene products, cleaning products, clothing, bed linen and school supplies are all included.

For support services in Ludwigshafen, this could mean, for example:

• Supplies for homeless shelters

• Distribution of care and hygiene products

• Relief from running costs for food banks or social initiatives

Sensitive needs, such as incontinence products, can be met much more easily via such platforms.

Easy access for charities and initiatives

Access is deliberately kept low-threshold:
organisations simply need to register and provide proof of their charitable status. They can then select and order the products they need, just as they would in an online shop.

Instead of paying full retail prices, they pay only a small commission – usually between five and twenty per cent of the market value.

The result: savings of 80 to 95 per cent compared with buying in shops.

More scope for what really matters

For many initiatives, this means one thing above all: greater freedom to act.

Money that would otherwise be spent on hygiene products or equipment can be channelled into counselling, support or additional services. At the same time, the environment and society also benefit – because fully functional goods no longer end up in the rubbish.

Several thousand organisations in Germany are already making use of the service – ranging from small associations to large social service providers.

The fact that the approach works is particularly evident in practice. “The tangible impact of our work on the recipient organisations is our greatest motivation,” says Dr Juliane Kronen, founder and managing director of innatura. “When a residential care home is able to offer organic food thanks to the savings made, or a night shelter can provide an extra bed, then we see that it makes a real difference.”

At the same time, it is about more than just cost savings: “Our aim is to combine ecology and economy in a meaningful way to create social benefits. When this approach gains visibility – for example, through awards such as the F.A.Z. Circularity Champion Award – we also see this as encouragement for others to follow similar paths.”

A boost for Ludwigshafen?

Sometimes it’s not new ideas that are needed – but better access to existing resources: particularly in a city like Ludwigshafen, where numerous volunteers do great work every day, innatura could be a valuable addition. The platform does not replace local donations – but it can help to fill gaps that are often difficult to address in everyday life.

For this reason, the community engagement agency LUnited wants to help raise awareness of this resource.

“I’m particularly pleased that we can make it easier for clubs and initiatives in Ludwigshafen to get started with innatura,” says Marion Lichti from LUnited. “Many people aren’t even aware of the possibilities available.”

Things will get practical at the end of June: “On 24 June 2026 at 5 pm, innatura is offering a digital look behind the scenes. During an online tour of the warehouse, interested parties can see what materials are available – and ask questions directly about registration, logistics and usage.”

The event is open to all charitable organisations, initiatives and volunteers in Ludwigshafen who wish to specifically strengthen their work through donations in kind.

Contact / Note:

Further information and registration for the online event on 24 June 2026 at 5 pm via www.lunited.de/aktuelles/innatura-sachspenden.

Read the full press release

Press release (PDF)

Image (c) innatura gGmbH

Graphic (c) LUnited /canva