Corporate responsibility and sustainability
We aim to manage and grow our business in a responsible and sustainable way.
Our new Brand Imprint programme enables brands to integrate social, economic and environmental drivers into their development plans. An early example of Brand Imprint’s potential is our decision to source all our tea sustainably and work with the Rainforest Alliance to achieve certification for our tea estates (see box).
Another significant step was taken by our ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, which announced plans to invest €2.4 million over the five years 2007 to 2012 in reducing its impact on climate change through initiatives covering every stage of its European production process.
During the year we reviewed our sustainability strategies for agriculture (from which about two-thirds of our raw materials come), packaging, water and greenhouse gases. Many of our major retail customers are focusing on sustainability and, by sharing our expertise in this area, we are able to strengthen our relationships with them and grow our business.
For example, the consumer and environmental benefits of our concentrated laundry detergent, all Small & Mighty, were promoted by Wal-Mart, helping the brand grow sales in the US to $140 million in 2007. Small & Mighty, which uses less water, less packaging and less fuel for transport, has now launched in Europe across the brand portfolio, for example Persil, Surf and Omo. The success of our ongoing partnership with Wal-Mart led the world’s largest retailer to name us 2007 Supplier of the Year for Sustainable Engagement.
Read the rest of the Global review - Brands with missions
