Beauty and personal care brands hit sustainability sweet-spot

A number of beauty and personal care industry stalwarts have been granted the highest ranking of A status for their sustainability efforts in the past year.

Companies including L’Oréal and Colgate Palmolive joined the top 5% of high-performing companies on CDP’s Climate A List, with L’Oréal having achieved the top accolade of triple-A status for its work on climate change, forests and water security.

Colgate Palmolive Company also achieved double A status for its efforts on climate change and water security, as did Johnson and Johnson, while Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) moved up the rankings to achieve an A score for its climate change disclosure, up from A- in 2019.

CDP chief executive officer Paul Simpson said: “We extend our congratulations to all the companies on this year’s A List.

“Taking the lead on environmental transparency and action is one of the most important steps businesses can make and is even more impressive in this challenging year marked by COVID-19.

“The scale of the risk to businesses from climate change, deforestation and water insecurity is enormous, and we know the opportunities of action far outweigh the risks of inaction.  

“Leadership from the private sector will create an ‘ambition loop’ for greater government action and ensure that global ambitions for a net zero sustainable economy become a reality.

“Our A List celebrates those companies who are preparing themselves to excel in the economy of the future by taking action today.”

The annual global ranking by environmental disclosure charity CDP is designed to drive corporate transparency and incentivise environmental action.

In 2020, a record-breaking 9,600 companies disclosed through CDP – 14% more than last year, and 70% more than when the Paris Agreement was signed.