Geneva, Switzerland 02 August 2023 – J.M. Huber Corporation has joined over 200 forward-thinking companies as the newest member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
J.M. Huber Corporation, a global and family-owned company founded in 1883, operates across various sectors, including personal care, food and beverage, agriculture, construction materials and sustainable forestry services. With a history of 140 years, the company employs approximately 5,000 people and generated nearly USD 3.4 billion in revenue in 2022, making it one of the largest privately owned companies in the United States.
At the core of Huber’s corporate culture are the Huber Principles: Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) Sustainability; Respect for People, Excellence and Ethical Behavior. These Principles guide the company’s operations and ensure a focus on the well-being of employees, customers, and the communities in which it operates.
Huber’s decision to join WBCSD reflects its commitment to addressing the climate imperative and promoting sustainable practices. The company will work closely with WBCSD to develop science-based targets for decarbonization and other climate initiatives. Many of Huber’s businesses are nature-based and employ best practices for waste minimization, positive climate impacts and improved sustainability in agricultural and forestry management practices.
“Membership in WBCSD provides Huber with an opportunity to collaborate with like-minded business leaders from some of the most forward-thinking and influential companies. The network, forums and member-developed tools will help us take collective action that will undoubtedly accelerate and multiply our meaningful progress on material and impactful areas of sustainability for today and for future generations,” says Gretchen McClain, President & CEO of J.M. Huber Corporation.
As part of its WBCSD journey, Huber has already initiated its Climate Action Imperative Project. The company aims to integrate climate considerations into its corporate strategies, operating plans, and decision-making processes. Huber will actively collaborate with other WBCSD members and partners to drive change within and across value chains, with a focus on the Forest Solutions and Chemical Circularity pathways within WBCSD Climate Imperative initiative.
In addition to its climate-related efforts, Huber celebrates the successful completion of its integrated 2018–2022 Triple Bottom Line Sustainability Strategy. With its WBCSD membership, the company seeks to further enhance its environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) commitments by developing bold and impactful sustainability goals for their upcoming 2033 Integrated Business Strategy. Huber’s new strategy will emphasize putting people first, reducing climate impact, developing products with purpose, accelerating the circular transition, and engaging with communities.
“We warmly welcome J.M. Huber Corporation to WBCSD. Their focus on reducing climate impact, accelerating the circular transition and putting people first perfectly align with our mission to accelerate the required transformation of businesses, their value chains, and the systems in which they operate, to limit the impact of the climate crisis, restore nature and tackle inequality,” said Peter Bakker, WBCSD President & CEO.