Geneva, 14 June 2021 – Reckitt, the multinational consumer goods company has joined the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) as its newest member. Reckitt joins nearly 200 companies who are committed to innovating to make real, tangible progress to tackle the triple threat of climate change, nature in crisis and mounting inequalities, for a more sustainable world.
Reckitt’s long-term strategy and sustainability ambitions are well aligned with WBCSD’s new membership criteria and Vision 2050: Time to Transform which sets a shared vision of a world in which more than nine billion people are able to live well, within planetary boundaries, by 2050.
Laxman Narasimhan, Chief Executive Officer of Reckitt said: “We are excited to be joining the WBCSD to progress the delivery of our 2030 sustainability ambitions and create a cleaner, healthier world. The most pressing global challenges will not be met in isolation but by working together with other leading companies to drive sustainable change.”
“We are pleased to be welcoming Reckitt to the WBCSD membership. Their expertise, strategy and leadership truly show their deep understanding of what creating value for people and planet means. Only collaboration at unprecedented levels will create the impact and scale of transformations that are required for more than 9 billion people to live well, within planetary boundaries, by mid-century– as laid out in Vision 2050”, said WBCSD President and CEO Peter Bakker.
Founded more than 200 years ago and headquartered in Slough in the UK, Reckitt exists to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner and healthier world. Reckitt’s 43,000 employees around the globe are committed to creating sustainable value.
In March 2021, Reckitt launched their new 2030 ambitions for a cleaner, healthier world, backed by more than £1bn in existing investment over the next 10 years. Their 2030 ambitions build on the progress already made. They are chosen to reflect the areas where Reckitt can maximize its positive and enduring impact – supported by specific targets and metrics to drive disciplined execution across the business.
Reckitt’s ambition is to reach half the world with products that contribute to a cleaner, healthier world by 2030, and to engage 2 billion people in programs, partnerships and campaigns that will create a positive impact and support the Sustainable Development Goals. The strategy is focused on three areas of activity:
- Purpose-led brands –every one of Reckitt’s brands is directing its focus to where it can make most impact in accelerating progress to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Healthier planet – recognizing the increasing connection between people’s health, halting climate change and protecting biodiversity
- Fairer Society – enabling a fair diverse and inclusive society as an employer and in Reckitt’s value chain
Shared success creates greater impact. It’s why Reckitt is excited to be the official Hygiene Partner for the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow, and has formed new partnerships with WWF and the Fair Rubber Association.
Reckitt’s joint program with WWF will focus on protecting freshwater sources, restoring wildflower habitats, uncovering new sustainable solutions for water conservation, and driving behavior change to inspire millions of people in the fight for nature. Developed by the Fair Rubber Association, the Fair Rubber program aims to improve the working and living conditions of the producer of latex, while also promoting the environmentally sustainable production of rubber.
