Over the past decade, companies, organizations, and individuals have shed light on both unsustainable and sustainable practices while seeking ways to safeguard the future. The Corporate Knights Global 100 Index reflects this effort.
Each year, the media and the research B Corp, reportedly powered entirely by renewable electricity, assess and rank the most environmentally responsible publicly-listed companies worldwide. Criteria include climate commitments, carbon footprint, gender diversity, and more.
5 sustainable companies Worldwide
Last April, we wrote a piece about Green Eco Technologies, a company that helps businesses minimise the impact of their organic waste on the environment. More companies are trying to become as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. Even a lottery provider like Lottoland UK planted two million trees worldwide and was awarded Green Ambassador during the Malta Business Awards event in 2022.
Here are 5 sustainable companies Worldwide whose environmental efforts deserve recognition.
1. New Belgium Brewing
New Belgium Brewing Company is the fourth-largest craft brewery in the US and has prioritized eco-friendliness since its establishment in 1991. In the early days, the founders, inspired by a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, outlined their core values, emphasizing becoming a role model for social, environmental, and cultural change in the business world. Environmental stewardship and honouring nature became central principles guiding every aspect of the company.
Situated in Fort Collins, this brewery holds Certified B Corporation status, ensuring its commitment to sustainability. All vendors are carefully chosen for their sustainability practices, contributing to the brewery’s Platinum certification as a Zero Waste Business.
Addressing environmental concerns, New Belgium Brewing Company focuses on reducing energy consumption. Their eco-friendly initiatives include energy conservation, on-site energy production, and the implementation of a voluntary internal energy tax, reflecting their dedication to minimizing emissions.
2. Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s All-One organic soaps and personal care items rank among the top-selling eco-friendly products for good reasons. This sustainable business adheres to six “Cosmic Principles” guiding their product creation and leveraging their business influence for positive impact, with mantras like “treat the earth like home” and “be fair to suppliers.”
Aligned with other environmentally conscious companies, Dr. Bronner’s genuinely emphasizes responsible practices. All of their organic and fair-trade ingredients hold certifications from reputable environmental and socially sustainable organizations. Notably, their plastic bottles are made entirely from post-consumer recycled materials, conserving resources and minimizing landfill waste.
Hailing from California, Dr. Bronner’s goes beyond mere product quality, striving for equitable supply chains through fair trade practices. Their fair-trade principles encompass providing farmers with fair and stable prices, ensuring environmental stability, and staunchly opposing forced or child labour.
3. Evoqua Water Technologies
Evoqua Water Technologies aims to recycle and reuse more water than it takes out by 2035. Specializing in wastewater treatment systems and technologies, Evoqua assists global industrial, commercial, and municipal markets in adopting sustainable practices. The Water One service, a digital water management platform, supports companies in constructing improved water treatment systems.
4. Stantec (joint position)
In the previous year, Stantec became a recognized partner in the United Nations’ Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, joining over 70 companies committed to preventing, stopping, and reversing ecosystem degradation. As a regular on the Global 100 ranking, this consulting services company offers engineering, architecture, and environmental solutions to worldwide businesses.
5. Brambles
When thinking about sustainable businesses, a supply-chain logistics company might not be the first thing that comes to mind due to the potential for significant waste. However, Brambles stands out by providing reusable pallets, crates, and containers. As a trailblazer in the sharing economy, Brambles aims to establish regenerative supply chains that deliver life’s essentials in a way that positively impacts both the environment and people.
A sustainable product is characterized by its ability to minimize its environmental impact throughout its entire lifecycle. This begins with sourcing raw materials, where sustainable products prioritize renewable resources, recycled materials, and ethical labour practices. The production phase is crucial, emphasizing energy efficiency, reduced waste, and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Sustainable products also prioritize longevity and durability, aiming to minimize the frequency of replacements and reduce overall consumption. Moreover, the end-of-life phase is considered, with sustainable products designed for easy recycling, upcycling, or composting, minimizing the burden on landfills.
Beyond environmental considerations, a truly sustainable product also addresses social and economic aspects. Ethical labour practices, fair wages, and safe working conditions are integral components of sustainability. Additionally, the product’s impact on local communities, both in terms of production and usage, is considered. Overall, a sustainable product aligns with environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability.
