Unilever has been named industry leader in personal products in the S&P Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) 2020, achieving a score of 90 out of 100 across a range of 27 environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria.

A benchmark for sustainability

The Index is a key tool for investors who recognise that responsible business practices are critical to generating long-term shareholder value.

We have been part of the DJSI since its launch in 1999 and named leader 21 times. In this year’s Index, we achieved industry top scores in 15 criteria.

ESG performance is now a core question from investors

“ESG responsibility is now a core question that portfolio managers are asking,” CEO Alan Jope told the World Economic Forum in a recent video interview.

“Finally, the penny is dropping that there is not a trade-off between doing the right thing and doing the profitable thing,” he added. “Doing the right thing is a pathway to a more profitable and more sustainable business.”

Being recognised as industry leader by the most respected independent sustainability benchmark reflects the sustainability efforts across the entire company and shows that responsible business practices are a win–win, delivering for our investors, consumers, for society and the planet.

As well as demonstrating to our stakeholders our commitment to long-term sustainable business and growth, being named industry leader means we also continue to be included in DJSI World, a global investment index which tracks leading sustainability-driven companies.