Danone is joining the B Corporation (B Corp) movement in Australia and New Zealand by certifying its wholly owned businesses in the region. B Corp is a growing global business movement committed to the highest levels of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
“Danone becomes the largest B Corp certified food and drink company across Australia and New Zealand, joining a growing list of more than 400 leading businesses to achieve the certification in the region and over 4,700 globally. The rigorous certification is independently administered by B Lab and awarded to companies that can demonstrate verifiable positive impact through policies and practices for employees, communities, customers, and the environment,” the company said in a statement.
The certification is part of Danone’s broader global commitment for all its business entities to become B Corp certified by 2025. “Currently, more than 60% of the company’s global sales are covered.”
Commenting on the certification, Head of Corporate Affairs Scott Pettet says: “We’re thrilled to have achieved B Corp certification across our wholly-owned businesses in Australia and New Zealand. The journey to certification isn’t an easy one and nor should it be. B Lab has rightly set the bar very high, which makes the achievement all the more rewarding for every Danone employee in Australia and New Zealand.
“Danone’s commitment to social progress has been a part of our DNA for decades and aligns with B Lab’s mission to transform business to be a force for good. We also know that increasingly, employees, customers, consumers, and broader society expect a much stronger stance from businesses and brands on important social and environmental issues.”
B Lab, the not-for-profit organisation behind the B Corp certification, was founded in the US in 2006 with the idea that a different kind of economy was not only possible but necessary — and that business could lead the way towards a new, stakeholder-driven model.
“I am so excited to see Danone Oceania joining over 4,700 Certified B Corporations worldwide — a truly diverse group of businesses unified by the idea of using business as a force for good,” says B Lab Global co-founder and co-CEO Bart Houlahan.
“Globally the Danone group has been a partner with us for many years, using its profile to add credibility and accelerate the growth of this movement. The success at Danone Oceania is part of this story, and I look forward to continuing to work with Danone globally as we work to create an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy.”
B Lab Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand CEO Andrew Davies says: “To have a business the size and complexity of Danone achieve B Corp Certification is a huge step for us in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. It builds on the work of 400 local B Corps, large and small, who have led the way.
“Danone’s certification also shows it is possible for big business to have a positive impact, to hold themselves accountable, and to grow whilst focusing on the stakeholders it impacts in all aspects of its value chain.”
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