Today the annual review of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI) is announced. 14 Dutch companies are represented on the list among which five DSGC companies: AkzoNobel, DSM, Philips, Shell and Unilever.
The DJSI measures over 2000 publicly traded companies on their economic, environmental and social performance. It is used by investors who recognize that responsible business practices are critical to generating long-term shareholder value and who wish to reflect sustainability convictions in their investment portfolios.
This time the division of 24 ‘Industry Groups’ are replaced by 60 ‘Industry’s’, leading to 60 ‘Industry Leaders’. Both DSM and Unilever managed to become the ‘industry leaders’ of their industries: Chemicals (DSM) and Personal Products (Unilever). Philips is named second in the ‘Health Care Equipment & Services’ industry group.
Feike Sijbesma, CEO and Chairman of the DSM Managing Board:
“DSM is a purpose-led and performance driven company: our scientific basis and innovative power contribute to creating brighter lives for all while supporting the growth of our business. I am proud that this approach is once again recognized by the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.”
Recently, DSM was named on Fortune Magazine’s ‘Change the World’ List for the third consecutive year. Also, Sustainalytics recognized DSM as the global leader in ESG (environmental, social and governance) within its sector for the second year in a row.
Jeff Seabright, Chief Sustainability Officer:
“DJSI continues to be an important yardstick of sustainability leadership and we’re delighted that our efforts continue to be recognized. We are by no means at the end of our journey but results like this show that we are on the right path.”
Since 1999, Unilever has been named DJSI sector leader 19 times and 17 times as top of the industry.
Frans van Houten, CEO of Royal Philips:
“I am proud to see that our efforts to improve access to care, co-create circular economy-based business models, and become carbon neutral in our global operations by 2020 are being recognized by the prestigious Down Jones Sustainable Index”
“As an organization that is focused on continuous improvement, we will work hard to further enhance our performance. At Philips, we fully embrace sustainability because of the benefits for societies, and because we believe it drives innovation and economic growth. That’s why sustainable development is an integral part of our company strategy.”
The company has been recognized among the DJSI leaders for 15 years running and held the number one position in the sector eight times.
