RB launches scheme to wipe out child deaths from diarrhoea

RB has launched a new partnership with Save the Children with the ultimate goal of completely eradicating child deaths from diarrhoea worldwide.

The company will assist the charity's sustainable Stop Diarrhoea programme in India, Pakistan and Nigeria by launching two innovative new hygiene and sanitation products, developed in conjunction with 19 of its suppliers.

These include a low-cost germ protection bar that can be used by families for cleaning and washing hands, as well as a groundbreaking toilet powder to improve hygiene standards in pit latrines.

RB will not make a profit from these products, with any revenue to be reinvested into the Stop Diarrhoea programme. They will be produced locally to encourage entrepreneurship and reduce the carbon footprint and transport costs associated with their manufacture.

Rakesh Kapoor, chief executive of RB, said: "We believe that businesses like ours have a responsibility of delivering value to the society beyond the returns to the shareholders."

The company was able to deliver year-on-year growth in line with its targets during 2014, with further success forecast for 2015, despite tough trading conditions.