Unilever hailed as industry leader in Dow Jones Sustainability Index

Unilever has been named an industry social responsibility leader in the latest Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI).

The company was one of only 24 companies to be named an industry group leader, coming top of the evaluation for the food, beverage and tobacco sector. It achieved an overall score of 92 out of 100 – up from 90 in 2014.

A globally recognised independent benchmark measuring proven company performance across economic, environmental and social criteria, Unilever has been a member of the DJSI World Index since it began in 1999.

The firm led or jointly led its industry in eight of the 23 criteria, including innovation management, strategy for emerging markets, climate strategy, packaging and talent attraction and retention.

Jeff Seabright, Chief Sustainability Officer at Unilever, said: “The results reflect the progress we are making in delivering the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, driving long-term sustainable business growth and towards achieving our vision of making sustainable living commonplace."

In July, the company announced a new one-year, international partnership with WWF to engage consumers in the fight against deforestation, with the ultimate aim of helping to protect one million trees.