Danone to be included in FTSE4Good Index for first time

Danone has announced that it has been included for the first time in the FTSE4Good Index, a global responsible investment index.

Designed to evaluate the performance of companies demonstrating strong environmental, social and governance practices, the report was compiled after assessing 100 separate indicators, following which a decision was made by a FTSE Advisory Committee.

Launched in 2001, the index examines performance standards on key metrics such as energy and water conservation, pollution, human rights, labour standards, health and safety, risk management and corporate governance.

Companies involved in the manufacturing of breast-milk substitutes, such as Danone, also need to meet additional sector-specific marketing indicators.

Emmanuel Faber, chief executive officer of Danone, said: "Our belief is that long-term sustainable growth comes only through focusing on the benefits we can bring to the people, the cultures and the communities with whom we work."

The company will formally enter the FTSE4Good Index Series on June 20th, following an Index Review announced by FTSE Russell on June 6th.