A welcome letter from Chairman, President & CEO, Noel Wallace
We are Colgate, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. This purpose unites Colgate-Palmolive People all around the world and energizes our sustainability efforts.
The world looks to Colgate for health and hygiene products to enable the well-being of their families and cleaner, greener living. We leverage the power and potential of science, purposeful packaging and long-trusted brands to build a brighter future for people around the world. For Colgate, our company purpose and the value of our products are directly tied to how well we execute on sustainability. Especially now, as we focus on our health and homes in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the implications of our actions on Climate and Waste is that much more important and the call to action even louder.
Highlighted in this report are the recent steps we have taken toward building a healthier planet:
Increasing Recyclability
Colgate introduced a first-of-its kind recyclable toothpaste tube and is openly sharing our innovation with other companies. We’re also educating packaging and recycling stakeholders to gain acceptance for the tube. We’re ready for the work ahead to transform one of the most widely used forms of plastic packaging that until now could not be recycled.
Decreasing Waste, Emissions at Manufacturing Centers
As of 2019, a total of 16 Colgate manufacturing facilities on four continents have achieved TRUE Zero Waste certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. That’s more facilities in more regions than any other company, and the list grows year after year. Our Burlington, N.J. flavors facility is the first in the world to achieve LEED Zero certification not just for waste, but also for carbon, energy and water. A four time winner!
Saving Water
Since its 2016 launch, our 'Save Water' program to encourage conservation has helped avoid the use of an estimated 99 billion gallons of water. Less water also means less energy usage and a reduction of an estimated 5.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. During Climate Week at the United Nations, Colgate hosted a panel discussion to share our learnings and further gain support for water conservation. Recognizing that people use water to brush their teeth, wash their bodies and clean their homes, we continued our public awareness campaign to inform consumers and encourage daily habit changes to preserve this natural resource.
Colgate People are proud that we’re a leader in these and other areas. And we know it’s important to the people we serve. The new Responsibly Made icon on our packaging shows consumers that our products are made at Colgate-Palmolive facilities that are increasing energy and water efficiency, driving towards zero waste, striving for no workplace accidents, and adhering to ethical labor practices.
Our leadership is being recognized. We’re now listed as a leader within the UN Global Compact—the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative. We were named to both the 2019 Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indices and for the first time ever was the Household Industry Sector Leader. Most recently, Colgate received a 2020 U.S. EPA Energy Star Partner of the Year Award for the 10th consecutive year.
Colgate People care, and we are more determined than ever to innovate and make products that bring greater health and wellness to people, their pets and our planet. We are working hard with our partners -- customers, suppliers, NGOs, academics and governments -- to make faster progress for the greater good and a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
Together, we will.
