L’Oréal, Natura & Co and Kao honoured for ethical business practices

By Austyn King | Published: 21-Mar-2022

The beauty owners ranked alongside Apple and Starbucks in the World's Most Ethical Companies list by Ethisphere

L’Oréal, Natura & Co and Kao have been lauded for their ethical efforts in corporate ethical organisation Ethisphere's annual World's Most Ethical Companies list.

The beauty players were among the 136 honourees, which span 45 industries across 22 countries, that are said to have demonstrated practices that positively impact employees, communities and stakeholders.

Japanese beauty brand owner Kao, the maker of Molton Brown and John Frieda, made the list for 16th time – every year since Ethisphere first introduced the honours in 2007, making it one of only six companies to do so.

It nudged ahead of French beauty giant L’Oréal, which returned to the list for the 13th time, ahead of Body Shop owner Natura & Co and oral care powerhouse Colgate-Palmolive at 12 times each.

Meanwhile, flavours and fragrances manufacturer Firmenich made its first-ever appearance on the ethical ranking, joining the likes of tech giants Apple and Microsoft and coffee staple Starbucks.


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“The World’s Most Ethical Companies understand that the capitalism of today and tomorrow is one that demonstrates how we turn our ideals into action,” said Ethisphere CEO Timothy Erblich.

“The moment is now, and the data is clear – companies must lead on sustainability, social issues, and governance.

“Congratulations to the 2022 honorees for their dedication to advancing business integrity, for leadership on tough issues and demonstrating that doing good is key to successful, long-term performance.”

To receive their ethical rating, companies answered more than 200 questions on their environmental and social practices, diversity, equity and inclusion, risk assessment and their response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, among others.

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