In 2023, GOJO renewed its commitment to building a more sustainable future. The associated promises to ourselves and our customers were set out in the "Journey to Green". An important milestone on this journey is the accession of GOJO Europe, represented by its production unit Laboratoires Prodene Klint, to the United Nations Global Compact Initiative. This voluntary platform emphasises the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices. By participating in the United Nations Global Compact, GOJO Europe aligns its strategies and activities with the universal principles established by the United Nations.
A foundation of core values
The foundation of corporate sustainability lies in a company's core values and a principled approach to its own business activities. Ethical companies consistently adhere to these values at all locations and are aware that positive practices in one area cannot compensate for harm in another. By integrating the "Ten Principles" of the United Nations Global Compact into their strategies, policies and procedures and promoting a culture of integrity, companies not only fulfil their fundamental obligations to people and the planet, but also lay the foundation for lasting success.
The world's largest corporate sustainability initiative
The United Nations Global Compact, which was launched in 2000, is a worldwide call for companies to align their business activities with ten principles covering the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. With over 20,000 companies and 3,000 signatories from 160 countries, the UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative. The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact have their origins in important international documents, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labour Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
The Ten principles of the UN Global Compact
Principle 1:
Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights.
Principle 2:
Businesses should ensure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
Principle 3:
Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.
Principle 4:
Elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour.
Principle 5:
The effective abolition of child labour.
Principle 6:
The elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
Principle 7:
Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges.
Principle 8:
Businesses should undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility.
Principle 9:
Businesses should encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
Principle 10:
Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.
Our "Journey to Green" and the UN Global Compact principles
GOJO Europe's "Journey to Green" fits seamlessly into the principles of the UN Global Compact and addresses interrelated environmental challenges such as climate change, clean water, ocean health and biodiversity. We recognise the need for a more responsible use of natural resources and the implementation of innovative solutions that contribute to sustainable development. As we move through the Decade of Action, GOJO aims to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and the targets set out in the Paris Agreement.
We at GOJO are aware that there is still a long way to go. However, small successes should still be celebrated and we are therefore very pleased with the progress that has already been made:
- Carbon footprint analysis: A comprehensive analysis serves as a benchmark for improvements and has led to targets as part of the "Journey to Green".
- Recycled PET plastic: GOJO pioneers the use of 100% PCR-PET, which significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- EcoVadis Silver Medal: GOJO is already among the top 25% of companies worldwide in terms of environmental, social and ethical performance and is aiming for a Gold Medal in 2024.
- Ecolabel certification: The GOJO skincare range fulfils strict criteria that demonstrate a commitment to reducing environmental impact.
- Cradle to Cradle certification: PURELL® Advanced Hygienic Hand Rub refills promote a circular economy through assessment criteria such as toxicity, recyclability and renewable energy.
- Ecologo certification: PURELL® Healthy Soap fulfils high standards and underlines GOJO's commitment to sustainability.
