RB Joins Dow Jones Sustainability World Index

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Sept. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- RB today announced it has been named as the sustainability leader in its industry by the  Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI).  RB is added to the global financial index after just one year on the European Index. The company was named leader of the Household Products industry and earned 'industry best' scores for the broad economic and environmental dimensions. Specifically, RB achieved top scores in innovation management, strategy for emerging markets, supply chain management, product stewardship and corporate citizenship and philanthropy.

RB CEO, Rakesh Kapoor, said, "Our betterbusiness strategy has ambitious sustainability goals for 2020 and we're proud that our performance so far has been recognized in the latest Dow Jones Sustainability Index. This is an important achievement for RB, our partners, customers, shareholders and employees."

About RB betterbusiness:

RB is a business inspired by a vision of a world where people are healthier and live better. The company focuses on maximizing its positive effects on health and hygiene behavior of the world's citizens through education, innovation and philanthropic support, and on reducing negative environmental and social impacts across the value chain.

RB is targeting a 1/3 reduction in water impact, 1/3 reduction in carbon and to have 1/3 of its net revenue coming from more sustainable products by 2020. It is also the Save the Children charity's largest FMCG global partner, with a new partnership vision to stop diarrhea being in the top five of the world's killers of children under the age of five. Overall, RB wants to reach 200 million people to improve their health and hygiene behavior.  

RB is making great progress towards its betterbusiness goals for 2020, including:

• 9 percent reduction in total product water impact per dose and 7 percent reduction in carbon footprint per dose in 2013
• Over 50 percent of factories achieved zero manufacturing waste to landfill status
• 19 million young people engaged in sexual health awareness campaign
• 1.5 million children helped through our partnership with Save the Children

RB's sustainability strategy and latest sustainability report can be found at www.rb.com/sustainability 

About the Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices:

The Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices are maintained collaboratively by S&P Dow Jones Indices and RobecoSAM. Following a best-in-class approach, the indices measure the performance of the world's sustainability leaders. Companies are selected for the indices based on a comprehensive assessment of long-term economic, environmental and social criteria that account for general as well as industry-specific sustainability trends. Only firms that lead their industries based on this assessment are included in the indices. The indices are created and maintained according to a systematic methodology, allowing investors to appropriately benchmark sustainability-driven funds and derivatives over the long term. For additional information on the Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices, including a full suite of index literature, please visit the official index web site at www.sustainability-index.com.

About RB:

RB (formerly called Reckitt Benckiser) is the world's leading consumer health and hygiene company. The company has operations in over 60 countries, with headquarters in the UK, Singapore, Dubai and Amsterdam, and sales in almost 200 countries. The company employs approximately 37,000 people worldwide.

With a purpose of delivering innovative solutions for healthier lives and happier homes, RB is in the top 20 of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. Today it is the global No. 1 or No. 2 in the majority of its fast-growing categories, driven by an exceptional rate of innovation. Its health, hygiene and home portfolio is led by 19 global Powerbrands of Mucinex, Durex, Scholl, Lysol, Veet, Finish, Air Wick, French's, Nurofen, Strepsils, Gaviscon, Dettol, Harpic, Bang, Mortein, Vanish and Calgon. At the start of 2014 RB had 43% of its core revenues coming from its 2 emerging market Areas and 57% from its developed market Area; 72% of core revenues came from the health and hygiene categories of the portfolio.

Fuelled by a new breed of talent who blend intellectual curiosity with commitment to the highest quality standards, RB is set to redefine the world of consumer health and hygiene. RB people and its culture are at the heart of the company's success. They have an intense drive for achievement and a desire to outperform wherever they focus, including in sustainability where the company is targeting a 1/3 reduction in water impact, 1/3 reduction in carbon and to have 1/3 of its net revenue coming from more sustainable products by 2020. It is also the Save the Children charity's largest FMCG global partner, with a new partnership vision to radically reduce the world's second biggest killer of under-fives, diarrhea. Overall RB wants to reach 200 million people to improve their health and hygiene behavior.  

For more information visit www.rb.com or contact [email protected]

*RB is the trading name of Reckitt Benckiser group of companies

Media Contacts:

RB - Lynn Kenney 
Communication Director, North America   
(973) 404-2494   
[email protected]                                                    

SOURCE RB