In 2023, GOJO renewed its commitment to building a more sustainable future through the pledges outlined in our Journey to Green manifesto. As a significant milestone in this journey, GOJO Europe, represented by its manufacturing entity Laboratoires Prodene Klint, proudly joined the United Nations Global Compact initiative. This voluntary platform emphasises the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible business practices. By participating in the UN Global Compact, GOJO Europe aligns its strategies and operations with universal governing principles laid out by the UN.
The United Nations Global Compact, launched in 2000, serves as a global call for companies to align their operations with Ten Principles encompassing human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption. With over 20,000 companies and 3,000 non-business signatories across 160 countries, the UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative.
The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact
The foundation of corporate sustainability lies in a company's core values and a principled approach to conducting business. Ethical enterprises adhere to these values consistently across all their locations, understanding that positive practices in one domain cannot compensate for harm in another. By integrating the United Nations Global Compact's Ten Principles into their strategies, policies, and procedures, and fostering a culture of integrity, companies not only meet their fundamental obligations to people and the planet but also lay the groundwork for enduring success.
The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact find their origins in key 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.
- Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and
- Principle 2: make sure 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: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour.
- Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labour; and
- 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: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
- Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
- Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.
GOJO Europe's Journey to Green and the UN Global Compact Principles
GOJO Europe's Journey to Green aligns seamlessly with the UN Global Compact's principles, addressing interconnected environmental challenges such as climate change, clean water, ocean health, and biodiversity. The company recognises the need for increased stewardship of natural resources and the implementation of innovative solutions to contribute to sustainable development. As we navigate the Decade of Action, GOJO aims to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and targets outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Acknowledging the long journey ahead, GOJO celebrates the progress achieved:
- Carbon Footprint Analysis: A comprehensive analysis serves as a benchmark for improvement and has led to pledges in the Journey to Green.
- Recycled PET Plastic: GOJO pioneers the use of 100% PCR-PET, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- EcoVadis Silver Medal: Already in the top 25% of companies worldwide for environmental, social, and ethical performance, GOJO aims to achieve a Gold Medal in 2024.
- EU Ecolabel Certification: The GOJO skincare range meets stringent criteria, demonstrating a commitment to environmental impact reduction.
- Cradle to Cradle Certification: PURELL® Advanced Hygienic Hand Rub refills promote a circular economy through assessment criteria like toxicity, circularity, and renewable energy.
- Ecologo Certification: PURELL Healthy Soap adheres to high standards, reinforcing GOJO's commitment to sustainability.
In tandem with the UN Global Compact, GOJO Europe is dedicated to embodying responsible business practices and advancing societal goals. As we strive for a more sustainable future, our actions resonate with the principles that define the global compact initiative.
