Walmart Chooses To Become A Better Company Instead Of Telling A Better Story

Walmart chose to deal with its negative public image by telling its side of the story while working to become a better company at the same time. Like some other large corporations, Walmart has had its share of negative publicity. Rather than telling a better story, however, the retailer chose to set objectives in areas, such as sustainability, women’s economic empowerment, and healthy food. While the company’s CEO played a leadership role in the company’s efforts to reach such goals, the company chose to get its supply chain partners, customers, communities, and employees involved. Hurricane Katrina became the turning point for the retailer, which promptly mobilized to provide the storm’s victims with meals, emergency supplies, and cash. This encouraged the company to use its size and resources to make a difference in the communities where its stores operate.

"Don’t Spin a Better Story. Be a Better Company", Harvard Business Review Magazine, October 01, 2013

L’Oréal Adopts The Body Shop's Approach To Ethical Sourcing

L’Oréal is gradually adopting the sustainable and ethical sourcing strategies of The Body Shop, a natural cosmetics retailer it acquired in 2006, according to the retailer’s Community Fair Trade program head Mark Davis. Almost all products that The Body Shop sells include at least one CFT ingredient, at present. As part of the CFT program, company buyers work with communities to expand the supply chain’s access to sustainable materials. Davis said The Body Shop has been working with L’Oréal to teach the cosmetics giant about sustainable sourcing.

"The Body Shop gives L'Oreal a lesson in ethical sourcing", Business Green, September 17, 2013

Henkel Gains Recognition For Its Sustainability Efforts

Henkel was ranked as market segment leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and Dow Jones Sustainability Index Europe. Listed as the top company in the Household and Personal Products category of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, the company remains the only one in its market segment to be included in both sustainability indices.  Other ratings agencies, such as FTSE4Good index and Ethibel Pioneer, have also recognized Henkel’s sustainability performance.

"Henkel confirms leading position in sustainability ranking", Henkel, September 12, 2013

Former Trader Joe’s Exec To Sell Low-Cost Meals Made From Nutritious – But Expired – Foods

A recent report from Harvard and the Natural Resources Defense Council said that more than 90 percent of Americans prematurely throw out food – as much as 40 percent of the food supply, or about $40 billion worth because businesses and consumer do not understand “use by” and “sell by” dates on packages. Former Trader Joe’s president Doug Rauch has decided to tackle the problem by taking wholesome food thrown out by grocers and use it to prepare low-cost, healthy meals for the “underserved” in American cities. The project, dubbed the “Daily Table”, is basically a food recovery program focusing mainly on fruits and vegetables, freshly prepared product, “stuff that's really not brand-driven”, Rauch says.

"Trader Joe's Ex-President To Turn Expired Food Into Cheap Meals", NPR, September 21, 2013

Amazon Advertising's Survey Reveals Personal Values Dictate Purchasing Decisions For 21 Percent Of US Consumers

Results of Amazon Advertising’s recent survey revealed 21 percent of US consumers are making choices based on what is better for them and better for the planet. Dubbed as “The Choicefuls” by the advertising agency, these consumers are always looking for brands that reflect their personal values, including buying organic products and making exercise a top priority in their lives. These consumers are tech savvy, putting much value to convenience offered by mobile devices and applications. Also, Choicefuls are 77 percent more likely to exert efforts to buy brands that are compatible with their values and 89 percent more willing to do research before buying. These people are 10 times more likely to exercise even if they had to revise their daily schedule to do so and are 51 percent more likely to believe that the added cost of healthy living is worth it.

"Amazon Advertising Unveils New Study Focused On Today's Progressive Consumer ", PRNewswire, September 18, 2013

Henkel Partners With Solidaridad, Other Groups To Launch Sustainable Palm Oil Supply Chain Initiative In Honduras

Henkel’s Laundry & Home Care division partnered with social development group Solidaridad and other stakeholders to launch an initiative to establish sustainable supply chains for palm oil and palm kernel oil in Honduras. Aimed at reforming 80 percent of the country’s total oil production area in the country, the €2.7 million initiative also aims to improve the livelihood and social conditions of 5,000 workers and 7,500 farmers and their families. Also, the program aims to secure certification for the supply chain under the Principles and Criteria of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil.

"Henkel and Solidaridad foster smallholder program to support a sustainable palm oil industry", Henkel, September 17, 2013

Walmart Announces Sustainability Advances

Walmart unveiled its achievements with the Sustainability Index, a system for measuring the environmental impact of products, during the company’s 2013 Global Sustainability Milestone Meeting. Data from the index revealed the retailer has been collaborating with suppliers, nonprofit groups, industry experts, and government to create and implement solutions that address problem areas and opportunities across its supply chain worldwide. Initiatives include increasing the use of recycled materials and reducing waste sent to landfills. In January 2014, the company will start labeling private-label cleaning products according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for the Environment Safer Product Labeling program. Also, the retail plans to expand the sustainability index to international markets and require suppliers to reduce fertilizer use in agriculture.

"Walmart Highlights Progress on the Sustainability Index", Walmart, September 12, 2013