After years of intentional commitment to social and environmental progress, Chattanooga’s Sanofi Consumer Healthcare North America was awarded a historic and prized honor: B Corp Certification.
B Corp is a community of global businesses describing themselves as “mission-driven companies that balance purpose and profit.” Earlier this winter, Sanofi, which acquired Chattem in 2010, became the first large consumer healthcare company to receive B Corp Certification.
“We are honored to join the B Corp movement alongside other companies aiming to transform business into a force for good,” said Andrew Loucks, Sanofi’s Head of North America Consumer Healthcare.
With local headquarters on W. 38th St., Sanofi Consumer Healthcare North America has products – Allegra and Icy Hot, for example – in nearly 54 million households. Deeply incorporated into Sanofi is a wide-reaching Sustainable Pledge, which ties together goals for a healthier society with a healthier planet.
Verified by the nonprofit B Lab, B Corp Certification process takes three years; the certification lasts for three years, according to Julie Kendrick and CostcoConnection. B Corp. companies report faster growth, greater media attention and more engaged employees since certification, according to B Corp documents.
To achieve B Corp certification, Sanofi underwent a rigorous documentation process, proving current work and future goals:
* Eliminating 35 tons of plastic packaging per year.
* Reducing greenhouse gas emissions manufacturing site by 77% since 2019 with goals for carbon neutrality by 2030 and net-zero by 2045.
* 100% renewable energy at all North American manufacturing and distribution sites by 2025.
* Full gender parity in senior leadership positions by 2025.
* Providing access to organized sports programs for 5 million people, often in underserved communities, by 2030.
“A recent study by NielsenIQ found that 78 percent of US consumers say that a sustainable lifestyle is important to them and we are committed to meeting this demand by integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations,” Loucks said. “Our B Corp Certification is another step in our journey to champion better self-care for a healthier society and a healthier planet.”
TREND spoke with Suzanne Jacobson, Sanofi spokeswoman.
When did Sanofi begin its intentional focus on sustainability, corporate culture and increasing its environmental and social impact? And why?
At Sanofi Consumer Healthcare, we have always had a focus on sustainability as we believe healthier people and a healthier planet go hand in hand. We are deeply committed to social impact and sustainability. We have worked hard to address and reduce our impact — from climate to waste. In 2020, we decided to pursue B Corp Certification as part of our commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical business practices. It furthers our belief that business can be used as a force for good. Achieving B Corp Certification helps us measure and improve our impact on society and the environment, align with our values and mission, and differentiate ourselves as a purpose-driven company.
Have there been any intangible results you’ve witnessed because of this?
For a business of our size and scope, attaining B Corp Certification required significant team collaboration, communication, and partnership across all functions in the organization. It was a multi-year process that included completing the B Impact Assessment (BIA), answering more than 250 questions with data and evidence to support our responses.
This effort enabled us to index our current practices and performance across governance, customers, employees, community, and environment. The process allowed us to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement. Next, we submitted our assessment and relevant disclosures for a rigorous audit process by B Lab, the nonprofit network working to transform the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet and that certifies B Corporations. We also completed B Lab’s legal requirement, by becoming a Benefit Corporation in the US and amending our articles of association in Canada.
This additional step helps ensure that we are purpose driven and consider a range of stakeholders in decision making, including employees, communities, customers, suppliers, and the environment–not just shareholders. This rigorous process has made us a stronger team and better business.
What would you say to other businesses and corporations considering a B Corp Certification?
We were the first large, consumer health care company to attain B Corp Certification. We’re honored to be part of the B Corp community and able to take the tenants of the certification, embed them in our business and show that profit and purpose are not mutually exclusive. We may be the first in this regard but, most importantly, we don’t want to be the last – we want many more to join us.
How will Sanofi build on its sustainability in the years to come?
This North American B Corp Certification is a key proof point on a larger, ongoing journey to certify all Sanofi Consumer Healthcare business units across the globe. This week our Sanofi CHC organizations in Italy, Germany and Hispanic Latin America also achieved B Corp certification.
As guardians of personal health, we are dedicated to growing our business while helping improve the health of people and the planet. This is a mark of trust, showing that we are a responsible and purpose-driven company to customers looking to purchase from brands that share their values. Studies show that 88% of consumers want brands to help make a difference and, in fact, 66% of consumers will even pay more for sustainable products. Sustainability continues to be a main priority for our Consumer Healthcare organization, you can read more here.
› For more information on Sanofi, visit the company’s website.
› To inquire about B Corp. certification, visit here.