Unilever has been named leader of the Household and Personal Products Industry Group in the 2016 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI). It is one of only 24 companies to be awarded Industry Group Leader status.

Unilever achieved an overall score of 92 out of a possible 100.Unilever led the industry in 14 out of the 22 Personal Products criteria, including: Corporate Governance; Brand Management; Materiality; Supply Chain Management; Packaging; Labour Practices Indicators & Human Rights; and Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy.

2016 is the first year Unilever has been included in Household and Personal Products as this is where Unilever now sits in MSCI and S&P’s Global Industry Classification Standard. Previously Unilever was in the Food Products sector within the Food, Beverage & Tobacco Industry Group, which the company led for 15 years.

Jeff Seabright, Chief Sustainability Officer, says: “We are proud to be awarded industry leadership as first time members in the Household and Personal Products Industry Group. The results reflect the continued progress we are making in delivering the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, driving long-term sustainable business growth and achieving our vision of making sustainable living commonplace.”

The DJSI is a globally recognised independent benchmark that assesses – and ranks – the economic, environmental and social performance of companies. It is the longest-running global sustainability benchmark system and has become a key reference point for investors and businesses alike.

The DJSI Industry Group Leader Report, compiled by RobecoSAM in collaboration with the S&P Dow Jones Indices, states: “Unilever has established itself as the leader in the personal care industry. Strong innovation and a focus on areas of product stewardship such as packaging and raw material sourcing are embedded in the company’s strategy. Sustainability is at the core of Unilever’s vision, and this is evident throughout its operations.”