Godrej Consumer Products’ leadership position in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index is a landmark moment. But what does this milestone reveal about the company’s commitment to people, the planet, and progress? Discover what makes this recognition so significant and how the company is pushing the boundaries of sustainability.
This article is published in partnership with Godrej Industries Group
Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) has just made sustainability history globally and added to the pride of India. This month, the FMCG giant not only secured a leadership position in the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for Emerging Markets but also debuted on the DJSI World Index for Consumer Goods companies — ranking among the top three global leaders in sustainability.
GCPL is the company behind the most popular trusted brands, such as Goodknight, Cinthol, Godrej aer, Godrej No.1, HIT, Godrej Ezee, Godrej Expert Rich Crème, Godrej Magic handwash, and many more.
What makes this achievement even more meaningful is the journey behind it. The DJSI evaluated over 13,000 companies worldwide, assessing their commitment to sustainability in action — not just words. GCPL emerged as a leader, achieving the highest score among Indian FMCG companies and the second-highest globally.
This remarkable achievement stems from GCPL’s consistent focus on embedding sustainability across its operations. Key highlights include:
- Exceeded plastic packaging reduction targets: Achieved a 22% reduction in FY24, surpassing the FY26 target a full year ahead of schedule.
- Comprehensive human rights due diligence: Implemented global action plans to ensure ethical operations across all owned units.
- Pioneered the responsible use of Chemicals Policy: Strengthened safety and transparency in operations.
- Revamped annual reporting: Delivered enhanced sustainability disclosures, supported by improved materiality assessments.
- Accelerating renewable energy adoption: Advanced initiatives like the co-gen project at Malanpur, Madhya Pradesh.
- Policy advancements: Progressed responsible marketing, biodiversity initiatives and ethical growth strategies, reaffirming GCPL’s commitment to sustainability.
Commenting on this achievement, Sudhir Sitapati, MD & CEO of Godrej Consumer Products Ltd, said, “We are immensely proud to be recognised on the global stage for our sustainability efforts. Sustainability is core to GCPL’s purpose of bringing the goodness of health and beauty to consumers in emerging markets. People and the planet alongside profit have been a key pillar of our business strategy. Aligned with our ‘Good & Green’ vision, we have set environmental sustainability goals for 2025-26. These include making one-third of our products greener than those in 2020, being Net Zero (scope 1 & 2) by 2035, and remaining water-positive. We are also aiming to double our energy productivity by 2030 as per our EP100 commitment.”
Gayatri Divecha, Head of Sustainability & CSR, Godrej Industries Group, added, “This global achievement reflects GCPL’s commitment to not just growing as an FMCG leader but doing so whilst putting people and the planet alongside profit. We initiated our sustainability journey 14 years ago with a promise to build a greener, more inclusive and equitable world. Our efforts span improving the environmental footprint of our manufacturing, value chains and products; as well as championing human rights and influencing sustainable consumption. We are proud to have delivered results in these areas, in an authentic manner that is true to our Godrej values. The DJSI rating is a validation of our progress; the impact we wish to create is what motivates us.”
GCPL’s continued efforts in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance have enabled it to make a significant leap in sustainability rankings. The company first entered the DJSI leadership index in 2019 and has consistently raised the bar over the years.
As GCPL charts its path forward, it remains committed to being a torchbearer for sustainable practices, ensuring long-term positive impacts on communities, ecosystems, and stakeholders. A detailed disclosure of GCPL’s ESG progress can be found in its Annual and Integrated Report.
Being Good & Green: Godrej’s mission to make a difference
For the Godrej Industries Group, success isn’t just about strong financial performance or popular products — it’s about being a company that truly makes a difference. Through its ‘Good & Green’ initiative, the Group is blending passion with purpose to help build a more inclusive and sustainable India.
The company’s Good & Green Vision 2025 is aligned with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development pathways that tie with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
For more info, visit their official website.
Edited by Khushi Arora; All pictures courtesy: GCPL.
