Natura, the largest player in Brazil’s cosmetics, fragrances and toiletries industry, has been named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” in the annual ranking by Ethisphere magazine.
Ethisphere spotlights companies that not only incorporate rigorous compliance and ethics programs internally, but also lead their respective industries in developing best practices. The evaluation process determines each company’s corporate Ethics Quotient (EQTM), according to Ethisphere’s proprietary rating system. The ranking reflects Natura’s performance in five core categories:
- Ethics and Compliance Program
- Reputation, Leadership and Innovation
- Governance
- Corporate Citizenship and Responsibility
- Culture of Ethics
Natura’s new sub-brand Sou, launched last year, provides a glimpse into the company’s ethical standards with regard to its products. The line of 27 hair and skincare products was designed to consume the least possible amount of materials and ingredients, while retaining quality and affordability. Even the packaging production uses 70 percent less plastic and produces 60 percent less pollutant gases. Natura is taking the practices learned through the creation of Sou and adopting them companywide.
Last month, Natura completed construction on a production facility in Ecopark, an industrial complex located in northern Brazil. Built with sustainable business practices in mind, Ecopark provides space and infrastructure where participating companies can use sub-products generated by the others. Natura’s soap production facility was the first installation at the site.
That spirit of collaboration and innovation carries over into all aspects of Natura’s business. For example, the company’s research and development team operates through an open innovation platform, with a network of some 180 partners. Natura’s policy also advocates benefit sharing with its wide community of suppliers.
