Big names Lenzing, Burberry, Fast Retailing score strongly on CDP's eco list

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Dec 14, 2022

A number of big names were hailed for their 2022 eco achievements on Wednesday via their ratings on environmental non-profit group Carbon Disclosure Project’s (CDP’s) annual A List for leadership in transparency and performance to tackle climate change, deforestation and water security. 

Lenzing and LVMH both managed to achieve a triple A score for all three categories, putting them in a very select group that also included Nivea and La Prairie owner Beiersdorf; fragrance specialist Firmenich; beauty giant L’Oréal; and Molton Brown, John Frieda and Kanebo owner Kao Corporation.

The listing which is widely recognised as the gold standard of corporate environmental transparency, is based on a detailed and independent methodology that assesses thousands of companies. Achieving an A rating is key for businesses, particularly at the moment given concerns over greenwashing.

Meanwhile Uniqlo, Gu and Theory owner Fast Retailing secured a place on two of the lists for the first time, gaining a double A score for both transparency on climate change and water security. Group Executive Officer responsible for Sustainability Yukihiro Nitta called it an “important milestone”.

Single A scores were also important and Gap Inc made the A list for water security, while Superdry, Shiseido, Puma, Kering and Inditex made the grade for the climate rating. Burberry was also one of the small group of organisations to achieve that latter rating and said it was particularly pleased to move from its previous A- rating to an A, “which demonstrates our continued commitment to transparency as we work to achieve our ambitious goals. However, we know there is more we all need to do to tackle climate change while protecting nature”.

Meanwhile, JD Sports Fashion didn’t quite made the A List but said it retained its A- rating for climate change for the third successive year and also improved its water security grade to A-.