Published 06-30-08
Submitted by SC Johnson
RACINE, WI., - June 30, 2008 - "When you reach for any SC Johnson product, you can feel good about it." These words, spoken by SC Johnson Chairman and CEO Fisk Johnson in the company's latest TV advertisements, are supported by the data reported in the family company’s 2008 Public Report, released today.
SC Johnson, now in its 17th year of publicly reporting progress on its sustainable development objectives, highlights in its new report accomplishments including sourcing nearly 40 percent of its global electricity from renewable energy, giving nearly $170 million in philanthropic contributions over the past 10 years, and having removed more than 61,000,000 pounds of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) from the environmental footprint of the company's products since 2001.
These achievements stem from the company's long-standing commitment to responsible leadership, says Johnson in the report's opening letter. "I believe that companies must take the lead," said Fisk Johnson. "We can’t leave it to watchdog groups or federal regulators...and we should not want to "“ companies should understand the science and have the sincerity to do what is right. We all must be responsible."
Along with sharing SC Johnson's progress over the past year, new to the report is environmental dialogue with consumers from around the world. The company commissioned research firm GlobeScan to identify consumers and conduct interviews that would provide an unvarnished reporting of participants' thoughts about the environment and its impact on their lives. The report includes Q&As with consumers from China, Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom, India and Argentina.
Other highlights in the report:
This year SC Johnson once again is making a contribution through Conservation International to help offset the carbon emissions associated with printing and distributing its report. The contribution will support the restoration of degraded lands in southwest China, producing timber resources and fuelwood for local communities in addition to fostering employment and providing a habitat for the red panda and the Bengal tiger.
Additionally, SC Johnson limits printed editions of its Public Report and encourages distribution via the Internet at www.scjohnson.com. The report uses paper that has a post-consumer recycled percentage of 15 percent and was manufactured with renewable wind power. The savings of using wind power prevents more than 4,500 pounds of air emissions like carbon dioxide from being generated and displaces the use of two barrels of crude oil. Also, the report is printed with soy ink, which is naturally low in VOCs.
SC Johnson’s motorcycle distribution project in Nigeria has a two-fold goal "“ to increase sales with smaller retailers who serve base of the pyramid consumers, while at the same time developing skills and growing incomes for local entrepreneurs. Learn more: www.scjohnson.com
This year SC Johnson agreed to source 46 percent of the electricity for its Bay City, Michigan factory from wind energy. The Bay City plant produces Ziploc® brand bags and Saran® wrap. Learn more: www.scjohnson.com
Using methane from a local public landfill, SC Johnson produces enough power to run its largest global factory, located in Racine, Wisconsin, where products like Windex® glass cleaner are made. Learn more: www.scjohnson.com
SC Johnson has educated millions of people about preventing insect-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. This year the company launched new initiatives in Ghana and Mozambique. Learn more: www.scjohnson.com
SC Johnson is a family-owned and managed business dedicated to innovative, high-quality products, excellence in the workplace and a long-term commitment to the environment and the communities in which it operates. Based in the USA, the company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care, and insect control.
It markets well-known brands such as GLADE®, OFF!®, PLEDGE®, RAID®, SCRUBBING BUBBLES®, SHOUT®, WINDEX® and ZIPLOC® in the U.S. and beyond, with brands marketed outside the U.S. including AUTAN®, BAYGON®, BRISE®, KABIKILLER®, KLEAR®, and MR. MUSCLE®. The 125-year-old company, with more than $8 billion in sales, employs approximately 12,000 people globally and sells products in virtually every country around the world. www.scjohnson.com
More from SC Johnson