Why we care

‘Carbon 20 is right for our business as well as for society. It is an ambitious but achievable target and Reckitt Benckiser has a proud track record of delivering its targets.’
Bart Becht, CEO, Reckitt Benckiser plc

We believe it is the right thing to do – on all counts

Global warming is arguably the largest environmental, social and economic issue the world faces. Consumers fear its effects more than crime or terrorism, but feel powerless by themselves to have a significant impact in tackling it. The public expects governments and businesses to take a stance and put in place programmes and projects that will achieve real and measurable reductions in carbon emissions right now, before things get worse. Consumer research shows that the brands that provide solutions whereby consumers themselves can be part of the solution will be rewarded in terms of sales.

So, we believe that if we apply the same ambition and innovation that already drives our product success to creating and achieving real climate change solutions, we will see clear business as well as social and environmental benefits.

Everyone wants to help tackle climate change – and we can help them!

If we do this right, we can help everyone who is touched by our products to work with us to tackle climate change.

Consumers increasingly want products that will help them to reduce their carbon footprint day-to-day – without compromising on product quality or performance. So they will reward companies that are serious about addressing climate change and get on with it now - not later!

Retailers want to work with companies that can help them to reduce their own carbon emissions, reduce the carbon embedded within the products they sell, and help them to pass on those same benefits to consumers.

Suppliers see clear benefits in working with businesses who can help them to address their own impact on climate change, whilst seeking sustainable growth.

Employees and future recruits want to be part of a company that is leading its industry in tackling global warming – by making real and measurable reductions right now.

We have already seen what a difference we can make

Carbon 20 is an innovation because it includes all parts of our products Total Carbon Footprint, including for example the carbon embedded in the raw and packaging materials provided by our suppliers. But we have already been reducing our own carbon footprint for years, with real results. Since 2000, we have reduced energy use at our global manufacturing facilities by 33% per consumer unit and reduced our CO2e emissions by 30% per consumer unit.