World Environment Day: Brands reaffirm commitment to sustainability

World Environment Day, celebrated every year on June 5, is a global initiative led by the United Nations to raise awareness and encourage action for the protection of our environment. This day serves as a platform for promoting global efforts in tackling pressing environmental issues such as pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Each year, World Environment Day centers around a specific theme, inspiring individuals, communities, and nations to reflect on and enhance their environmental practices. It fosters international cooperation and underscores the critical need for collective action to preserve the planet for future generations.

The theme for World Environment Day 2024 is ‘Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience’.

In response to the growing environmental concerns and the global call for sustainability, brands across various industries are increasingly integrating eco-friendly practices into their operations. Companies are adopting sustainable methods such as reducing carbon footprints, utilizing renewable energy sources, and promoting circular economy principles. For instance, many fashion brands are shifting towards sustainable materials and ethical production processes, while tech companies are focusing on energy-efficient products and responsible e-waste management. These efforts not only contribute to environmental conservation but also align with the evolving consumer preferences for sustainable and socially responsible brands, ultimately enhancing corporate reputation and long-term viability.

Brands’ ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability

Ophira Bhatia, Senior Director, India & Lead, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Corporate & Government Affairs, Mondelez International:

“At Mondelez India, we are deeply rooted in our communities through our decade old national CSR program, ‘Shubh Aarambh’. We continue to understand their unique needs and empower them through tailored initiatives. One such pressing priority that emerged was the need for greening and related efforts towards land rejuvenation, water conservation, etc., especially in areas where our signature Cocoa Life program is active.

As part of this, we rolled out a comprehensive Cocoa Agroforestry Program in states like Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. We equip these communities with sustainable agricultural practices such as soil conservation methods, water management techniques, and ways to boost climate resilience and increase yields through Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Environmental Practices (GEP).

To tackle the larger issue of water scarcity and overuse of groundwater, we are converting defunct wells into injection wells to effectively replenish underground water tables and rejuvenate the land. This has shown encouraging results, especially in Andhra Pradesh’s Pedavegi area. Another example is our tree plantation initiative in Malanpur, where we planted 6,000 saplings last year to promote land restoration.

As we celebrate World Environment Day 2024, we remain committed to creating a positive impact through our Cocoa Agroforestry Program and other initiatives under ‘Shubh Aarambh’, while continuously adapting to the evolving needs of the communities we serve.”

Harmeet Singh, Chief Brand Officer, The Body Shop – Asia South:

“The World Environment Day 2024 theme, focusing on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience, serves as a vital rallying cry. At The Body Shop, our commitment to sustainability is unwavering. Our cornerstone effort lies in the Community Fair Trade (CFT) program, which promotes sustainable agriculture. Detailed in our Sustainable Sourcing Charter, this program underscores our dedication to creating sustainable supply chains while staying true to our brand values. By responsibly sourcing ingredients like shea butter from Ghana, aloe from Mexico, mango seed oil from India, and tea tree oil from Kenya, we not only empower local communities, but also promote best farming practices.

Furthermore, our partnership with Plastics For Change underscores our dedication to sustainability. By sourcing recycled plastic from waste collectors in Bengaluru, we provide fair wages and improved working conditions for over 2,000 collectors, with more than half being women. Since 2019, we’ve procured over 2,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste, equivalent to 100 million collected bottles. This initiative reduces dependence on virgin plastic, conserves water, and minimizes pollution, fostering a more sustainable and resilient environment.”

Sooraj Balakrishnan, Associate Director and Head of Marketing, Acer India:

“Acer stands committed to addressing the urgent call to action presented by the climate crisis. We recognize that restoring ecosystems is paramount in mitigating climate change and enhancing human well-being. Our dedication to sustainability is evident in our recent achievement of reducing carbon emissions by 60% worldwide. Joining the RE100 initiative further solidifies our commitment to environmental stewardship alongside industry leaders. To transition to 100% renewable energy by 2035, we remain steadfast in our mission to foster a greener future. Our Vero line-up of PCs and other IT products which are made of recycled materials is a testament to this cause. On this World Environment Day, we reaffirm our dedication to making meaningful contributions toward a healthier planet for current and future generations.”

Anil Gupta, Vice Chairman, Yokohama India:

“At Yokohama, we embark on every journey as a collaborative step with sustainability. Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, we are committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 38% by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Our manufacturing practices reflect this dedication; we invest significantly in conserving natural resources, increasing our utilization of renewable energy, and advocating sustainable methods throughout our supply chain. Notably, we stand out as one of the leading tire manufacturers in the Off-Highway Tires Sector with remarkably low water consumption in our operations.

Taking our corporate social responsibility seriously, we actively participate in various initiatives such as Rain Water Harvesting projects and Forever Forest programmes near our factories. In India alone, we've planted over 200,000 trees, contributing to the verdant landscape around our facilities. This effort involves our employees, customers, visitors, local government bodies, communities, and even school children. The Yokohama Group globally has a collective aim to plant 1.3 million trees worldwide by 2030, fostering a greener future for all.”

Prashant Jha, Chief Ready-Mix Concrete (RMX), Nuvoco Vistas Corp:

“At Nuvoco, we are committed to preserving our planet and have made sustainability our core principle, deeply embedded in every aspect of our operations. This commitment drives us to pursue sustainability relentlessly in all our endeavors. Our dedication is embodied in our Protect Our Planet agenda, which focuses on five key dimensions: decarbonization, water management, circular economy, biodiversity, and waste reduction.

Our initiatives reflect our dedication to sustainability through various impactful actions. Our ECODURE product range achieves up to a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions, while our 16 GreenPro Certified RMX plants highlight our commitment to sustainable construction practices. Additionally, our innovative Aqua Zero Debris Recycler can reduce freshwater consumption by 40% and eliminate debris from our manufacturing plants. We further enhance resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact through green logistics and optimized power generation with Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS). Nuvoco recognises the critical role in balancing progress with environmental preservation. Our commitment to using recycled plastics in packaging highlights our dedication to minimizing waste and embracing the principles of a circular economy.”

Ragini Hariharan, Marketing Director for Personal Care and Hygiene, Himalaya Wellness Company:

“Himalaya’s Consumer Products Division is a prime example of how brands are emphasizing sustainability to ensure healthy ecosystems. For decades, we’ve been pioneers in natural, vegan, and paraben-free cosmetics. Our science-backed approach utilizes plant-based formulations that benefit consumers and the environment.

Sustainability is core to our mission. All our face wash, face care, and hair shampoo products are already paraben-free and vegan. We ensure 100% recyclability in our packaging and are actively transitioning to eco-friendly materials. This commitment to minimizing waste and carbon footprint aligns with our “Good for Our Planet” initiative. Our focus on clean, natural practices fuels our growth. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, this trend is only expected to continue. We operate with the highest ethical standards, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone who interacts with Himalaya.

Our natural wellness products draw inspiration from nature and the principles of Ayurveda, achieving a perfect balance between the two. We rely on natural herbs and prioritize sustainable techniques throughout their growth and harvest. Sustainability is deeply ingrained in everything we do, and we continuously strive to expand our knowledge to protect the environment for future generations.”

Anand Nichani, Managing Director, Magniflex India:

“Brands have a significant role to play in safeguarding the delicate balance of our ecosystems. By prioritizing sustainable practices throughout their operations, they can minimize their environmental footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. At Magniflex, we are very conscious of our responsibility towards the environment. We use solar photovoltaic panels in our entire production facility, reducing CO2 emissions. Our latest product – Magnigeo – uses regenerated foams and recycled fibres, making it the most sustainable mattress option. By inculcating innovative techniques, we stay committed to our SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) defined by the United Nations. I urge all brands to do their bit and not to forget the larger commitment we have for the planet over mere commercial gains.”

Puneet Das, President - Packaged Beverages (India and South Asia), Tata Consumer Products :

"Since 2007, Jaago Re has been more than a campaign, it's a movement, catalyzing social change across critical issues, from corruption to COVID-19 awareness. Tata Tea's commitment to leveraging its platform for social good remains unwavering, reflecting our dedication to addressing pressing issues like climate change. The impact of this global crisis is affecting our planet and poses a serious threat to the future of our children. While we have enjoyed a childhood under open blue skies, our kid’s childhood could look very different if we don’t act now. The current edition of Tata Tea Jaago Re is based on the most basic parenting insight of protecting our children and ensuring that we do everything to give them a better future."

Shivam Agarwal, VP - Strategic Development, Sattva Group :

"In the Indian real estate sector, developers are prioritizing sustainability to mitigate the impact of rapid urbanization on natural ecosystems. Additionally, established national players including Sattva Group are integrating eco-friendly practices such as using green building materials, and implementing energy-efficient technologies. Emphasising on preserving local biodiversity through native landscaping and reducing carbon footprints with renewable energy sources. Furthermore, waste segregation and recycling measures are being adopted to minimize landfill waste and promote the reuse of materials."