Since its foundation, Danone has made reconciliation between economics, ethics and sustainability the driving force behind the company's work: the B Corp certification of the three Danone companies in Italy reflects the adherence to these values.
The certification also represents the natural recognition of the "One Planet. One Health" vision, with which Danone is committed to taking care of health, the environment and people.
Danone Company announces that it has received the B Corp certification for its companies in Italy, Danone, Mellin and Nutricia and enters that "universe of companies that intend to concretely rethink the way of doing business by pursuing a higher purpose, that is to reconcile the creation of economic value with the realization of the collective good. In Italy the B Corp movement brings together over 100 companies, mainly of medium and small size: with its companies in Italy, Danone is the first large nutrition group to want to bring about a change in the way of doing business by making it become a positive engine of social and economic progress for a model of regenerative and participatory economy.
"Today's society is shaken by economic, social and environmental changes that invite us to rethink the way we live and do business - says Fabrizio Gavelli, CEO of Danone Specialized Nutrition South Europe and CEO of Mellin S.p.A and Nutricia Italia S.p.A. - The first step towards this change is up to companies, precisely because their work can have an important impact on people's lives and on the environment. We hope that in Italy other realities like ours can embrace the B Corp movement and make a significant shift towards a regenerative, more inclusive, sustainable and supportive economic-social model ".
Danone's companies have been acting in this spirit for over 100 years, inspired by the desire to reconcile economic performance with ethics and sustainability. This path led to a change in the statute: at the beginning of the year Danone, Mellin and Nutricia became Companies Benefit and, through the new statute, have adopted a new way of conceiving corporate governance.
"Through the B Corp certification we want to embark on a new path; a third way that looks carefully at social, environmental and cultural issues, safeguarding the solidity of the profitability objectives. - says Alberto Salvia, CEO of Danone S.p.A. - We want to embrace this model not only because it places the interests of all stakeholders at the center of its business, but also because it creates constant, healthy and lasting added value ".
Danone's "One Planet. One Health" vision, through this certification, is reconfirmed as a strong, tangible and measurable commitment. With the awareness that the health of the planet and of people are highly interdependent, Danone studies and applies solutions that regenerate the environment by promoting the responsible use of resources; for years it has been at the forefront for the reduction of food waste, the recovery and recycling of packaging; invests in renewable energy, supports mobility
green for employees, donates trees to Italian cities.
Consistent with the vision, Danone promotes health - from birth to the most fragile age - through nutritionally balanced and cutting-edge products. Furthermore, to facilitate access to proper nutrition as a health tool and for as many people as possible, the Danone companies constantly dialogue with institutions, the scientific community, patients and families and collaborate with organizations committed to the fight against poverty through initiatives aimed at promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. Danone companies have always valued the people and communities in which they operate, promoting inclusiveness and making diversity an important asset capable of enhancing the unique qualities of each individual. The welfare system is particularly advanced and structured to enhance and support its people even in the most delicate moments of family life.
For Danone, Mellin and Nutricia, being certified as a B Corp company means being part of a community of leading companies with shared values, attracting talents and involving their people, increasing credibility and trust, contributing concretely and continuously to making ours a world improve.
