Zurich, 5 July 2020 – We are convinced that economic success must go hand in hand with social and environmental objectives. At Danone, we have been putting this into practice for a long time through our ‘dual economic and social project’. Today, we are extremely proud to announce that Evian-Volvic Suisse has achieved a milestone in this regard by earning B Corp Certification. Our aim is to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable and inclusive growth by working together with the other B Corp Movement companies: #BTheChange.
Evian-Volvic Suisse (EVS) is proud to join this movement of companies that share a commitment to building more sustainable, ethical and inclusive economic models. B Corp Certification is an external, credible and independent recognition of our ‘Entreprise à Mission’ status. It builds on the company’s dual economic and social project and is the formalisation of Danone’s ‘One Planet. One Health’ vision. Granted by the non-profit B LabTM, B CorpTM Certification comes with a rigorous process recognising businesses that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and legal corporate responsibility. Along with 3,400 other certified businesses worldwide, and with a score of 81.3 points, we are committed to a positive impact on society and the planet.
The B Corp assessment covers areas such as the environment, communities, workers, governance and business model. In practical terms, this certification involved a series of actions that were undertaken by Evian-Volvic Suisse and its brands:
A decisive measure is the modification of EVS' statutes to include two articles on our social and environmental objectives.
Still this year, all our bottles will be made from 100% recycled PET (rPET).
evian and Volvic are globally certified as carbon neutral by the Carbon Trust.
Promoting a work environment that combines safety, well-being and flexibility for all our employees. Policies that meet B Corp standards include providing an environmentally friendly workplace.
The Evian-Volvic Suisse team engages in voluntary work by participating in the ‘Clean-up day’ to tackle public littering.
During the lockdown period, EVS employees carried out voluntary work. And evian Suisse has supported the Swiss Red Cross and Swiss Solidarity through donations.
Evian-Volvic Suisse is committed to healthy hydration. After all, water is and always will be the healthiest form to hydrate.
B Corp – an important pillar in the #WeActForWater movement
In 2020, evian and Volvic – along with the Danone group’s other brands – are accelerating their commitment to a better future through their support of the #WeActForWater movement. #WeActForWater consists of a series of urgent actions, ambitious objectives, and new investments and focuses on responsible packaging, climate, watershed preservation and access to drinking water1. One of the pillars of #WeActForWater is the ambition to achieve B Corp Certification for all of Danone’s water brands worldwide.
Danone’s ambition is to become the first very large company to receive global B Corp Certification for all these entities within five years. As of today, 23 of Danone’s subsidiaries have received B Corp Certification, including Evian-Volvic Suisse. Over one third of Danone’s global sales are now covered by this certification and 15 additional subsidiaries are going through the certification process in 2020.
B Corp Certification is a key step on our journey to sustainability. The next step for Evian-Volvic Suisse is to become part of to the Swiss Triple Impact (STI) programme. Initiated by B Lab Switzerland, it aims to effectively move the Swiss business ecosystem towards a resilient economy.
“B Lab Switzerland is delighted to welcome Evian-Volvic to the B Corp community. As a Danone entity, Evian Volvic Suisse (EVS) is a leading company in the field of healthy hydration and is actively committed to lessening the impact of its activities. The joint commitment of EVS and Danone Waters to supporting sustainability initiatives are examples of ways in which the business community can contribute to the common good", explains Jonathan Normand, Founder & Executive Director of B Lab Switzerland. “Receiving the certification is just the start of the journey and is not an end. Along with the community of Swiss B Corps, we are excited to be working with EVS as we help all our stakeholders unlock their sustainability potential”.
“Receiving the certification is just the start of the journey and is not an end. Along with the community of Swiss B Corps, we are excited to be working with EVS as we help all our stakeholders unlock their sustainability potential”.
Frederic Haas, Country Manager Evian-Volvic Suisse commented: “Being recognized as B Corp and receiving this certification makes us very proud. It is the outcome of our dual economic and social project, as well as our ‘One Planet. One Health’ vision. Becoming B Corp marks the beginning of a new chapter in our journey towards sustainable growth that has a positive impact on nature and society. Instead of becoming the best company in the world, we want to become the best company for the world.”
“Becoming B Corp marks the beginning of a new chapter in our journey towards sustainable growth that has a positive impact on nature and society. Instead of becoming the best company in the world, we want to become the best company for the world.”