Firmenich has announced that it has been recognized by the Better Society Network with its 2017 Ethical Business Award. The Better Society Network recognizes top achievers that advance social, environmental and ethical best-practices across business.

“I truly believe that business must play a leading role in addressing some of the world’s most critical challenges, from tackling climate change to enhancing nutrition or sanitation conditions for all,” said Gilbert Ghostine, CEO Firmenich. “Firmenich has a 122-year heritage of leading its business responsibly. That’s why, being honored by the Ethical Business Award means a lot to us. It recognizes our commitment to having a lasting positive impact on the planet and society.”

Sustainability is at the core of Firmenich’s strategy and values, the company says, which is why it works closely with key partners, to solve some of the world’s greatest societal challenges, such as access to sanitation, responsible nutrition and climate change.

For instance, Firmenich is committed to tackling today’s sanitation crisis by finding viable solutions for the 2.5 billion people lacking proper access to hygiene facilities today. In this context, Firmenich joined forces with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to address the Reinvent the Toilet Challenge, and developed technologies that effectively counter mal-odor.

Given today’s growing diet-related epidemics with 1.9 billion adults considered obese by the World Health Organization, Firmenich says it is committed to advancing responsible nutrition solutions. The company has developed technologies that reduce sugar, salt and fat from the food and beverages consumers’ love, without compromising on taste, with more than 500 billion calories removed from food in 2016 based on sugar reduction.

As signatories to the Paris Pledge for Action, Firmenich says it set ambitious environmental goals to tackle climate change across its business, noting that the group is committed to operating all its 35 manufacturing sites with 100% renewable energy sources or offsets. Firmenich says it is recording good progress in this space as evidenced by its ranking in CDP’s top 3% of “A List” companies for the third consecutive year. A recent example of how Firmenich is bringing this vision to life is the launch of its new perfumery plant in Geneva. With an automation rate of 90%, the group increased its capacity by 30% while reducing its energy consumption by 20% and using 100% renewable hydropower. Ecovadis, Corporate Social Responsibility rating experts, recognized Firmenich in the top 1% of companies of its Gold list.