Colgate-Palmolive’s ESG & Sustainable Supply Chain Impact

Focusing on three pillars, Colgate-Palmolive is aiming to drive social impact, help millions of homes and preserve the environment – reimagining a sustainable world.

Colgate-Palmolive’s 2024 Sustainability and Social Impact Report emphasises the company’s passion for sustainability and drive to climate action to reach net zero.

Governance and strategy

Colgate-Palmolive assesses and manages its ESG risks through its Enterprise Risk Management process, as well as identifying climate transition and plastic transition as two of the critical risks facing the company. 

These risks provide an opportunity for the company to drive innovation and growth, strengthen brand reputation and demonstrate its commitment to responsible business practices.

The organisation has a cross-functional ESG Reporting Task Force that monitors and works to prepare for existing and emerging ESG disclosure regulations and frameworks.

Materiality assessments ensure alignment between stakeholder priorities and business goals. 

Sustainability is integrated into risk management, procurement and innovation processes, while progress is tracked against recognised frameworks including working on 14 out of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Our sustainability efforts also help to strengthen our business,” says Ann Tracy, CSO of Colgate-Palmolive, in the sustainability report.

“We believe that some consumers favour brands from companies that act responsibly and will recognise our leadership in this space and choose our brands

“We are proud of our progress so far, but there is more work to be done.

“We strive to be better for the people who use our products and drive value throughout our business. Getting this principle right will result in reducing our impact on the planet.”

Climate action and environment

Colgate has advanced its sustainability journey across key areas including climate action, waste reduction and packaging innovation, with a strong focus on creating circular and environmentally responsible solutions. 

Central to this effort is packaging, where Colgate continues to lead with its first-of-its-kind recyclable toothpaste tube, now accessible in more than 70 countries and with approximately 95% of toothpaste tubes in North America already converted to recyclable designs. 

By December 2024, 93% of Colgate’s packaging was recyclable, reusable or compostable, with progress also made in reducing virgin plastic use, down 25% from a 2019 baseline and increasing post-consumer recycled content, which reached 21% in 2024. 

The company’s 2025 targets, set through the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Global Plastics Commitment, include reducing virgin plastic by one-third, using 25% post-consumer recycled plastic and eliminating unnecessary or problematic packaging. 

Beyond packaging, Colgate has signed renewable energy agreements, set a net zero carbon target for 2040 and continues to mitigate climate-related risks across its global operations. 

Strategic partnerships, such as those with the U.S. Plastics Pact, The Recycling Partnership and innovative start-ups, are helping accelerate progress on recyclability, waste reduction and emissions reduction. 

These collective efforts reflect Colgate’s holistic approach to sustainability, sourcing responsibly, designing efficiently, advancing circular systems and inspiring positive behaviour, to reimagine a healthier future for people, pets and the planet.

Colgate-Palmolive's vision

The company has also committed to achieve various targets by 2030 and 2040.

By 2030

The company aims to increase annual sourcing of renewable electricity from 35% in 2020 to 100%.

Another target is to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions from Purchased Goods and Services by 42% against a 2020 baseline.

Colgate-Palmolive is also aiming to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions in operations by 42% against a 2020 baseline

By 2040

The aim is to reach net zero carbon emissions across the value chain, excluding Scope 3 optional emissions per SBTi Net Zero Standard.

As well as reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 90% against a 2020 baseline, excluding Scope 3 Categories 9, 11 and 12 and optional emissions per SBTi Net Zero Standard.

“At Colgate-Palmolive, we're committed to reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet,” writes Ann on LinkedIn.

“We are driving social impact, helping millions of homes and preserving our environment.”

Sustainable supply chains

Colgate is driving sustainable sourcing by working closely with key suppliers to build deforestation- and conversion-free supply chains, with particular focus on palm and soy. 

This strategy combines certified materials, geospatial monitoring and deep supplier engagement to ensure ethical, resilient and transparent practices across global operations. 

Through initiatives such as the CDP Water Supply Chain Program and supplier webinars in water-stressed regions, Colgate promotes water stewardship, encouraging partners to measure and manage their own water risks. 

The company also collaborates with organisations like the Fair Labor Association to strengthen human rights protections, including responsible recruitment in the Malaysian palm oil sector. 

In addition, Colgate actively participates in cross-industry coalitions such as the Forest Positive Coalition to drive systemic change and prioritises recycled content in pulp and paper products to reduce environmental impacts. 

This comprehensive approach embeds sustainability throughout the supply chain, mitigates social and climate-related risks and generates positive economic outcomes in communities worldwide.

Innovation and partnerships

Partnerships are central to Colgate’s sustainability and social impact strategy, enabling the company to extend its reach and strengthen its impact across communities worldwide. 

Collaborations with academic institutions, such as the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, have shaped leadership programmes that drive innovation and strategic decision-making, while partnerships with the National Safety Council have advanced workplace safety through practical resources and training. 

Globally, Colgate partners with organisations including the ADA Foundation, Save the Children and the FDI World Dental Federation to improve children’s oral health and well-being, alongside community initiatives like the "Keep India Smiling" scholarship programme and long-term employment collaborations in Brazil. 

Partnerships also play a key role in advancing inclusion, such as with The Seeing Eye to support people with visual impairments and through Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s disaster relief and animal welfare efforts.

Additionally, Colgate is deeply engaged in environmental partnerships, including with The Recycling Partnership, the Closed Loop Infrastructure Fund and Water For People and Water.Org, helping to improve recycling infrastructure, expand access to safe water and protect ecosystems. 

These partnerships reflect a holistic approach that integrates social, environmental and community priorities into Colgate’s broader sustainability goals.

The 2024 Sustainability and Social Impact Report demonstrates strong progress across ESG areas.