Kenvue: Reducing Emissions To Make Major Brands Sustainable

Kenvue is the parent company of household name brands like Listerine, Tylenol, Johnson's, Neutrogena and many more - so Kenvue has a global impact that could affect CO₂ emissions greatly.

The company has released its second annual Healthy Lives Mission report outlinging how it is improving sustainability in all its brands. 

Thibaut Mongon, Chief Executive Officer, Kenvue says: “Having some of the most recognisable consumer brands in the world gives us a tremendous opportunity to create a positive impact for the millions of people we touch every day,” 

“Whether improving our packaging to be more sustainable, advancing the decarbonisation of our operations, or giving back to our communities, our sustainability strategy is helping meet customer and consumer expectations, and deliver everyday care for generations to come.”

What has Kenvue already done to be sustainable?

Kenvue has made a 37% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions compared to its base year 2020.

It has also made a 21% reduction in the use of virgin plastics, with 69% of packaging now being recyclable or refillable.

Additionally, 97% of Kenvue’s paper and wood fiber is certified or verified recycled.

The company implemented onsite solar systems in 13 countries, with multiple power purchase agreements for wind and solar energy, meaning that now 72% of Kenvue’s electricity is renewable.

As well, 78.1% of total waste was diverted from disposal through recycling, reuse or waste-to-energy initiatives. 

The company has policies and risk assessments in place to manage active pharmaceuticals, supporting take-back programmes for unused medicines.

Crisette Arcilla, Senior Manager Corporate Affairs, Asia Pacific, Kenvue: “I am proud to be part of a company where sustainability isn’t a buzzword. 

"Through my comms role, I have been able to witness and learn about so many inspiring examples of how our teams are taking action towards a healthier future, and I’m grateful to be part of the journey.

"Our 2024 Healthy Lives Mission report shows how we’re making progress across people, planet and practice. It’s not just strategy—it’s who we are."

What are Kenvue's future goals for sustainability? 

• Kenvue commits to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 42% by 2030
• The company commits that 75% of its suppliers will have science-based Scope 3 emission targets by 2028
• Kenvue aims to be using 100% recyclable or refillable packaging by 2025
• It wants a 50% reduction in virgin plastics by 2030
• Aiming to achieve 100% certified or verified recycled paper and wood fibre packaging by 2025, already ensuring that any paper based material it purchases originates from low-risk sources
• By 2030 having 75% of new product development to demonstrate improved environmental performance using scientific principles

Jennifer Duran, Group Head of Sustainability, Kenvue says: “I’m excited about the deeper integration of our Healthy Lives Mission within our business strategy.

“I am looking forward to reinforcing the connections between sustainability, growth, innovation, and our commitment to help people realize the extraordinary power of everyday care.

“We have the right strategy in place and our goals are set but there is a lot of work ahead as we balance short-term mitigation with longer-term resilience-building efforts. 

“What’s important is maintaining our focus on our material topics and being thoughtful and strategic about the choices we make in how we manage them. 

“This work is about innovation and identifying opportunities for growth as well as about managing risk and building resiliency in our business and value chain."