P&G adds three new members to its sustainability panel

The new appointments include Caroline Hermans, commitments senior manager, Clinton Global Initiatives, Dr. Howard Frumkin, dean, school of the public health at the University of Washington and Terry Tamminen, former secretary, California Environmental Protection Agency.

P&G says the new panelists have been chosen to expand the experience and depth of the existing panel and to take its direction to the next level.

P&G steps out of the box​

“With key sustainability initiatives underway in the US, we welcome the new perspectives these panelists will bring to discussions about P&G efforts,”​ said Rick Hackman, associate director, technical external relations, P&G.

“As P&G makes meaningful progress in the company’s long-term environmental sustainability vision and goals, we recognize that, in addition to our own innovation and expertise, external counsel will continue to be an integral part of this progress.”​

The panel last met in April of this year, when it consulted on sustainability initiatives such as its multi-brand conservation education platform and product supply and brand innovations worldwide.

The current panel includes five other standing members, including individuals from the World Wildlife Fund, The Sustainable Packaging Coalition and Google. Each member of the panel is responsible for spreading ‘sustainable thinking’ at the company.

Palm oil, score cards and renewable energy​

The company has been making significant steps to reduce its carbon footprint and increase manufacturing efficiencies in recent year, including an initiative earlier this year to raise the bar on environmental sustainability score cards for its suppliers – an initiative that was first introduced in 2010.

The company has also been investing in sustainable palm oil production and has been playing a significant part in initiatives introduced by the Round Table On Sustainable Palm Oil Production.

In September of last year P&G said it wanted to reduce its carbon footprint by powering all its production plants with renewable energy and its packaging and products to be made from renewable or recyclable materials.

At the time the company said the initiative aimed to accelerate its commitment to sustainability by establishing long-term goals aimed at increasing the efficiency of the business, while also reducing the use of both energy and materials.