Jakarta, 9 July 2021 – Danone-AQUA, the pioneer of bottled water (AMDK) and light beverage in Indonesia, announced the company’s achievement in receiving the B Corporation (B Corp) certification for the second time from B Lab, a global non-profit organization. B Corp certification is awarded only to companies that meet the highest standards of social and environment performance, transparency and accountability to balance profit and social purposes. Besides acquiring the B Corp certification for the second time, Danone-AQUA has also recorded a significant increase in scores of 93.8 from 85.9 obtained in the previous certification. This achievement demonstrates Danone’s strong commitment in implementing sustainable business practices that give positive influences to the environment and communities.

The achievement is in line with the company’s commitment to supporting the Indonesian government in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target by 2030. The government has incorporated the SDGs agenda consisting of 17 goals and 169 targets to the 2020-2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan. It emphasizes that SDGs are more than just global commitment but also serve as guidelines for Indonesia to implement inclusive and sustainable development programs. It requires collaborations from all parties including private sectors and communities for Indonesia to achieve the SDGs targets. As a representative from the private sector, Danone-AQUA realizes its role as a force for good for the environment and the public wherever it operates, as manifested in the SDGs.

Connie Ang, President Director of Danone-AQUA, said, “Danone-AQUA is the pioneer for initiatives aimed at bringing significant positive changes for the environment and community, and the B Corp certification validates the commitment. Our strong commitment is also reflected in the improving certification scores, one of them is related to the employees’ trust and satisfaction toward the company. It demonstrates how the welfare of our employees continue to become the company’s top priorities. Nevertheless, we will not stop here as we still have a long journey ahead. Moving forward, we remain committed to upholding the principles of good corporate governance, sustainable business operations, and also to producing environmentally friendly products that can bring benefits for Indonesia.”

Danone-AQUA first received the B Corp certification in 2018 and became the first Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) in Indonesia that was certified with B Corp. Danone’s active participation in B Corp highlights the company’s strong pledge in implementing business practices that not only focus on profitability but also the impacts for the environment and all stakeholders.

B Lab, which first introduced B Corp certification in 2007, awards the certification to companies every three years. B Corp-certified companies must prove that all of their business processes, starting from the supply chain, operational system up to business operations, can bring positive contributions and added values to the society, environment, customers, and employees. Currently B Corp certification has reached up to more than 4,000 companies from 153 category industry that have been certified and spread in 77 countries including Indonesia.

Tom Steward, Executive Director B Lab South East Asia, said, “The trend of sustainable businesses that have positive impacts on the environment and community is rapidly growing around the world and has become a focus for many companies. Through B Corp, the incorporated companies become part of a global movement that is proactively involved in solving social and environmental issues by implementing sustainable business practices. We really appreciate and are proud of the second certification obtained by Danone-AQUA. This shows that Danone-AQUA is committed to continuing the best and sustainable business practices that will bring benefits to society and the environment.”

“The increase in score obtained by Danone-AQUA in this second certification is supported by their various initiatives which also touch employees, environment, consumers, supply chain, distribution, and partners. For example, by developing AQUA Home Service as a micro distribution model that has reached more than 8000 housewives, developing sustainable packaging and circular economy in their business operations, providing benefits to more than 360,000 beneficiaries with access to clean water, using renewable energy by building solar panel installations, establish 20 biodiversity park ,as well as maintaining employee welfare by providing 6 months maternity leaves for women employee and 10 days paternity leave for husbands,” added Tom.

“Globally, Danone has ambitions to have all of its companies to be B Corp certified by 2025. Currently, more than 50% of Danone's businesses have received B Corp certification. We strive to be the best for the world and bring a positive impact across our chain of operations,” Connie concludes.