At Johnson & Johnson, our top priority is health—health of people and the planet. That's why we set aggressive corporate wide goals to reduce our environmental impact, outlined in our Healthy Future 2015 goals. To this end, we established the proprietary Earthwards® process for developing and marketing more sustainable products through lifecycle thinking. Every Earthwards® recognized product must achieve a significant improvement in at least three of these seven goal areas:
Since 2009 the Earthwards® process has provided a framework for meaningful product innovation and continued improvements to the sustainability of products across the Johnson & Johnson Family of Company. To learn more about the Earthwards® process from the perspective of employees who helped to build the program, brand managers and R&D leaders who collaborate to design greener products, and external corporate social responsibility (CSR) experts, click here to read the 6-part series of articles on CSRwire.
The Earthwards® process helps create value for customers, consumers and brands across the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies.
Innovation & Differentiation
The use of lifecycle thinking helps uncover innovative ideas and develop differentiated products that meet the needs of customers and consumers. The process also helps brands clearly articulate how sustainability gains translate to money saved.
- This research study, commissioned by Johnson & Johnson in 2012, demonstrates customer demand for more sustainable products: The Growing Importance of More Sustainable Products In The Global Healthcare Industry
Communication Opportunities
Because the Earthwards® process helps brands analyze a product's impact from raw material sourcing to end of life, it offers a holistic context for framing the discussion of sustainability improvements. Brands that complete the process can translate technical data gathered to communicate new, compelling benefits to customers and consumers.
Commitment To Our Values
As the world's largest healthcare company, Johnson & Johnson recognizes the critical interdependence between human health and the health of our planet. The Earthwards® process embodies Our Credo commitment to protect the environment and the Healthy Future 2015 goals to develop more sustainable products.
Enhanced Credibility
The Earthwards® review panel of sustainability experts, including external members from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and academia ensures credibility of all product claims, which can be proudly communicated to customers and consumers. The Earthwards® process is also a meaningful way to recognize a brand's sustainability efforts, raise awareness of innovations, and generate positive internal and external recognition.
To provide additional rigor, the Earthwards® process also undergoes an annual 3rd party assurance check conducted by UL Environment. The UL Environment verifies that program guidelines and minimum requirements are being properly followed. These guidelines and requirements provide a framework that allows Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies to make continuous product improvements across a broad range of lifecycle impact areas.
To learn more about products that have received Earthwards® recognition click here