Colgate-Palmolive Highlights Sustainability Progress in 2024–25 ESG Report

Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd. has released its fourth Annual & ESG Report for 2024–25, spotlighting key achievements in environmental stewardship, social outreach and responsible business practices. Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited is the market leader in oral care in India and focuses on sustainable, inclusive practices across its operations. The report underscores the company’s efforts to align business performance with a broader purpose — addressing pressing challenges in health, hygiene, waste management, and water conservation across India.

Speaking on the occasion, Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director & CEO, said sustainability continues to be core to the company’s operations. “We are proud to drive progress on environmental goals while creating real value for society and shareholders,” she said. Narasimhan also noted the company’s growth has mirrored India’s changing landscape and aspirations, with efforts reaching communities nationwide.

Key Highlights from the Report:

• Oral Health Education: The flagship Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program reached 14.6 million children since 2020, bringing essential oral hygiene education to underserved populations. Since its inception, the initiative has touched 185 million lives, making it one of India’s largest oral health awareness efforts.
• Rural Waste Management: As part of its environmental initiatives, Colgate-Palmolive India collected and responsibly processed 133 tonnes of dry waste across 25 villages through its Rural Waste Management Program launched in 2023. The initiative aims to promote local waste segregation and improve rural sanitation standards.
• Water Replenishment and Access: Under its water stewardship program, the company replenished more than 430 million litres of water across 150 villages, benefiting 125,000 people. The effort includes developing sustainable, community-led water sources and infrastructure.
• Community Empowerment: Since 2020, the company has facilitated financial linkages to government schemes worth ₹1,200 million, impacting over 137,000 individuals across 400 villages. The initiatives include awareness drives, financial and digital literacy programs — with a particular focus on empowering women.

The company also emphasized its internal sustainability efforts — reducing plastic usage, advancing recyclable packaging, and improving energy and water efficiency at its manufacturing sites. Following are the key sustainability stats of the company:

• 91% packaging is currently reusable, recyclable or compostable
• 80% of Colgate’s Toothpaste portfolio is now recyclable tubes
• 2 million children engaged across 25,000+ schools in 11 states through Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program
• 101% plastic collection through Extended Producer Responsibility initiatives

The 2024–25 ESG report, available publicly, reflects a continued push towards science-led innovation, inclusive growth, and climate-conscious operations. As the country grapples with environmental challenges and rural development needs, Colgate-Palmolive India’s report offers insight into how corporate actors are stepping up to contribute beyond the balance sheet.

For full Annual & ESG Report:

https://www.colgateinvestors.co.in/annual-report