Whenever I shop, I always think it’s important to research the company that's receiving my hard-earned dollars. Whether it’s clothing, skincare, or stationery, contributing to a company that strives to better the environment we live in is very important to me. Being ethical in business and enriching the experience of the consumer is something that makes a company shine.
In commemoration of its 40th anniversary, The Body Shop is launching the Commitment, entitled Enrich Not Exploit, a new CSR global strategy to make The Body Shop the world’s most ethical and sustainable global business. The new strategy will enable The Body Shop to protect and nurture the environment and society though their ingredients, products, packaging, stores, employees, suppliers, and campaigns. “The Body Shop courageously pioneered new ways of thinking, acting and speaking out as a company,” says Jeremy Schwartz, chairman and CEO of The Body Shop. “Our groundbreaking campaigns were ahead of their time and changed laws on animal testing, domestic violence and human trafficking. We were the first in beauty to use community trade and we still have the strongest programme in the industry. We are small, but we lead. Today for all of us, the greatest challenges lie ahead and The Body Shop’s 40th anniversary is the perfect time to reassert our aim for leadership in ethical business. For us, being truly sustainable means shaping our business to work in line with the planet’s natural systems so they can replenish and restore themselves. With our Commitment we’re challenging ourselves to go further than we’ve ever gone before to make a real, sustainable and positive difference. We have set ourselves a significant goal to be the world’s most ethical and truly sustainable global business.”
The Body Shop’s new Commitment is to enrich their people, enrich their products, and enrich the planet. The Body Shop plans to build bio-bridges, helping communities to live more sustainably. They plan to reduce the environment footprint of their products and invest 250 thousand hours of their skills to enrich the biodiversity of the local communities. “The Body Shop can be both a force for good and a successful, profitable business,” says Schwartz. “Forty years ago Anita Roddick set out a challenge for The Body Shop to tackle the big issues of her time. We’re now tackling the big issues of today. We want our Enrich Not Exploit Commitment to inspire a new generation of customers, supporters and especially millennials who truly care about how a company operates. Re-establishing The Body Shop as a leader will come from delivering our ambitious aim to be the world’s most ethical and truly sustainable global business.”