For companies, sustainability is all about minimizing the risks and maximizing the opportunities for business to have a long-term positive economic, environmental and social impact. This delivers results for investors, consumers, communities and the many people we serve, while strengthening our business as well.

At Abbott, our approach to sustainability is driven by our mission: helping people around the world lead the best lives they can through good health. This starts with our products and innovations, and extends to everything we do across our business and in partnership with others.

Abbott Only U.S.-Based Company Recognized for Sustainability Leadership

In recognition of Abbott's work, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) has named us the industry leader for five years in a row. We're the only U.S.-based company recognized for leading our respective global industry group. You can read more about the DJSI recognition in our news release.

And here are some examples of how we’re helping people build better lives and stronger communities in the three areas that DJSI evaluates companies – economic, environmental and social performance:

Building Quality Dairy Supply from the Ground Up

In 2014, Abbott opened a new plant in India to manufacture nutritional products. However, suppliers weren’t able to produce the amount of high-quality milk that Abbott needed to meet strict quality standards.

Working in partnership today, Abbott is reaching up to 1,500 smallholder dairy farmers, providing them with the training and resources needed to increase their incomes, while providing the high-quality milk that Abbott's nutrition business needs.

For more on this innovative program, click here.

Setting Ambitious Goals for a Greener Future

Helping to protect the environment is an integral part of our mission to help people live better lives. For many years, Abbott has focused on improving environmental sustainability. We recognize that conserving energy and water, as well as reducing waste, have a positive impact on the environment and our business operations.

Click here to read about our aggressive 2020 goals to reduce carbon emissions, conserve water and reduce waste in our business – and our results to date.