Reckitt vies for cleaner, healthier world, alongside sustainable growth

British multinational company Reckitt is expanding in China and taking further action to meet its sustainability ambitions.

History and heritage

As a global consumer goods company that began operations in 1840, Reckitt's history in the Chinese market can be traced back to 1915 when the UK company's top managers read about the possibilities of trade in China and the appropriate methods of developing it.

After that, the products made by the group were exported to China and used by local consumers.

In 1948, the company published a Chinese edition of a Dettol Feminine Hygiene booklet. With a young, classic Chinese woman on its cover, designed by a Chinese artist, the booklet aimed to educate Chinese women on how to live a healthy life.

After it was printed in Shanghai, the booklet was widely distributed in China through nursing and welfare centers at that time.

In 1995, Reckitt and Colman set up its first office in Guangzhou. It was the first office set up in the Chinese mainland after China's reform and opening-up.

At present, Reckitt China has five major production bases, located in Jingzhou, Hubei province, Lanzhou, Gansu province, Ma'anshan, Anhui province, Qingdao, Shandong province and Taicang, Jiangsu province. It has also opened offices in major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen, as well as a sales network covering the whole area of China.

Its time-tested brands like Dettol, Durex, Movefree, Finish and Manyan Shuning play an increasingly important role in people's healthy lives in the country.

Reckitt operates in China with Reckitt Manon' a sales joint venture with local company Manon.

This is because it strives to combine local insights and execution with global solutions to support Chinese families and has proven the operating model is successful over the past 10 years and will continue to enhance the local corporation via investments in research and development capabilities.

Reckitt's long-term commitment to China is demonstrated by its newly built production site in Taicang, which will begin operations this March.

Its success can also be attributed to the local government's support and high standard of services, Reckitt said.

The new factory complex being built at Taicang provides a good example of Reckitt's commitment to development in China.

The first phase of the Taicang project began in April 2020, and will be spread over 113,000 square meters, including the provision of land to allow for future expansion covering Reckitt's health and hygiene products.

Commitment to China

Every day, Reckitt's brands are working across the globe to enable people to lead cleaner, healthier lives through better health, hygiene and nutrition through various programs and support. The same situation is taking place in China too, the company said.

Through working with schools, hospitals and public welfare organizations, Reckitt organizes health education courses and distributes products to help people develop good health habits.

For example, Dettol has partnered with the National Health Commission on a five-year program providing education through posters, booklets and demonstrations; access, with donations of hygiene products; and facilities, by investing in schools in underdeveloped areas. To date, 5,500 schools have taken part.

The Healthy China Move Free Healthy Bones and Joints project is another example, led by Reckitt's Move Free brand, of a project that supports public health.

Through joint efforts with grassroots community hospitals, the project delivers scientific knowledge about bone and joint protection to the middle-aged and elderly, to enhance the awareness of bone health for the increasing number of seniors in society.

And since 2020, after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a total of 100 million yuan ($15.8 million) of disinfection and germ protection materials and funds have been donated to support the anti-epidemic and disaster relief work and protect medical staff.

Sustainable ambitions

Reckitt works to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner and healthier world. And sustainability is central to its business strategy, so as to deliver a positive, long-lasting impact by 2030 and beyond, the company said.

Its aim is that by 2030, half of net revenue will come from more sustainable products, and there will be a 50 percent reduction of virgin plastic materials in packaging and a 65 percent reduction in their chemical footprint.

To embrace a healthier planet, the group pledged to use 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and cut 65 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions in operations. Its manufacturing operations have already passed that target, reducing those emissions by 66 percent by the end of 2021.

The Taicang site embodies these approaches and commitments in its design to drive energy efficiency. The company's effort in sustainability dates back to 2012. Since then, it has made significant progress on the basis of the growing social, health and environmental needs around the world, the company said.

The 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, or COP 26, took place in November 2021. Reckitt was one of only 11 selected Principal Partners at the event.