Increased Competitiveness Revealed by the Sustainability Leaders Survey

The results of a recent sustainability poll, indicate that Unilever, Patagonia, and IKEA are the world’s top sustainability leaders. According to the 2019 GlobeScan* / SustainAbility** Leaders Survey these are the most recognized sustainability leaders on the planet. The survey conducted in partnership with Sustainable Brands*** found that  Patagonia and IKEA have made substantial gains, narrowing the gap between themselves and first place finisher Unilever.


The survey asked over 800 experts and stakeholders from 78 countries to name companies that they see as being leaders in integrating sustainability into their business strategy.

Although the survey has been published for a dozen years, this year is particularly prescient. As Globescan points out on their website: “This survey has never been more timely given the growing interest in sustainable business from investors, consumers, governments and NGOs.”

A total of 37 percent of respondents named Unilever as the dominant player for the eighth year in a row, however, this is a decline of ten percentage points compared to 2018 (47%). With the support of 27 percent of respondents Patagonia takes second place for the second year in a row. IKEA ranked third with 13 percent and Interface came in fourth with 8 percent. Rounding out the top ten are Natura (8%), Danone (7%), Nestle (6%), Marks & Spencer (5%), Tesla (4%) and BASF (3%).

Natura and Patagonia came in first and second in the Americas. Unilever and IKEA were chosen as the best sustainability leaders in Europe and Toyota and tata earned the top spots in the Asia-Pacific region.

*GlobeScan is an insights and strategy consultancy that partners with business, NGOs and governmental organizations to meet strategic sustainability objectives.



**SustainAbility is a global think tank and advisory firm. Their vision is a just and sustainable world for present and future generations. Their research and advocacy helps guide business leaders and stakeholders through the shifting landscape of risk and opportunity.



***Sustainable Brands is a global community of brand innovators that are shaping the future of commerce worldwide. They give business leaders insights into the social and environmental challenges that drive brand innovation, value creation, and positive impact.