The Top 7 Socially Impactful Business Organizations of 2024 celebrates companies that are not just shaping industries but also driving meaningful change. These organizations have set the bar high, blending innovation with social responsibility to address urgent global issues—from sustainability and environmental preservation to social justice and equality. Through groundbreaking initiatives, they’ve proven that business success can go hand-in-hand with making a positive impact.
This ranking, curated by the International Corporate Association of Professionals (InCAP), recognizes these trailblazers who are leading by example, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps for a better, more equitable world.
7. The Honest Company
Founder(s): Jessica Alba
Industry: Consumer Goods
Social Impact Goals:
The Honest Company aims to provide families with eco-friendly, non-toxic products. Its mission is centered on creating a healthier, safer environment for children and families while minimizing its environmental footprint.
Initiatives and Actions:
The company focuses on transparency, using organic, sustainably sourced ingredients in all its products. It also advocates for clean, non-toxic environments in homes, schools, and communities, while supporting environmental justice initiatives.
Results and Achievements:
The Honest Company has garnered a loyal customer base, with its products now sold globally. Its commitment to sustainability has earned accolades, and it continues to be recognized for its efforts in promoting health and safety for families.
6. Eileen Fisher
Founder(s): Eileen Fisher
Industry: Fashion
Social Impact Goals:
Eileen Fisher strives to create a more sustainable fashion industry by prioritizing eco-friendly materials and ethical labor practices. The brand advocates for circularity in fashion and gender equality.
Initiatives and Actions:
The company uses organic materials, promotes clothing recycling, and invests in fair trade practices. Their “Renew” program encourages customers to send in old clothes for recycling, helping reduce textile waste.
Results and Achievements:
Eileen Fisher has become a leader in sustainable fashion, with a significant portion of its line being made from recycled fabrics. The brand has gained recognition for its innovative approach to creating long-lasting, environmentally conscious products.
5. TOMS
Founder(s): Blake Mycoskie
Industry: Footwear and Apparel
Social Impact Goals:
TOMS aims to provide shoes and other essentials to those in need through its “One for One” model. The company has expanded its focus to include mental health, clean water, and maternal health.
Initiatives and Actions:
For every product sold, TOMS donates a pair of shoes or supports other initiatives, such as providing clean water or maternal health services. It also focuses on building awareness of social issues through campaigns and partnerships.
Results and Achievements:
TOMS has given millions of shoes to children in need and expanded its initiatives to provide life-changing services. The company continues to innovate its giving programs while achieving widespread brand recognition for its humanitarian efforts.
4. Allbirds
Founder(s): Tim Brown, Joey Zwillinger
Industry: Footwear and Apparel
Social Impact Goals:
Allbirds is committed to reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Its goals include achieving carbon neutrality and creating products made from renewable, sustainable materials.
Initiatives and Actions:
The company uses eco-friendly materials like merino wool, eucalyptus tree fiber, and sugarcane-based EVA. Allbirds measures and offsets its carbon emissions, aiming to set new industry standards for sustainability in fashion.
Results and Achievements:
Allbirds has become a symbol of sustainable fashion, earning numerous awards for its eco-friendly products. The company’s commitment to carbon neutrality and transparency has helped change consumer perceptions of environmentally conscious brands.
3. Warby Parker
Founder(s): Neil Blumenthal, Dave Gilboa, Andrew Hunt, Jeffrey Raider
Industry: Eyewear
Social Impact Goals:
Warby Parker’s mission is to make eyewear accessible and affordable, while also improving global eye care. The company aims to provide glasses to people in need through its “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” program.
Initiatives and Actions:
Warby Parker partners with non-profit organizations to distribute glasses to underserved communities. It also works to ensure that its glasses are affordable and uses sustainable materials in its production process.
Results and Achievements:
Warby Parker has provided millions of glasses to individuals in need worldwide. The company’s innovative approach to eyewear has disrupted the market, and it has received recognition for its social entrepreneurship and sustainable practices.
2. Ben & Jerry’s
Founder(s): Ben Cohen, Jerry Greenfield
Industry: Food & Beverage
Social Impact Goals:
Ben & Jerry’s advocates for social justice, environmental sustainability, and economic fairness. Its mission includes promoting racial equality and supporting global climate action.
Initiatives and Actions:
The company integrates Fair Trade-certified ingredients into its products and actively campaigns for social issues, including racial justice and climate policy. It uses its platform to engage consumers in advocacy and awareness campaigns.
Results and Achievements:
Ben & Jerry’s has earned a reputation as a socially conscious brand, with a commitment to ethical sourcing and progressive causes. It continues to leverage its popularity to bring attention to vital social and environmental issues.
1. Patagonia
Founder(s): Yvon Chouinard
Industry: Outdoor Apparel
Social Impact Goals:
Patagonia is dedicated to environmental sustainability and activism. Its goal is to reduce its ecological footprint, promote fair labor practices, and address climate change through both business operations and activism.
Initiatives and Actions:
Patagonia uses recycled materials in its products, advocates for public lands, and donates 1% of its sales to environmental causes. The company has also launched numerous campaigns aimed at raising awareness about environmental conservation.
Results and Achievements:
Patagonia’s efforts have set a high standard for corporate social responsibility. The company has received accolades for its environmental activism and continues to drive change within the outdoor apparel industry through its commitment to sustainability.
To gain further insights from the InCAP Ranking, please click here.
