7 highest-ranked ESG brands for 2021

What are brands doing to drive the perception of ESG investment? A recent report from the Association of National Advertisers tries to identify which big brands are having the biggest impact.

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) has become the new phrase that embodies corporate investment in social responsibility. The phrase has become popular as climate change, global racism and corporate governance issues have become differentiators for businesses.

In order to drive profits, corporations must now show their positive impact on the environment, invest in the communities in which they operate and prove that their operations are ethical, serving all stakeholders fairly. It’s a problem that is increasingly falling in the lap of communicators, particularly as it pertains to brand reputation. As the old proverb goes, if a brand isn’t communicating about its ESG investment, does it really exist?

So, what brands are doing ESG well—and why? ANA offers top brands in seven different categories: fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), health care, insurance, retail, finance, travel and entertainment. Let’s break down the leading performers from each category:

1. FMCG: Welch’s