Sustainability and Supply Chain Innovation with Ann Tracy of Colgate - Palmolive
Colgate-Palmolive’s Commitment to Sustainability
With over 200 years of history, Colgate-Palmolive is one of the longest-standing consumer goods companies in the U.S. Tracy explains how the company has measured greenhouse gas reductions, waste management, and water conservation since 2002, demonstrating its long-term commitment to sustainability.
She highlights the company’s three key ambition areas: driving social impact, helping millions of homes, and preserving the environment. These goals are supported by 50 measurable targets, ensuring a structured and actionable approach to sustainability.
Transforming the Supply Chain for a Greener Future
A significant part of Colgate-Palmolive’s sustainability efforts is collaborating with suppliers to improve environmental impact and resource efficiency. Tracy shares examples of working directly with rice and mint farmers, particularly in water-stressed regions, to implement efficient irrigation systems and sustainable farming practices.
The company is also focused on reducing plastic waste, making packaging 100% recyclable, and lowering virgin plastic use, aligning with its global sustainability commitments.
Colgate-Palmolive is exploring alternative materials that offer environmental advantages, such as toothbrushes that feature handles made from 100% natural bamboo.
Colgate designers spent more than five years redesigning the toothpaste tubes so they can be recycled in curbside bins.
Bridging the Intention-Action Gap Among Consumers
One of the biggest challenges facing sustainable consumer goods is the intention-action gap—the disconnect between consumers’ desire to buy eco-friendly products and their actual purchasing decisions.
According to Tracy, research shows that while 96% of consumers say they want to buy sustainable products, only 16% follow through at checkout. She explains that quality, price, and convenience are key barriers, and Colgate-Palmolive is tackling this by ensuring sustainable products are also high-performing and competitively priced.
Evolving ESG and Corporate Responsibility
While Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have faced shifting public perceptions, Colgate-Palmolive remains committed to these principles. Tracy emphasizes that the focus has moved from lofty corporate targets to achievable, measurable progress.
She also discusses how Colgate-Palmolive is framing sustainability as a business resilience strategy, ensuring the company remains strong for another 200 years and beyond.
Leading the UN Global Compact Network USA
As the newly appointed Board Chair of the UN Global Compact Network USA, Tracy provides insights into the organization’s mission of advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UN Global Compact brings together 26,000 companies across 62 countries to align business practices with global sustainability objectives. Tracy’s role includes helping companies integrate SDGs into their strategies and enhancing corporate accountability in environmental and social impact.
The Future of Climate Action and Carbon Pricing
Looking ahead, Tracy underscores the need for financial mechanisms to drive sustainability, advocating for a standardized carbon pricing system to incentivize climate investments.
She explains that while private sector funding alone won’t be enough, an effective carbon pricing model could help channel investments into impactful sustainability projects.
