Health supplements
Founded in Brisbane in 1930 and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 1985. Operates in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Acquired by Japanese drinks giant Kirin in 2023.
Company Ownership
Blackmores Ltd
AUS
Kirin Holdings Company Ltd
owns 100% of Blackmores Ltd
JPN
Food, beverage, alcohol and pharmaceuticals manufacturer
Kirin's main businesses include alcohol, soft drinks, pharmaceuticals and food. Japan's largest brewer. Kirin bought Australian dairy & juice company National Foods in 2007, and Dairy Farmers in late 2008, and the 54% of Lion Nathan (Australia's #2 brewer) it didn't already own in 2009. While Kirin is an independent company, it is part of Japan's largest "keiretsu", Mitsubishi Group.
Company Assessment
(Last updated Aug 2024)
Praise
Criticism
Information
Blackmores Ltd
Praise
Criticism
Information
4/5 for packaging performance
This company received a packaging performance level of 4 (Leading) in its 2024 APCO Annual Report. Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) is a not-for-profit organisation leading the development of a circular economy for packaging in Australia. Each year, APCO Members are required to submit an APCO Annual Report and Action Plan, which includes an overall performance level from 1 (Getting Started) to 5 (Beyond Best Practice).
Source: APCO
(2024)
Modern Slavery disclosure quality
Modern slavery disclosure is a critical step in mitigating the risk associated with modern slavery practices in companies' operations and supply chains. The quality of the disclosure signals the level of commitments and efforts that the companies have put in managing these risks. In 2021 the Monash Centre for Financial Studies analysed and ranked the disclosure quality of the modern slavery statements submitted by the 300 largest listed companies on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX300). This company's modern slavery disclosure statement received a grade of B.
Source: Monash University
(2021)
Nanoparticles in baby formula
Independent testing commissioned by Friends of the Earth in 2017 found nanoparticles in popular Australian infant formula products that are both illegal in Australia and potentially dangerous, including products by this company. A growing body of scientific research demonstrates that nanoparticles pose threats to human health, raising concerns about their use in food and many other consumer products.
Source: FOE
(2017)
22/100 S&P Global ESG Score
This company received an S&P Global ESG Score of 22/100 in the Personal Products category of the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, an annual evaluation of companies' sustainability practices (last updated 18 Nov 2022). The rankings are based on an analysis of corporate economic, environmental and social performance, assessing issues such as corporate governance, risk management, environmental reporting, climate strategy, human rights and labour practices.
Source: S&P Global
(2022)
Breaching advertising codes
In 2014 and 2010 the Therapeutic Goods Administration's Complaints Resolution Panel upheld complaints about ads by this company on the grounds that they breached advertising codes. The Panel requested this company withdraw the ads and not to use representations in the ads again.
Source: TGA Complaints Register
(2014)
Irresponsible marketing
The IBFAN Code Monitor document gives a snap shot of baby milk formula marketing in Tasmania, Australia. The document shows evidence of violations of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes by this company, who hasn't signed the MAIF Agreement, a voluntary self-regulatory code of conduct between the manufacturers and importers of infant formula in Australia.
Source: IBFAN
(2017)
Krill supplements
In 2015 Sea Shepherd Australia targeted Blackmores over its production of krill-based omega-3 health supplements. Krill are a vital part of the Antarctic food chain and giant factory-ships are sucking up huge amounts of krill for the farmed fish and supplements industries. Vast schools of krill not only function as food for whales, penguins, seals and seabirds, but they are also huge carbon sinks that help mitigate global warming. Blackmores is the largest krill supplement manufacturer in Australia.
Source: Sea Shepherd
(2015)
Political donations
According to the democracyforsale.net website, this company donated $48,944 to Australia's major political parties between 2012 and 2018, as disclosed to the Australian Electoral Commision (AEC).
Source: Democracy For Sale
(2018)
2008 Sustainability award
Blackmores was named the 2008 Sustainable Small Company of the Year at the 8th annual Australian Sustainability Awards ceremony, presented by Ethical Investor magazine.
Source: Sustainability Matters
(2008)
Sustainability Advantage Gold Partner
The NSW Government's Sustainability Advantage program works with medium and large organisations to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices. Nearly half of all 800+ members are based in regional NSW and over 30% have been recognised as Bronze, Silver or Gold Partners. This company is one of only 13 organisations recognised as a Gold Partner.
Source: NSW Govt
(2023)
Employer of Choice for Gender Equality
This company is listed by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) as a Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation holder. The citation is designed to encourage, recognise and promote active commitment to achieving gender equality in Australian workplaces.
Source: WGEA
(2022)
Vegan Australia Certified products
This company sells products certified vegan by Vegan Australia.
Source: Vegan Australia
(2024)
Sustainable Seafood partnership with WWF
Blackmores partnered with WWF in 2012 to ensure that all Blackmores' fish and krill oils are responsibly sourced. Blackmores is a signatory to the WWF Global Seafood Charter and has made a considerable investment in marine conservation projects.
Source: WWF
(2019)
Controversial deal with pharmacies axed
In 2011, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, which represents 94 per cent of Australia's 5200 pharmacies, agreed to start recommending a range of Blackmores products to patients when they pick up prescriptions for 4 specific ailments. Under the deal, when a prescription is filled, a prompt in the pharmacist's computer system will remind them to discuss a particular Blackmores product that has been designed to offset possible side-effects of their prescription drug. The deal was criticised by doctors, media and consumer advocates and consequently dropped.
Source: news article
(2011)
Kirin Holdings Company Ltd
Praise
Criticism
Information
CDP Climate Change score of A-
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change risk. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Climate Change score of A-.
Source: CDP
(2023)
CDP Water Security score of A
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to manage and govern freshwater resources. Responding companies are scored on six key metrics: transparency; governance & strategy; measuring & monitoring; risk assessment; targets & goals; and value chain engagement. This company received a CDP Water Security score of A.
Source: CDP
(2023)
Palm oil rating - WAZA
The PalmOil Scan app, produced by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), rates companies on their commitment to sourcing sustainable palm oil. Companies are scored on their use of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO), commitment to sourcing CSPO, on-the-ground conservation action, and membership to the RSPO. Companies can earn a rating of Excellent, Good, Poor or No Commitment. This company is rated "Good" (retrieved 18 Nov 2023).
Source: WAZA
(2023)
10/20 in Social Benchmark
The 2024 Social Benchmark assesses the world's 2,000 most influential companies on their responsibility in meeting society's fundamental expectations towards three measurement areas: respecting human rights, providing decent work, and acting ethically. This company was assessed in 2023 and received a score of 10/20. The average score was an alarmingly low 4.6/20 and the highest score was 15.5/20.
59/100 in TIME rankings
World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024 by TIME and Statista recognises the Top 500 most sustainable companies in the world. From a selection of 5,000 of the world's largest companies, non-sustainable businesses were excluded, and the remaining companies were rated on Commitment & Ratings, Reporting & Transparency, and Environmental & Social Stewardship. This company received a total score of 58.8/100, ranking 332nd overall.
Source: TIME
(2024)
32.1% in Nature Benchmark
The Nature Benchmark ranks 816 companies across 20 industries on their efforts to protect our environment and its biodiversity. Companies were assessed in three phases between 2022 and 2024 using three measurement areas: governance and strategy; social inclusion and community impact; and ecosystems and biodiversity. This company was assessed in 2023 and is ranked #61/816, with a total score of 32.1/100.
18.7% in Gender Benchmark
The 2023 Gender Benchmark ranks 112 companies from the apparel and food and agriculture sectors on their efforts to drive gender equality and women's empowerment across their entire value chain. Companies are assessed on governance and strategy, representation, compensation and benefits, health and well-being, violence and harassment, and marketplace and community. This company ranked #68/112, with a total score of 18.7%. The average score was 23% and the highest score was 55%.
32/100 S&P Global ESG Score
This company received an S&P Global ESG Score of 32/100 in the Beverages category of the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, an annual evaluation of companies' sustainability practices (last updated 23 Sep 2022). The rankings are based on an analysis of corporate economic, environmental and social performance, assessing issues such as corporate governance, risk management, environmental reporting, climate strategy, human rights and labour practices.
Source: S&P Global
(2022)
Previous involvement with Burma
From Dec 2018 to Feb 2021 Kirin appeared on Burma Campaign UK's 'Dirty List' of companies assisting the Burmese military to continue to commit human rights violations and environmental destruction. In Burma Kirin was in a joint venture, Myanmar Breweries, with the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings, which is controlled by and for the benefit of the military. This subsidiary has also donated money to the Burmese military. Kirin announced they would end their relationship with the Myanmar military after it staged a coup in Feb 2021.
Source: Burma Campaign UK
(2021)
49.8% in Newsweek Green Rankings 2012
This company received a score of 49.8/100 in the Newsweek Green Rankings 2012, which ranks the world's largest publicly traded companies on their environmental footprint, management (policies, programs, initiatives, controversies) and reporting practices, using data from Trucost and Sustainalytics.
Source: Newsweek
(2012)
Climate action commitments
As listed on the We Mean Business website, this company has committed to the following climate action initiatives: adopt a science-based emissions reduction target; report climate change information in mainstream reports as a fiduciary duty; commit to 100% renewable power.
Source: We Mean Business
(2021)
FSC certification
This company holds Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody Certification, and sells products certified as FSC Mix and FSC Recycled.
Source: FSC
(2023)
IARD member
This company is a member of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to reducing harmful drinking and promoting understanding of responsible drinking. IARD is affiliated with the United Nations.
Source: IARD
(2021)
UN Global Compact participant
The United Nations Global Compact asks companies to embrace, support and enact, within their sphere of influence, a set of 10 values in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment, and anti-corruption. However it's non-binding nature has been widely criticised, and many signatory corporations continue to violate the Compact's values.
Source: UN Global Compact
(2020)
CSV claims
This company has Creating Shared Value claims on its website
Source: company website
(2015)
22.7% in Human Rights Benchmark
The 2022 Corporate Human Rights Benchmark assessed 127 companies in the food and agriculture, ICT and automotive manufacturing sectors on their human rights performance. This company received a score of 22.7%. The overall average score was a disappointing 17.3% and the highest score was 50.3%.
Alcohol - direct involvement
Directly involved in the manufacture, distribution or sale of alcohol as a core business.
Source: company website
(2020)
Genetic Engineering & Animal Rights
USA biotech company Hematech Inc. genetically modify cattle for human antibody production. Hematech was previously a subsidiary of Kirin's pharmaceutical division (Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co) until Dec 2012 when it was acquired by Sanford Health and rebranded Sanford Applied Biosciences, LLC.
Source: company website
(2012)
35% in Food and Agriculture Benchmark
The 2023 Food and Agriculture Benchmark assessed 350 keystone companies across the entirety of the food system, from farm to fork. It covers three dimensions where transformation is needed: nutrition, environment and social inclusion. This company ranked #38/350, with a total score of 35/100.
Company Details
Type:
Wholly-owned subsidiary
Founded:
1932
Revenue:
650 million AUD
(2022)
Employees:
1,400
(2021)
Contact Details
Address:
20 Jubilee Ave, Warriewood, NSW, 2102, Australia
Phone:
02 9910 5000
Freecall:
1800 803 760
Website:
Products / Brands
Blackmores
Blackmores
Baby Formula
Blackmores
Vitamins