Cleaning, health and personal care product distributor
In Australia, Reckitt manufactures, markets, sells, imports and exports household cleaning and health and personal care products represented by well known global and local brands.
Company Ownership
Reckitt (Australia) Pty Ltd
AUS
Reckitt Benckiser PLC
owns 100% of Reckitt (Australia) Pty Ltd
UK
Consumer goods
Producer of health, hygiene and home products. Their products are available in some 200 countries. Acquired Boots Healthcare International in 2005 and SSL International (makers of Durex condoms) in 2010. Reckitt Benckiser rebranded as Reckitt in 2021.
JAB Holding Company SARL
owns 10% of Reckitt Benckiser PLC
LUX
Holding company
Owned by four siblings from one of Europe's wealthiest and most private families, the Reimanns. The company is run my three CEOs, who collectively own about 8% of JAB. Owns controlling stakes in beauty business Coty, coffee giant JDE Peet's, beverages giant Keurig Dr Pepper and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, among others.
Company Assessment
(Last updated Aug 2024)
Praise
Criticism
Information
Reckitt (Australia) Pty Ltd
Praise
Criticism
Information
This company received a packaging performance level of 3 (Advanced) 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)
Named and shamed in the 2010 CHOICE Shonky Awards. Nurofen painkillers actually contain identical ingredients from product to product despite marketing painkillers for varying pains. The active ingredient in these painkillers spreads through your whole body attacking whatever pain it comes across, wherever it is. The shonkiest aspect of this type of marketing is that the fast-acting painkillers labeled for specific pain types are more expensive.
Source: Choice
(2010)
Named and shamed in the 2012 CHOICE Shonky Awards. Exit Mould doesn't kill mould! This alleged mould killer can't penetrate porous surfaces, like grout, which is where mould tends to grow. While it may look nice and white post-spray, courtesy of the bleach removing the colour, the root structure remains entrenched in the grout, ready to sprout again. In fact, the bleach can actually erode and corrode grout and tiles, making them more porous - and more receptive to mould.
Source: Choice
(2012)
In 2013, 2012 and 2011 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
(2013)
In April 2016 the Federal Court ordered Reckitt Benckiser Australia to pay $1.7 million in penalties for misleading conduct regarding Nurofen specific pain products, in proceeding brought by the ACCC. In December 2016 the fine was increased to $6 million after an appeal by the ACCC. The company was found to have contravened Australian Consumer Law by making representations on its website and packaging that Nurofen Specific Pain products were each formulated to specifically treat a particular type of pain, when this was not the case. In fact, each product contains the same active ingredient, ibuprofen lysine 342mg.
Source: ACCC
(2016)
Named and shamed in the 2016 CHOICE Shonky Awards for its Vanish Preen Power Powder Clean and Fresh Large Area Carpet Cleaner, which costs $14.70 and failed to outperform water in Choice tests, despite claiming to be "revolutionary," with five times more dirt removal and a "fast-drying action".
Source: Choice
(2016)
Company manufactures or distributes products which have received the Good Environmental Choice Ecolabel, provided by the Good Environmental Choice Australia.
Source: GECA
(2024)
Reckitt Benckiser PLC
Praise
Criticism
Information
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)
This company received an S&P Global ESG Score of 86/100 in the Household Products category of the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, an annual evaluation of companies' sustainability practices (last updated 21 Oct 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)
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 2024 and received a score of 13.5/20. The average score was an alarmingly low 4.6/20 and the highest score was 15.5/20.
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 2024 and is ranked #46/816, with a total score of 34.2/100.
This company sources palm oil from at least 20 of the 25 dirty palm oil producers identified in the 2018 Greenpeace report "The Final Countdown". In addition to deforestation, the 25 individual cases in the report include evidence of exploitation and social conflicts, illegal deforestation, development without permits, plantation development in areas zoned for protection and forest fires linked to land clearance.
Source: Greenpeace
(2018)
The BMS Marketing Index 2024 assesses how well companies making breast-milk substitutes (BMS) are following international guidelines for marketing their products. The Index aims to ensure marketing practices don't discourage breastfeeding. This company scored 5.8%. The highest score was 37% and the average score was a disappointing 10%.
This company appears on PETA's (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, USA) 'Companies That Do Test On Animals' list, signifying that they manufacture products that are tested on animals at some stage of development.
Source: PETA
(2022)
The Green Supply Chain Corporate Information Transparency Index (CITI) evaluates consumer-facing companies that have a sizeable supply chain in China. The evaluation uses government supervision data and public information to assess the environmental management of their supply chains in China. This company received a score of 18.32/100 (retrieved 24 Nov 2023).
Source: IPE
(2023)
A 2022 BBC News, Mongabay and the Gecko Project released a joint investigation that looked into a scheme that was intended to help lift millions of Indonesians out of poverty and cut them in on the spoils of the global palm oil boom, but has instead been plagued by allegations of exploitation and illegality. They identified 13 companies, including this one, that have sourced palm oil from producers alleged to have withheld plasma (a portion of large-scale plantations to be shared with local communities), or the profits from plasma, from Indonesian communities over the past eight years. The losses suffered across Indonesia by communities owed plasma could stretch into the hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Protests by local tribes over plasma are violently suppressed by Indonesian authorities.
Source: Mongabay
(2022)
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 "Poor" (retrieved 18 Nov 2023).
Source: WAZA
(2023)
In 2021 this company settled a class action lawsuit for US$8 million which accused Reckitt of falsely advertising Neuriva products as being clinically and scientifically proven to enhance brain performance, in violation of consumer protection laws and other laws. In addition to the monetary relief, Reckitt also agreed to change its labeling and marketing practices, including removing "clinically proven" from the labels and social media, websites, and other advertising.
Source: Top Class Actions
(2021)
This company uses plastic microbeads in some of its personal care products. These particles are not retained by wastewater treatment so end up in the ocean where they contribute to ocean plastic pollution, and are hazardous to sea life. While the effects of microplastics on human health are not completely understood, there are concerns about plastic additives, such as phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors which are shown to have harmful effects on life.
Source: Beat the Microbead
(2021)
A 2016 report by Amnesty International found a range of labour rights abuses on the palm oil plantations operated by Wilmar's subsidiaries and suppliers in Indonesia. These abuses include worst forms of child labour, forced labour, discrimination against women workers, people being paid below the minimum wage, and workers suffering injuries from toxic chemicals. The report confirms that Reckitt Benckiser purchases palm oil from Wilmar. [Listed under Information due to age of report]
Source: Amnesty Intl
(2016)
EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning provides safety ratings for household cleaning products, with over 2,500 products rated from A (lowest concern) to F (highest concern). This company's score range is A to F, with over 84% of products scoring a D or F.
In Apr 2011, Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc was given a final fine of 10.2 million pounds (US$16.6 million) by a U.K. regulator for halting supplies of a heartburn medicine to the National Health Service to block sales of a generic version. [Listed under Information due to age of court finding]
Source: news article
(2011)
This company has been criticised by ActionAid for having subsidiaries in tax havens. One of the main reasons companies have subsidiaries in tax havens is to dodge their taxes. Developing countries lose more to tax dodging than they receive in aid each year.
Source: ActionAid
(2011)
In Dec 2014 this company and 12 other consumer goods firms were fined a total of 951m euros by the French competition watchdog for price fixing in supermarkets. The regulator said the companies colluded on price increases between 2003 and 2006. This company was fined 121m euros.
Source: news article
(2014)
As listed on the We Mean Business website, this company has committed to the following climate action initiatives: commit to 100% renewable power, adopt a science-based emissions reduction target.
Source: We Mean Business
(2021)
In 2014 this company announced it would expand its ingredients disclosure program to include the subset of fragrance ingredients identified as recognized allergens by the European Union's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. This company was already ahead of the pack on ingredients disclosure with its website www.rbnainfo.com
This company is a signatory to the US Plastics Pact, a collaborative effort organized by The Recycling Partnership and the World Wildlife Fund, launched as part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's global Plastics Pact network to unify diverse public-private stakeholders across the plastics value chain to rethink the way we design, use, and reuse plastics, to create a path forward to realize a circular economy for plastic in the United States. In line with the Ellen McArthur Foundation's vision of a circular economy for plastics, which unites more than 850+ organizations, the US Plastics Pact brings together companies, government entities, NGOs, researchers, and other stakeholders to work collectively toward scalable solutions tailored to the unique needs and challenges within the U.S. landscape, through vital knowledge sharing and coordinated action.
Source: US Plastics Pact
(2023)
This company received a score of 83.9/100 in the Newsweek Green Rankings 2016, which ranks the world's largest publicly traded companies on eight indicators covering energy, greenhouse gases, water, waste, fines and penalties, linking executive pay to sustainability targets, board-level committee oversight of environmental issues and third-party audits. Ranking methodology by Corporate Knights and HIP Investor.
Source: Newsweek
(2016)
This company is a member of the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (Sedex), a not-for-profit, membership organisation that leads work with buyers and suppliers to deliver improvements in responsible and ethical business practices in global supply chains. Tens of thousands of companies use Sedex to manage their performance around labour rights, health & safety, the environment and business ethics.
Source: Sedex
(2018)
This company is a signatory to the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, whose goal is to eliminate plastic pollution at its source.
Source: New Plastics Economy
(2022)
This company is a member of the Green Chemistry and Commerce Council (GC3), a business-to-business forum that advances the application of green chemistry and design for environment across supply chains. It provides an open forum for cross-sectoral collaboration to share information and experiences about the challenges to and opportunities for safer chemicals and products.
Source: GC3
(2019)
This company is a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, whose stated mission is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation works with business, government and academia to build a framework for an economy that is restorative and regenerative by design.
This company is a member of How2Recycle. The How2Recycle Label is a voluntary, standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the public. It involves a coalition of forward thinking brands who want their packaging to be recycled and are empowering consumers through smart packaging labels. Companies must be a member of the program to use the How2Recycle Label.
Source: How2Recycle
(2023)
In 2022 after more than 170 nations backed a historic UN resolution to end plastic pollution, global businesses across the plastics value chain, financial institutions, and NGOs came together to announce a common vision for an effective and ambitious Global Treaty to End Plastic Pollution. The vision will form the basis for future policy engagements with governments through a newly launched Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty which will be convened by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and WWF. This company has endorsed the vision statement of the treaty.
Source: Global Plastics Treaty
(2023)
This company is a member of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform, the main food industry initiative supporting the development of sustainable agriculture worldwide. Created by Nestle, Unilever and Danone in 2002, the SAI Platform is a non-profit organization to facilitate sharing, at precompetitive level, of knowledge and initiatives to support the development and implementation of sustainable agriculture practices involving the different stakeholders of the food chain.
Source: SAI Platform
(2023)
In 2016 Greenpeace East Asia ranked the world's 30 biggest personal care companies on their commitment to eliminating microbeads from their personal care products. The scorecard was based on four main criteria: commitment & transparency, definition, deadline and global application. This company was ranked as 'getting there'. Microbeads are not retained by wastewater treatment and end up in the ocean where they are a threat to the marine environment.
Source: Greenpeace
(2016)
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts towards removing commodity-driven deforestation and forest degradation from its direct operations and supply chains. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Forests score of C.
Source: CDP
(2023)
Forest 500 identifies the 350 companies and 150 financial institutions with the greatest exposure to tropical deforestation risk, and annually assesses them on the strength and implementation of their deforestation and human rights commitments. This company received a score of 46.8%.
Source: Forest 500
(2023)
As You Sow's 2024 Plastic Promises Scorecard measures the corporate ambition and action of 225 large companies across six industries on six core pillars of plastic packaging pollution prevention: 1) Recyclability, 2) Reduction, 3) Recycled Content, 4) Recovery, 5) Reuse, and 6) Producer Responsibility. This company received a grade of C.
Source: As You Sow
(2024)
The 2024 WWF Palm Oil Buyers Scorecard evaluates the progress and performance of 285 major retailers and manufacturer companies, focusing on actions companies have taken to ensure their own palm oil supply chain is sustainable and free of deforestation, natural ecosystem conversion, and human rights abuse. This company is rated 'middle of the pack' with a score of 13.74 out of a possible total of 24.
Source: WWF Palm Oil Scorecard
(2024)
California, the UK and Australia have all enacted legislation requiring companies operating within their borders to disclose their efforts to eradicate modern slavery from their operations and supply chains. Follow the link to see this company's disclosure statement.
Source: company website
(2017)
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 C.
Source: CDP
(2023)
Company Details
Type:
Wholly-owned subsidiary
Revenue:
429 million AUD
(2022)
Employees:
150
(2022)
Contact Details
Address:
Level 47 / 680 George St, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
Freecall:
1800 022 046
Website:
Products / Brands
Reckitt Australia
Aerogard
Pest Control
Air Wick
Air Fresheners
Air Wick
Carpet Cleaners
Bonjela
Lip Care
Bonjela
Baby Toiletries
Brasso
Polish
Clearasil
Skin Care
Crisp
Ironing Needs
Dettol
Disinfectant
Dettol
Hand Wash/Sanitiser
Dettol
Soap
Dettol
Floor Cleaners
Dettol
Stain Removal & Prewash
Dettol
Air Fresheners
Dettol
Bathroom Cleaners
Dettol
Multi-Purpose Cleaners
Dettol
Antiseptic
Dettol
Kitchen & Oven Cleaners
Dettol
Body Wash
Disprin
Pain Relief Tablets
Durex
Condoms
Durex
Personal Lubricant
Easy Off BAM
Multi-Purpose Cleaners
Easy Off BAM
Bathroom Cleaners
Easy Off Oven
Kitchen & Oven Cleaners
Eulactol
Foot Care
Exit Mould
Bathroom Cleaners
Fabulon
Ironing Needs
Finish
Dishwashing Detergent
Full Marks
Lice Treatment
Gaviscon
Digestive Care
Glen 20
Air Fresheners
Glen 20
Disinfectant
Harpic
Toilet Cleaners
Lemsip
Cold & Flu
Mortein
Pest Control
Mr Sheen
Polish
Nu-Clenz
Disinfectant
Nurofen
Topical Pain Relief
Nurofen
Pain Relief Tablets
Optrex
Eye & Ear Care
Pea-Beu
Pest Control
Pine O Cleen
Stain Removal & Prewash
Pine O Cleen
Disinfectant
Pine O Cleen
Scourers, Sponges & Wipes
Pine O Cleen
Multi-Purpose Cleaners
Pine O Cleen
Bathroom Cleaners
Pine O Cleen
Floor Cleaners
Pine O Cleen
Kitchen & Oven Cleaners
Preen
Carpet Cleaners
Savlon
Antiseptic
Senokot
Laxatives
Silvo
Polish
Smoker's Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Steelo
Scourers, Sponges & Wipes
Steradent
Toothpaste
Strepsils
Lozenges
Strepsils
Cold & Flu
Sugarine (saccharin)
Sugar & Sweeteners
Vanish
Carpet Cleaners
Vanish Napisan
Stain Removal & Prewash
Vanish Preen
Stain Removal & Prewash
Veet
Hair Removal
Veet for Men
Mens Grooming
Waxeeze
Hair Removal