Colombo, Sri Lanka, 16 March 2023: Ansell Limited, a global leader in protection solutions, and IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 23 February 2023, embarking on critical work to map out a pathway for Ansell to develop a strategic management approach to its biodiversity footprint.
Ansell has already committed to achieving “Net Zero” by 2040 with regard to the climate impacts of its operations. This collaboration with IUCN is a step towards fulfilling Ansell’s ambition to achieve equivalent progress on biodiversity. The collaboration supports Ansell’s assessment of its natural capital impacts and dependencies in its value chain, and to develop plans for potential improvements and mitigation of negative footprints.
At this signing, IUCN and Ansell agreed on a framework for strengthened cooperation through the MoU. The two parties will investigate developing joint programmes, research projects and other capacity building activities to pursue “net positive” outcomes regarding biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Other potential areas of collaboration include: i) IUCN assisting Ansell to identify its natural capital dependencies and impacts, as well as impact on community livelihoods from its operations; and ii) capacity building opportunities for Ansell employees to enhance their understanding of biodiversity and ecosystems services, introducing them to various relevant approaches and tools such as Business and Biodiversity Indicators, Business and Biodiversity Net Gain, Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool, Business and Ecosystems Services Training, among others.
“Signing this MoU with IUCN is a statement of Ansell’s ambition that our sustainability strategy contributes to the world’s critical need to manage both the climate and biodiversity impact of business operations globally. As a first step we seek to understand our impact and dependencies on critical natural resources, thus establishing a foundation on which we can develop strategies that align with the global efforts to conserve biological diversity and promote the sustainable use of natural resources,” said Mr Neil Salmon, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ansell Limited, who participated in the ceremony virtually.
“While IUCN develops and promotes global standards and knowledge products, real learning happens when these are applied on the ground to result in conservation and sustainability outcomes. We envision this signing to lead us to a journey together with Ansell and create a path for others in the PPE industry to follow,” said Dr Dindo Campilan, IUCN Regional Director for Asia and Hub Director for Oceania.
About Ansell
Ansell is a diversified global leader in hand and body protection solutions and an integrated manufacturer, innovator and marketer of products on which millions of workers and healthcare professionals rely.
For almost 130 years, Ansell has delivered advanced protection solutions to people at work and at home, keeping them out of harm’s way. Ansell’s expertise, innovative products, and advanced technology gives its customers peace of mind and confidence no other brand can deliver.
Ansell operates across two business segments, Industrial and Healthcare. It employs more than 15,000 people worldwide, with operations in North America, Latin America/Caribbean, EMEA and Asia Pacific and customers in more than 100 countries.
Information on Ansell and its products can be found at www.ansell.com. #AnsellProtects
About IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 15,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
