Gillette
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About Gillette
Gillette represents one of the most recognizable names in precision grooming, with over a century of market leadership under parent company Procter & Gamble's expansive consumer goods portfolio. The brand's core business model centers on disposable blade technology and cartridge systems, positioning it as a dominant force in the global shaving market with widespread retail availability across major consumer channels.
From a sustainability perspective, Gillette operates within P&G's broader environmental framework, which includes science-based climate targets and ambitious packaging redesign initiatives. The brand has made notable progress in transitioning premium product packaging to plastic-free alternatives and achieving significant recyclability standards across its consumer packaging portfolio.
However, Gillette faces substantial challenges in animal welfare standards, as independent verification confirms continued animal testing practices. The brand's sustainability performance reflects the complex dynamics of a legacy consumer goods company balancing traditional manufacturing approaches with evolving environmental expectations in the personal care market.
The Good Stuff
Where Gillette appears to be making meaningful progress. We cross-referenced these findings with multiple independent sources.
Plastic-Free Packaging Innovation
Successfully transitioned premium refillable razor packaging to plastic-free, recyclable cardboard made with FSC-certified recycled content, demonstrating measurable progress in sustainable packaging design
Science-Based Climate Commitments
Operating under parent company's science-based targets including 50% greenhouse gas reduction and 100% renewable electricity goals by 2030, with documented water efficiency initiatives
Inclusive Design Leadership
Pioneering accessible packaging redesign initiatives that prioritize both sustainability and accessibility, creating products that serve diverse consumer needs
The Reality Check
Areas where the publicly available data gets murky, incomplete, or concerning. We're transparent about the limitations of our analysis.
Animal Testing Practices Confirmed
Independent animal welfare organizations verify that the brand continues animal testing practices either directly or through suppliers, preventing appearance in verified cruelty-free directories
Biodiversity Protection Absence
No evidence of wildlife conservation partnerships, habitat restoration programs, or environmental protection funding initiatives in publicly available sustainability disclosures
Brand-Specific Audit Gaps
Limited independent verification of labor practices and supply chain standards specific to Gillette operations, relying primarily on parent company general frameworks
Gillette's
Impact Aura
A visual representation of Gillette's positive impact
across People, Planet and Animals
Each colored area represents the brand's performance in that sustainability category. The size and intensity of each blob corresponds to their score—larger, more vibrant areas indicate stronger performance.
Our Research
Key findings from our comprehensive analysis of Gillette's sustainability performance across People, Planet & Animals impact.
Positive Impact on People
Research Highlights
- Parent company Procter & Gamble commits to ingredient transparency and responsible sourcing across portfolio
- Corporate citizenship reporting includes detailed environmental and social sustainability disclosures with scope 3 ambitions
- Inclusive packaging redesign initiatives demonstrate commitment to accessibility and sustainable design principles
- General corporate social responsibility frameworks lack brand-specific independent labor certification verification
- Marketing claims generally align with parent company sustainability goals though some external advocacy concerns noted
Evidence Strength
Moderate documentation through parent company reporting, limited brand-specific verification for labor and supply chain practices
Positive Impact on Planet
Research Highlights
- Science-based climate targets include 50% greenhouse gas reduction and 100% renewable electricity goals by 2030
- Packaging innovation achieved through transition to plastic-free, recyclable cardboard for premium refillable razor packs
- Corporate water efficiency goals target 35% reduction in water use per production unit across operations
- 78% of consumer packaging meets design for recyclability standards with FSC-certified paper integration
- Limited evidence of brand-specific biodiversity protection or habitat restoration initiatives
Evidence Strength
Strong documentation for climate action and packaging innovation, significant gaps in biodiversity and chemical management verification
Positive Impact on Animals
Research Highlights
- Independent animal welfare organizations confirm continued animal testing practices directly or via suppliers
- Brand lacks comprehensive vegan certification with individual products potentially containing animal-derived ingredients
- No disclosed wildlife conservation partnerships or habitat restoration support programs
- Packaging utilizes FSC-certified materials demonstrating some sustainable sourcing commitments
- Absence of measurable conservation funding or environmental protection initiatives
Evidence Strength
Comprehensive verification through independent sources confirms animal testing practices, limited documentation for conservation efforts
See the Receipts
We don't just make claims—here are the official certifications that prove Gillette's sustainability commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gillette sustainable?
Gillette demonstrates mixed sustainability performance, with strong progress in packaging innovation and climate commitments through parent company P&G's science-based targets, but significant gaps in animal welfare practices. Our assessment shows the brand excels in packaging design with plastic-free alternatives and recyclability standards, while animal testing practices limit verification in cruelty-free directories.
Is Gillette cruelty-free?
Independent animal welfare organizations verify that Gillette continues animal testing practices either directly or through suppliers. The brand does not appear in verified cruelty-free directories, indicating absence of third-party cruelty-free verification.
Is Gillette plastic-free?
Gillette has made significant progress toward plastic-free packaging, successfully transitioning premium refillable razor packs to recyclable cardboard made with FSC-certified recycled content. While not entirely plastic-free across all products, the brand demonstrates measurable advancement in sustainable packaging design.
What makes Gillette environmentally friendly?
Gillette's environmental strengths include science-based climate targets with 50% greenhouse gas reduction goals, innovative plastic-free packaging solutions, and water efficiency initiatives. The brand operates under P&G's comprehensive sustainability framework with documented progress in recyclability standards and renewable energy commitments.
Is Gillette vegan?
Gillette lacks comprehensive vegan verification, with individual products potentially containing animal-derived ingredients. The continued animal testing practices further complicate vegan status, and the brand does not appear in verified vegan product directories.
What certifications does Gillette have?
Gillette's packaging utilizes FSC-certified materials, demonstrating responsible forestry sourcing. The brand does not appear in major sustainability certification directories for cruelty-free, vegan, or organic verification due to animal testing practices and formulation approaches.
How does Gillette compare for sustainable shaving?
Gillette offers sustainability advantages through innovative packaging design and climate commitments, but faces limitations in animal welfare standards. The brand's plastic-free packaging initiatives and parent company's science-based targets provide environmental benefits, though consumers prioritizing cruelty-free products may find better alternatives in the market.
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The Bottom Line
Gillette demonstrates significant sustainability progress in packaging innovation and climate action through parent company P&G's science-based commitments, but animal testing practices prevent appearance in verified cruelty-free directories and limit overall sustainability performance. The brand's future sustainability leadership will depend on addressing animal welfare standards while building on existing strengths in environmental initiatives.