Abbott Named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for Seventh Consecutive Year in Recognition of Leading Corporate Citizenship Performance

Abbott Leads the Industry in Environmental Management and Climate Policy, Occupational Health and Safety, Standards for Suppliers, Innovative Philanthropy

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Abbott

Sep 08, 2011, 02:57 ET

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Sept. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced today that it was included on both the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and North America Index for the seventh consecutive year. The Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI) recognize the leading companies in each industry sector for responsible economic, environmental and social performance.

Abbott was named the pharmaceutical industry leader in several categories, receiving a score of 100 percent in environmental management and climate strategy, key areas of focus in the company's comprehensive effort to safeguard the environment. Abbott also led the industry in risk and crisis management, stakeholder engagement, standards for suppliers, corporate governance, and occupational health and safety.

Abbott is one of only two U.S.-headquartered companies in its industry sector to be listed on both the North America and World Indexes. The company's overall score of 85 percent is significantly higher than the average score of 53 percent for other companies in the sector.

This year, Abbott achieved its highest-ever total score on the Index, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement in citizenship and sustainability. This included recognition for the company's significant strides in R&D and innovation.

"Now more than ever, responsible businesses have an important role to play in helping to build healthy and thriving communities," said Katherine Pickus, Divisional Vice President, Global Citizenship, Abbott. "The combined financial, social and environmental performance of Abbott demonstrates that our business continues to have a positive impact on the world around us, building on our 123-year legacy."

As a member of the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, Abbott is among the top 300 of the 2,500 largest companies worldwide in terms of sustainability. The DJSI annual review considers sustainability leaders from each industry on a global and regional level, and involves thorough analyses of corporate governance, risk management, branding, climate change mitigation, supply chain standards, labor practices and related citizenship issues.

About Abbott's Approach to Citizenship

Global citizenship is an integral part of Abbott's mission to improve people's lives, focused on four key areas: innovating for the future, enhancing access to health care, protecting patients and consumers, and safeguarding the environment. Working in partnership with others, Abbott leverages its core business expertise and resources to create sustainable solutions in countries around the world.

In addition to being included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes, Abbott ranked number 28 on Barron's magazine 2011 ranking of the world's most respected companies and number 21 on the Corporate Responsibility magazine 100 Best Corporate Citizens list. The company was named one of the top three "Best in Class" companies in its industry sector by Storebrand Investments, a leading socially responsible investment (SRI) firm. In addition to these global honors, Abbott has been recognized for its sustainability efforts in countries around the world, including Brazil, China, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Singapore, Tanzania and the United States.

To learn more about Abbott's sustainability initiatives and to read or download the company's 2010 global citizenship report, please visit www.abbott.com/citizenship.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at www.abbott.com.

SOURCE Abbott