Top 40 distributor Cintas (asi/162167) and supplier HanesBrands (asi/59528) both earned spots on Newsweek’s list of the 600 Most Responsible Companies for 2024.

For the fifth year in a row, the magazine partnered with global research and data firm Statista to rank the largest corporations in the U.S., in terms of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, breaking out rankings in terms of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) concerns.

“The survey results suggest that companies have been making improvements in certain areas over the last three years, with social responsibility scores notably on the rise,” Michael Bausch, senior analyst at Statista, told Newsweek. “This positive trend indicates a commitment to enhancing corporate practices, particularly in response to societal expectations. The data reflects a gradual but encouraging evolution in companies’ efforts to fulfill their responsibilities, highlighting a positive shift in their overall approach.”

This year, Newsweek recognized 100 more companies than last year on the list, noting that the company in the 600^th spot actually received a higher score than last year’s 500^th-place company. Newsweek also highlighted that 243 companies on the list have had a spot for at least four consecutive years, with 156 of them making the list all five years of its existence.

Cintas ranked 17^th highest in the consumer goods category (137^th overall) with a corporate responsibility score of 79.24 out of 100 possible points. HanesBrands was 27^th in the consumer category, placing 273^rd in the overall list of responsible companies. The apparel maker received a corporate responsibility score of 75.42 from Statista. This year’s top position overall went to pharmaceutical company Merck, which earned a score of 92 out of 100.

“There is a discernible trend where an increasing number of companies are not only engaging in CSR practices but also actively publishing CSR reports,” Bausch said. He also noted that companies have increased the number of key performance indicators (KPIs) included in their reports, “showcasing a continuous effort towards heightened transparency.”

Factors that have contributed to companies rising in the rankings include active initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, optimize energy consumption and promote diversity by appointing more women and minorities to board positions, according to Bausch.

In its most recent ESG report released in January, Cintas noted achievements that included a 7.5% decrease in emissions intensity, compared to FY2022. The distributor ranked 16^th in Counselor’s most recent list of the top companies in the industry, with estimated 2022 North American promotional products revenue of $199.1 million.

HanesBrands noted in its most recent sustainability reporting achievements including a 30% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions since 2019 and an 11% reduction in packaging since 2019. The supplier says it saved $8 million in energy and packaging costs in 2022.

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