Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson is a U.S.-based healthcare company headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The company is known for prescription medicines and medical technology, including treatments in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiovascular disease, surgery, orthopedics, and vision care. Because Johnson & Johnson relies on laboratories, manufacturing facilities, sterilization systems, and high-quality process water, water use is a relevant part of its ESG performance.

Perhaps Johnson & Johnson's most prominent water stewardship achievement is the implementation of the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard at critical facilities in water-stressed regions. Johnson & Johnson has made a public commitment to advanced water stewardship at all of the company's operations and across its global supply chains. In particular, three of the company's sites in Mexico and California have completed AWS certification preparations and inspections in 2025. Such proactive actions go far beyond general ESG standards and involve a science-based approach to water stewardship, AWS Standard, and extensive collaboration with stakeholders.

J&J has partnered with other pharmaceutical companies through the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Initiative to share best practices and technical expertise on water and wastewater treatment. Additionally, the company participates in the Prioritization and Risk Evaluation of Medicines in the Environment project in the EU, which involves compiling publicly available information on the environmental risk of pharmaceuticals. This level of engagement is particularly noteworthy in the context of water stewardship and ESG as pharmaceutical companies have to consider the impact on the water environment and its various aspects and determine their contribution to it.