The Fortune list particularly judges companies on activities that are part of their core business strategy, and DSM ranks alongside JP Morgan and Apple in the top three.
DSM earned its high ranking thanks to contributions in the areas of nutrition, climate change and the circular economy, the chemicals player notes.
What is Fortune’s Change the World ranking?
Fortune’s annual Change the World list ranks companies on three factors: measurable social impact, business results and degree of innovation.
The list is determined by Fortune writers and editors with help from partners FSG and Shared Value Initiative, the magazine explains.
The ranking prioritizes companies with annual revenues of $1 billion or more.
DSM efforts
DSM says that the magazine highlighted the its efforts to combat malnutrition, particularly its work on Africa Improved Foods (AIF).
This a joint venture between DSM, the government of Rwanda and other partners, and aims to improve the nutritional status of the Rwandan population.
It aims to address malnutrition by manufacturing enhanced nutritious foods sourced from local small holder farmers.
DSM were also recognised for its Project ‘Clean Cow’, a new feed ingredient that can effect a reported 30%-plus reduction in methane emissions “without adverse effects on beef and dairy cattle’s welfare, feed consumption or performance”.
Other DSM activities recognized by Fortune include DSM’s partnership with the World Food Programme, the company’s Project Liberty joint venture for next-generation biofuels, and Niaga, the first fully recyclable carpet.