AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - AkzoNobel has again been ranked in the number-one position on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), heading the newly named Materials industry group (previously the Chemicals super sector).

AkzoNobel CEO Ton Büchner commented, "Sustainability is fundamental to our strategy of connecting value creation to resource efficiency, and maintaining our DJSI leadership status underscores our belief that sustainability is business and business is sustainability."

Büchner went on to say that despite the success more improvements are needed, as the company is determined to accelerate the pace of its commitment in order to take advantage of sustainable growth opportunities. "This will involve entering into even closer partnerships with customers and suppliers to help drive sustainable innovations," he explained. "We must also remain fully focused on further improving our performance in order to take the next major leap forward on our journey to creating more value from fewer resources."

Specialty chemicals company Clariant was also included in the index, listed in the DJSI Europe. To be listed on the DJSI, the company had to record an outstanding and sustainable performance in economic, environmental and social areas.

Clariant has set itself ambitious environmental goals regarding quality and quantity to be reached by 2020. In terms of its sustainability strategy, the company voluntarily undertakes to go above and beyond legal requirements, complying with higher standards such as the Responsible Care Global Charter, Global Product Strategy and the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact.

Regarded as one of the world's foremost sustainability indices, the DJSI World Index benchmarks the sustainability performance of leading companies based on environmental, social and economic performance, including forward-looking indicators. It assesses various criteria, including supply-chain management, operational eco-efficiency, product stewardship, human capital development, and occupational health and safety.