In an enlightening conversation, Nancy Mahon, Chief Sustainability Officer at The Estée Lauder Companies, delves into the company’s commitment to fostering a greener future through sustainability and social impact initiatives. This discussion forms part of the Global Retail Outlook 2024 report, offering insights into the beauty industry’s journey towards sustainable practices.
Contents
- 1 The Transformative Power of Consumer Goods
- 2 Creating Value Through Sustainability
- 3 Collaboration as a Catalyst for Change
- 4 Advancing Through Environmental Ratings and Reporting
- 5 Empowering Employees in the Sustainability Journey
- 6 Nancy Mahon’s Personal Commitment to Sustainability
- 7 Further Reading, Credit & Resources
The Transformative Power of Consumer Goods
Nancy Mahon highlights the unique position of consumer goods companies in driving societal change, leveraging their connection with employees and consumers to spearhead impactful sustainability efforts. She underscores the critical role these companies play in addressing global challenges through collective action and brand influence.
Creating Value Through Sustainability

Aligning sustainability efforts with brand identity and retail messaging is pivotal, according to Nancy. She emphasizes the importance of communicating sustainability initiatives in a manner that resonates with all stakeholders, ensuring that these efforts contribute value to employees, consumers, investors, and governments alike.
Collaboration as a Catalyst for Change
Partnerships are central to The Estée Lauder Companies’ approach to sustainability. By collaborating with a diverse range of partners, including suppliers, competitors, and organizations from various sectors, the company demonstrates that sustainability is a shared responsibility. Nancy highlights the collective effort required to initiate meaningful change within the industry.
Advancing Through Environmental Ratings and Reporting
The company’s achievements in environmental ratings by CDP and its positive stance on the evolving Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) underscore its commitment to transparency and standardized reporting. Nancy views these developments as opportunities to share The Estée Lauder Companies’ sustainability story on a global scale.
Empowering Employees in the Sustainability Journey
Internal initiatives such as “ELC Listens” and the creation of green teams emphasize the importance of employee involvement in sustainability efforts. Educational programs and climate hackathons further engage and empower The Estée Lauder Companies’ workforce, highlighting the impact of collective action on achieving sustainability goals.
Nancy Mahon’s Personal Commitment to Sustainability
Nancy shares how her family’s sustainable practices reflect her professional dedication to environmental stewardship. From using recycled materials to conserving water, her personal life mirrors the values she champions at The Estée Lauder Companies, showcasing the integral role of sustainability both at work and home.
Through this insightful conversation with Nancy Mahon, it’s evident that The Estée Lauder Companies is not only paving the way for sustainability in the beauty industry but also inspiring others to join in their mission for a more sustainable and socially impactful future.
Further Reading, Credit & Resources
This article was enriched by insights from various sources. For further exploration of the topics discussed, delve into the following resources:
Deloitte

Dr. Alexander Tabibi is an entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for sustainable innovation with a deep commitment to leveraging technology for environmental and social good. As a thought leader at the intersection of business and sustainability, Dr. Tabibi brings a strategic vision to Green.org, helping guide its mission to inspire global climate awareness and actionable change.
With a background in both medicine and business, Dr. Tabibi combines analytical rigor with entrepreneurial insight.
