Beyond the Bark: Edgewell's Five-Year Sustainability Push

SHELTON, Conn. – April 23, 2026 – Edgewell Personal Care, the company behind household brands like Schick, Banana Boat, and Wet Ones, is marking its fifth anniversary in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. The milestone celebrates a significant achievement: the funding and planting of over 100,000 trees, which are projected to restore more than 140 acres of vital forestland. While the numbers are impressive, the initiative offers a deeper look into the evolving landscape of corporate environmental responsibility, where long-term, tangible impact is becoming the new benchmark for success.

This five-year collaboration is a cornerstone of Edgewell's broader 'Sustainable Care' strategy, an ambitious plan designed to embed environmental and social consciousness into its global operations. As companies face increasing scrutiny from consumers and investors alike, partnerships like this are moving from public relations footnotes to core business functions, signaling a more profound commitment to planetary health.

From Seedlings to Ecosystems: The Biodiversity Impact

The impact of planting 100,000 trees extends far beyond simple reforestation statistics. A significant portion of Edgewell's support has been directed toward one of the world's most unique and threatened ecosystems: the high-altitude Polylepis forests of the Andes. These ancient woodlands serve as critical habitats for a vast array of wildlife, including more than 50 species of hummingbirds, the spectacled bear, and the Andean condor.

By focusing on this region, the partnership directly addresses biodiversity loss. The Polylepis trees, with their dense, multi-layered bark, create a microclimate that helps stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and regulate water flow. Their extensive root systems act as natural sponges, capturing rainfall and replenishing groundwater for downstream communities. This focus on watershed health and ecosystem resilience is a key part of the project's design.

"Our partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation is a powerful example of our sustainability strategy in action," said Amy Knight, Vice President of Global Sustainability at Edgewell, in a statement. "Through these reforestation efforts, we are supporting biodiversity in unique ecosystems, contributing to watershed health and helping enable positive outcomes for the climate and local communities."

These efforts are part of a larger, time-tested conservation model. The projects are connected to Acción Andina, a multi-country initiative that has successfully planted millions of native trees over two decades using a community-based approach. This connection lends credibility and ensures the on-the-ground work is effective and sustainable.

Dan Morrow, Vice President of Partnerships at the Arbor Day Foundation, highlighted the measurable results. "Five years of collaboration have delivered meaningful, on‑the‑ground results—from reducing water runoff and improving air quality to sequestering carbon dioxide—demonstrating how corporate partners like Edgewell can play a critical role in building a healthier, more resilient future."

Weaving a Wider Green Net

In an era where 'greenwashing' is a common criticism, Edgewell’s reforestation project does not stand in isolation. It is one component of the company's comprehensive "Sustainable Care 2030" strategy, which sets measurable targets across its business. An examination of the company's progress reports reveals a multi-faceted approach to reducing its environmental footprint.

On the packaging front, Edgewell has made significant strides. The company has already surpassed its 2030 goal of reducing virgin petroleum-based plastic in its razors and blades packaging by 50%, achieving a 55.8% reduction from its 2019 baseline. Its disposable razor handles now contain 22.9% less virgin plastic. Brands like Banana Boat have introduced reusable sprayers with refill bottles made from 25% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, while Cremo deodorant barrels now use 100% recycled plastic.

Progress is also evident in its operational efficiency. The company has reduced its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 23.5% and cut its water usage by 5.2%, meeting its 2030 water reduction goal ahead of schedule. These efforts are validated by external platforms like the CDP, a global environmental disclosure non-profit, where Edgewell holds a B- rating, indicating a coordinated approach to managing climate issues. This wider strategy suggests the tree-planting initiative is not a standalone gesture but part of a systemic shift within the organization.

The New Currency of Consumer Loyalty

Edgewell's investment in sustainability is not merely altruistic; it is a strategic response to a fundamental shift in the personal care market. Today's consumers are increasingly making purchasing decisions with their environmental conscience. Market research indicates that a vast majority of shoppers—around 78%—consider sustainability an important factor, with over half willing to pay a premium for brands that align with their values.

The demand for 'clean,' 'natural,' and ethically sourced products is reshaping store shelves. Consumers are actively seeking transparent brands with minimal environmental impact, from plant-based ingredients to plastic-free and refillable packaging. The global sustainable personal care market is projected to expand rapidly, reaching nearly $94 billion by 2028. This trend has put pressure on legacy brands to innovate or risk losing relevance.

By visibly committing to initiatives like reforestation and transparently reporting on its packaging and emissions goals, Edgewell is working to build brand loyalty with a new generation of environmentally-aware consumers. The 'Sustainable Care' narrative helps its brands compete in a crowded marketplace where environmental credentials are fast becoming as important as product performance.

Charting a Course in a Competitive Green Field

Edgewell is not alone in its sustainability journey. The personal care industry is a competitive arena where major players are all vying for the 'green' consumer. Giants like Procter & Gamble, parent company of Gillette, have set ambitious goals for 100% recyclable packaging by 2030, are expanding razor recycling programs with TerraCycle, and aim for net-zero emissions by 2040. Similarly, Unilever has committed to halving its use of virgin plastic and is investing €1 billion in a Climate & Nature Fund.

In this context, Edgewell’s approach stands out for its specific, biodiversity-focused narrative. While competitors often highlight broad goals around packaging and operational emissions, Edgewell's five-year commitment to restoring a unique and fragile ecosystem like the Polylepis forest provides a compelling and tangible story. It connects the purchase of a razor or sunscreen to the direct protection of hummingbirds and the preservation of a critical water source in the Andes.

This targeted approach allows the company to differentiate itself from the larger, more generalized corporate sustainability claims of its rivals. As the industry continues to evolve, such long-term, focused partnerships may prove to be a powerful tool for demonstrating genuine commitment and capturing the loyalty of consumers who demand that personal care extends to care for the planet.