Method Products sustainability score: 30/100

SC Johnson claims 71% Scope 1 & 2 reduction since 2000 baseline but publishes no absolute emissions figures in tonnes CO₂e. DitchCarbon confirms no specific data available. For a $12B global manufacturer with 13,000+ employees, opacity of this magnitude is inexcusable. No third-party verification noted.

SC Johnson explicitly excludes Scope 3 emissions—which represent 80-90% of total impact in similar industries—from all reporting. No supply chain emissions data published for Method or parent company. Petrochemical-derived ingredients, global distribution, and palm oil sourcing create substantial undisclosed footprint.

SC Johnson claims 71% absolute reduction since 2000 and 38% reduction 2020–2024 in Scope 1 & 2, but no specific figures published to verify. No third-party verification. Scope 3 entirely excluded. Claims cover minority of total emissions footprint only.

45% of SC Johnson's global energy from renewables. Method's Chicago factory is LEED Platinum with 230-foot wind turbine and solar supplying nearly 50% of power. Solar expanded 300% since 2020 across one-third of manufacturing sites. Falls short of full renewable transition.

FSC-certified cardboard, Leaping Bunny certification, wood-fibre Indigenous rights policy, and commitment to uncertified palm oil avoidance noted. However, Commons identifies non-RSPO-certified palm oil in use. Petrochemical ingredients have upstream nature impacts. No TNFD disclosure or quantified nature footprint.

100% recycled plastic in clear containers, recovered coastal plastic via Plastic Bank, LEED Zero Waste certification for Chicago factory, 93% of owned sites zero landfill waste. Offers refills and reusable bottles. 25% PCR content, 55% packaging recyclable/reusable/compostable. Continued plastic reliance limits higher score.

Chicago factory claims advanced water recycling and 30-million-gallon conservation target over five years. SC Johnson does not report water efficiency measures. No water consumption data in cubic metres published, no water footprint quantified, no reduction targets disclosed. Material gap for cleaning products manufacturer.

SC Johnson set internal 70% GHG reduction target by 2025 vs 2000 baseline (claims 71% achieved). No SBTi validation. No net-zero target or timeline published. Scope 3 entirely excluded. 2000 baseline obscures recent progress. Below standard for $12B global manufacturer.

SC Johnson publishes annual Better World Accountability Report with high-level data only. Private company, not subject to CSRD or SEC disclosure. No specific emissions tonnes published. Commons notes sustainability page 'hard to find' and reports contain 'limited, high-level information.' No TCFD disclosure. Percentage reductions unverifiable by third parties.

Settled $2.25M class action (2021) for misleading 'non-toxic' and 'natural' claims despite synthetic ingredients. Greenwashing Index and multiple consumer sites flag ongoing false environmental/health marketing. Settlement required transparent labeling but admission of wrongdoing withheld. Credible pattern of deception.