Examples of purpose statements

Below are some examples of past and current purpose statements (this is not a judgement of whether or not these companies are purpose-led):

Patagonia:
We’re in business to save our home planet…..we appreciate that all life on earth is under threat of extinction. We aim to use the resources we have—our business, our investments, our voice and our imaginations—to do something about it.

Reckitt Benckiser:
We exist to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner and healthier world. We fearlessly innovate in this pursuit across our Hygiene, Health and Nutrition businesses.

ING:
Our purpose – Empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business – represents our conviction in people’s potential. We don’t judge, coach or to tell people how to live their lives. However big or small, modest or grand, we empower people and businesses to realise their own vision for a better future.

We know people don’t need banks, they need banking. Our promise is to make banking frictionless, removing barriers to progress and giving people the confidence in their ability to make decisions and to move forward. This promise frees them from the constraints that stand between them and their passions and encourages them to do more of the things that give their life meaning.

Our purpose guides us in everything we do. It’s founded on our belief that ING’s role is to support and promote economic, social and environmental progress, and at the same time generate healthy returns for shareholders.

Novo Nordisk:

Driving change to defeat serious chronic diseases. This reflects the company’s commitment to addressing global health challenges, particularly those related to chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. Their vision promotes better health outcomes and emphasises sustainability, extending beyond mere profit to include a focus on patient well-being and societal impact.

GSK:
We are a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. We have 3 global businesses that research, develop and manufacture innovative pharmaceutical medicines, vaccines and consumer healthcare products. Our goal is to be one of the world’s most innovative, best performing and trusted healthcare companies.

Our values and expectations are at the heart of everything we do and help define our culture – so that together we can deliver extraordinary things for our patients and consumers and make GSK a brilliant place to work.

Our values are Patient focus, Transparency, Respect, Integrity.
Our expectations are Courage, Accountability, Development, Teamwork.

Wates Group

Reimagining places for people to thrive. In the face of today’s environmental and social pressures, we know the built environment must do more. It can help unlock people’s potential, improve health and wellbeing, and shape future prospects. It can change lives and strengthen communities in ways few other industries can. We want to lead the way in making this happen. We have a proud legacy for quality, safety and social value. By making sure every decision ladders up to this purpose, we can take our business into the future and have an even greater positive impact in the world.

DSM:
Our purpose is to create brighter lives for all. We achieve it by using all the scientific and innovation power at our disposal to tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges – creating value for customers, shareholders, our people, and society-at-large.