Spartanburg Company Recognized Among The World’s ‘Most Ethical’

In an impressive feat, Spartanburg-based Milliken & Co., a diversified global manufacturer, has been recognized as one of the most ethical companies in the world. The company, renowned for its transformation from traditional textile manufacturing to having a diversified portfolio of businesses worldwide, has etched its name on Ethisphere’s ‘2024 World’s Most Ethical Companies’ list.

Ethisphere’s ‘World’s Most Ethical Companies’ List

Ethisphere is a distinguished organization that advances and defines the standards of ethical business practices globally. Their World’s Most Ethical Companies list honors organizations that exhibit an “exemplary commitment to business integrity through robust ethics, compliance and governance programs.”

Milliken & Co. achieved the rare distinction of being one of only six organizations to be listed every year since the list’s inception in 2007. This consistent recognition underscores Milliken’s unwavering commitment to business ethics and corporate integrity.

Milliken’s Statement

Milliken’s President and CEO, Halsey Cook, expressed his pride in the recognition. “At Milliken, we are committed to making a positive impact on people and the world around us. This honor affirms that how we conduct business matters just as much as what we accomplish, and we’re proud to be recognized again this year,” he stated.

Milliken’s Associate Promise and Ethical Stance

Milliken executed an extensive project in 2023, intending to better understand the needs and preferences of its employee base. As a result, the company established the Associate Promise, pledging to foster a culture rooted in trust, diversity, intentional inclusion, and empowerment. The Associate Promise encapsulates elements of Milliken’s overarching ethics and compliance program, aiming to impact the world positively through a commitment to excellence and continuous betterment.

Kasel Knight, Senior VP and General Counsel, who also heads sustainability at Milliken, further underscored the company’s ethical enterprise, stating, “By acting with integrity and transparency, we continue our commitment to maintaining our ethical enterprise. From the way we treat our associates to the way we engage in the market, we act for humankind in everything we do.”

The World’s Most Ethical Companies Assessment

The World’s Most Ethical Companies list is predicated on Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient, a comprehensive questionnaire requiring companies to provide over 240 proof points regarding their culture of ethics, environmental, social and governance practices, ethics and compliance program, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

In 2024, 136 honorees from 20 countries and 44 diverse industries were recognized.

Final Remarks

Erica Salmon Byrne, Ethisphere’s Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Chair, complimented Milliken, “Year after year, we see Milliken exhibit a best-in-class culture of ethics and integrity. Not only is this team demonstrating a strong ethical mindset, Milliken is committed to continually improving their ethics and compliance practices. We congratulate Milliken on its 18th year as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies.”