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Grainger Recognized as One of the Most Ethical Companies

On March 11, 2025, Grainger, a prominent distributor of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products, announced a significant achievement: it has been named one of the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere. This prestigious recognition reflects Grainger's dedication to ethical practices, compliance, and governance principles.

A Milestone for Grainger

This marks the first time Grainger applied for this honor and successfully earned a spot as one of only four companies within its industry to be awarded. The selection process involved a rigorous evaluation, with 136 honorees recognized across 19 countries and spanning 44 different sectors. As Nancy Berardinelli-Krantz, Grainger's Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, stated, "Doing the right thing not only informs how we do business but also shapes how we treat each other." This philosophy has been at the core of Grainger’s operations for nearly a century, proving essential for its ongoing success.

The Significance of Ethical Practices

The honor not only celebrates Grainger but emphasizes the importance of integrity in business. According to Ethisphere's Chief Strategy Officer, Erica Salmon Byrne, "Behind this honor is a true dedication and a commitment to advancing business integrity." Companies that prioritize ethical practices tend to perform better, as indicated by the notable Ethics Premium: the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies honorees outperformed comparable firms by 7.8 percentage points from January 2020 to January 2025.

Assessment Methodology

The evaluation for this accolade is based on Ethisphere's proprietary Ethics Quotient®, which requires organizations to present over 240 distinct proof points demonstrating their ethical framework. These points encompass practices that underline compliance, governance, a strong ethical culture, as well as initiatives impacting environmental and social aspects. The collected data is meticulously reviewed by a panel of experts who invest countless hours analyzing and assessing each applicant.

Looking Ahead

Grainger's commitment to maintaining and promoting ethical standards will only continue to evolve. Interested parties can access the complete list of honorees on the World’s Most Ethical Companies website. Grainger's recognition serves as a beacon for other organizations aiming to cultivate an integrity-focused culture.

About Grainger

W.W. Grainger, Inc. operates as a leading distributor, primarily in North America, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Its mission, encapsulated in the slogan "We Keep the World Working®," is to serve over 4.5 million customers globally through innovative technologies and robust customer relationships. The company recorded a revenue of $17.2 billion in 2024 and boasts an extensive catalog comprising nearly 2 million products supporting maintenance and operational needs.

About Ethisphere

Ethisphere is recognized globally for its role in promoting ethical business practices that enhance corporate integrity and build customer trust. Their programs and assessments guide companies in leveraging ethics and social responsibility into substantial business advantages essential for long-term success. Through initiatives like the World's Most Ethical Companies recognition, Ethisphere cultivates a community of businesses committed to ethical excellence, driving progress in corporate governance on a global scale.