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Grainger’s Recognition as a Leading Ethical Company

On March 18, 2026, Grainger, a prominent distributor of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products, received notable recognition from Ethisphere as one of the 2026 World's Most Ethical Companies®. This honor, announced on the global stage, underscores Grainger's unwavering commitment to ethical practices, integrity, and compliance in their business operations.

This is not the first time that Grainger has earned this accolade; they have successfully made the list for the second consecutive year. In 2026, Ethisphere acknowledged 138 organizations from across 17 countries and 40 industries, highlighting the increasing importance of ethical standards in today’s global business landscape.

Grainger’s Vice President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, Nic Eichenseer, expressed pride in this acknowledgment, indicating that ethical operation is fundamental to Grainger's business ethos. He stated, "At Grainger, doing the right thing is foundational to how we operate and the principles that guide us every day." This commitment has been crucial in building trust and fostering long-lasting relationships with customers, partners, and communities for nearly a century.

Erica Salmon Byrne, Ethisphere's Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Chair, also commended Grainger for their achievement, emphasizing that this recognition not only celebrates their ethical practices but also serves as an exemplar for others. She remarked, "This group continues to raise the bar for business integrity by embedding ethics into everyday decision-making and long-term strategy."

Methodology Behind the Recognition

The selection process for the World's Most Ethical Companies assessment relies on Ethisphere's proprietary Ethics Quotient®, a comprehensive evaluation tool that necessitates that companies provide over 240 documented proof points supporting a robust ethical and compliance framework. This encompasses various aspects including:

• - Corporate governance
• - Program structure and resources
• - Standards and training
• - Risk assessment and audits
• - Ethical culture measurement
• - Third-party risk management

A panel of experts scrutinizes this data, involving thousands of hours dedicated to assessing each applicant’s adherence to these ethics and compliance standards. This thorough methodology serves as a guiding framework that captures and codes best-in-class ethical practices from organizations worldwide.

Grainger's Commitment to Integrity

Grainger operates primarily in North America and Japan, serving over 4.6 million customers with high-quality MRO products and solutions. Their revenue for 2025 reached an impressive $17.9 billion, reflecting not just their market presence, but also the trust and reliability they have cultivated among their clientele. Their philosophy, "We Keep the World Working®," highlights their dedication to providing essential services that support businesses and institutions globally.

By being acknowledged as one of the most ethical companies, Grainger reinforces its reputation not just as a leader in the distribution space but also as a champion of best practices in corporate ethics. This recognition opens a path for customers and other stakeholders to continue choosing those who value ethical integrity in business.

To explore the complete list of this year's honorees and learn more about Ethisphere's work, you can visit the World's Most Ethical Companies website.

In conclusion, Grainger’s continual commitment to ethical practices and operational integrity is an inspiring model for companies worldwide. As the field of ethical business practices evolves, the importance of having strong ethics, compliance, and governance programs will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for sustainable business success in the future.