Kolmar Korea has earned a coveted position on TIME Magazine’s “World’s Best Companies for Sustainable Growth 2025” list, underscoring its commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.
A Prestigious Global Recognition
The rankings, developed in collaboration with global market research firm Statista, highlight the top 500 companies globally for their outstanding contributions to sustainable growth. Kolmar Korea ranked an impressive 125th worldwide and placed 6th among Korean companies. Significantly, it was the sole Korean cosmetics company included, standing out in a list that featured 23 Korean firms.
Comprehensive Evaluation Metrics
TIME and Statista evaluated companies using three equally weighted metrics: revenue growth, financial stability, and environmental impact. A total of 3,000 major companies from 150 countries were analysed, with a specific focus on transparent environmental reporting.
Kolmar Korea achieved an overall score of 81.44, excelling in multiple categories:
- Revenue Growth: Ranked in the top 25% globally, with a three-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17%.
- Financial Stability: Positioned within the top 40% for fiscal resilience.
- Environmental Impact: Ranked among the top 10% globally for carbon emissions reduction, eco-friendly energy usage, and waste management practices.
Innovations in Eco-Friendly Technology
A significant factor in Kolmar Korea’s recognition is its groundbreaking efforts in sustainable innovation. The company has developed industry-leading technologies, including its acclaimed paper tube and paper stick products.
- Paper Tube: Launched in 2021, this innovative container reduces plastic usage by over 80% compared to traditional options. It has received accolades at prominent design competitions, including the IDEA (International Design Excellence Awards), iF Design Award, and Red Dot Design Award.
- Paper Stick: This eco-conscious solution for stick-type cosmetics integrates mineral paper, further minimising plastic usage while setting new benchmarks in sustainability.
Driving K-Beauty’s Global Expansion
Kolmar Korea continues to lead the global K-beauty movement, fostering partnerships with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and indie brands to promote shared growth. As a result, K-beauty exports reached an unprecedented USD 9.3 billion as of November 2024. Projections indicate that annual exports will surpass USD 10 billion by the end of the year.
This collaborative approach not only boosts Kolmar Korea’s influence but also strengthens the global reputation of Korean cosmetics.
Commitment to Governance and ESG Excellence
Kolmar Korea has demonstrated a robust commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. The company established an ESG committee under its board of directors to enhance its compliance programme and reinforce governance transparency. These efforts have earned high marks from domestic ESG evaluation agencies, including the Korea Institute of Corporate Governance and Sustainability (KCGS) and Sustinvest, both of which awarded Kolmar Korea an A-grade.
Leadership Perspective
Yoon Sang Hyun, Vice-Chairman of Kolmar Group, expressed pride in the recognition, stating: We are honoured to be recognised as one of the world’s leading companies. This recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to driving sustainable innovation. We will continue advancing eco-friendly technologies and fulfilling our responsibility as a global leader in K-beauty.”
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
Kolmar Korea’s accomplishments exemplify the power of innovation, collaboration, and environmental responsibility. As it looks to the future, the company remains focused on creating sustainable value for stakeholders worldwide.
