UPL, a global name in sustainable agricultural solutions, has achieved outstanding recognition in the 2024 Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI). The company has been named the top performer in the agrochemicals sector globally for the second consecutive year. It also secured the fourth-highest score within the chemicals industry. UPL remains the only agrochemical company to feature in the highly regarded DJSI World Index for two years in a row.
The DJSI evaluates the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance of companies worldwide, identifying the top 10% in each sector. The inclusion of UPL in the DJSI World and Emerging Markets Indices highlights its exceptional commitment to sustainable practices, supported by its strong performance in the S&P Global 2024 Corporate Sustainability Assessment.
“This recognition reaffirms our commitment to Reimagining Sustainability by demonstrating how agriculture can be a force for good – empowering farmers, enhancing food security, fostering sustainable development, and creating a brighter future for all.”
Awarded for Intellectual Property Leadership
UPL also received accolades for its intellectual property (IP) management at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Industrial IP Awards 2024. It was honored with the Best Patent Portfolio award for the sixth consecutive year and the Best Trademark Portfolio award for the fourth time in the Large – Life Sciences category, which includes Pharma and Agriculture Sciences.
Dr. Vishal Sodha, Global IP Head at UPL, accepted the awards, highlighting the company’s innovation-driven approach. “This recognition inspires us to continue creating farmer-centric innovations that address critical challenges and advance sustainable solutions,” he said. UPL’s IP portfolio boasts over 2,500 granted patents, 4,300 pending patent applications, 17,000 registered trademarks, and 13,000 pending trademark applications globally.
Industry Leaders Advocate Collaboration
The awards ceremony, part of the 10th CII Annual Summit on Technology, Intellectual Property, and Industry-Academia Partnership, underscored the importance of collaboration in fostering innovation. Dr. R A Mashelkar, Former Director General of CSIR and Chair of the CII awards jury, emphasized that impactful innovation requires partnerships between academia and industry.
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Mr. Vipin Sondhi, Chairman of the CII National Forum on Industry-Academia Partnership, pointed to the need for addressing the ‘Valley of Death,’ where promising research often fails to reach commercialization due to lack of investment and collaboration.
Other prominent speakers, including Vivek Shah, Vice-Chairman of the CII National Committee on Intellectual Property, and Shaheen Majeed, Global CEO of Sami-Sabinsa Group, stressed the strategic value of intellectual property as an economic asset and a driver of growth.
UPL’s Commitment to Sustainable Growth
UPL’s dual recognition in sustainability and intellectual property reflects its leadership in addressing global agricultural challenges. Through innovation, collaboration, and a strong commitment to sustainability, UPL continues to create value for farmers and stakeholders worldwide, contributing to a secure and sustainable future.