Colgate Palmolive has been named as one of the best-performing companies on water security in the first global ranking of corporate water stewardship from CDP.

The NPO sent disclosure requests to 1,073 of the world’s largest firms in sectors with high water vulnerability and received responses from a record 400 companies.

CDP then issued its first Water A List, with eight companies making the grade, including Asahi, Colgate Palmolive, Ford, Harmong Gold Mining, Kumba Iron Ore, Metsä Board, Rohm and Toyota.

“Just as oil was to the 20th century, water is fast becoming the defining resource of the 21st century. Unfortunately however, unlike oil, there is no replacement for water. CDP’s Water A List in particular understand that taking a more prudent approach to managing water will ultimately be of benefit to their business and wider stakeholders,” said Cate Lamb, Head of Water at CDP.