PPG Earns Highest MSCI ESG Rating for Second Consecutive Year, Highlighting Strong Commitment to Sustainability Leadership
PPG (NYSE: PPG) has once again been recognized as a leader in environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, earning the prestigious “AAA” rating in the latest Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) ESG Ratings assessment. This marks the second year in a row that the company has achieved the highest possible rating, placing PPG among the top-performing global companies that demonstrate exceptional management of sustainability-related risks and opportunities.
Securing this elite status reinforces PPG’s long-term commitment to integrating sustainability into every layer of its operations, from product innovation to responsible business practices across its global footprint. The recognition signals to investors, customers, and industry stakeholders that the company continues to advance measurable progress toward reducing environmental impact and improving societal outcomes.
Peter Votruba-Drzal, PPG vice president of global sustainability, emphasized that this achievement underscores a companywide philosophy rooted in continuous improvement and responsible growth.
“Sustainability is more than a goal – it’s a key part of our business strategy,” said Votruba-Drzal. “It’s a catalyst for ongoing improvement across every part of our business, from customer solutions to facility operations. This recognition underscores how PPG is positioned to meet our customers’ needs: expanding our portfolio of sustainably advantaged solutions while reducing waste, water use, emissions and energy consumption.”
What the MSCI ESG Rating Means
MSCI ESG Research is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive evaluators of ESG performance among publicly traded companies. Its analysts assess thousands of organizations across various industries to determine how well they manage ESG risks compared with peers. Companies are rated on a scale ranging from “AAA” for leaders, through neutral mid-tier ratings such as “A” and “BBB,” down to “CCC” for those considered laggards.
The evaluation covers a broad spectrum of criteria, including:
- Climate change strategies and carbon emissions management
- Responsible supply chain oversight
- Operational environmental efficiency
- Product safety and stewardship
- Ethical governance structures
- Workforce diversity, labor practices, and community impact
A strong score reflects not only demonstrated ESG performance but also transparency in reporting, accountability in decision-making, and proactive risk mitigation strategies.
By maintaining its AAA rating, PPG shows that it is effectively navigating sustainability challenges inherent to the coatings and specialty materials sector—an industry traditionally reliant on resource-intensive production processes and chemical innovation.
Sustainability as a Business Driver
While ESG recognition is important for investors, PPG stresses that its sustainability priorities are essential for fueling innovation and strengthening its competitive edge. The company has made significant investments in advancing technologies that enable customers to reduce environmental impact over the life cycle of products. These innovations include:
- Low-VOC, waterborne, and solvent-free coatings
- Materials that improve energy efficiency and corrosion resistance
- Solutions that extend product longevity and performance
- Processes designed to reduce waste in customer operations
By focusing on the development of “sustainably advantaged products,” PPG aims to create value for customers seeking greener alternatives to meet stricter global sustainability regulations and rising consumer expectations.
Internally, PPG continues to progress on key environmental reduction targets. The company has been advancing programs to lower energy use, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, reduce water consumption, and minimize waste throughout its manufacturing sites. Efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and increased recycling efforts all play a central role in helping the company meet its near-term and long-range goals.
Supporting a Responsible and Inclusive Culture
Beyond environmental achievements, MSCI’s assessment also reflects PPG’s work in social responsibility and governance. The company has implemented strategic initiatives to support employee well-being, strengthen workplace inclusion and diversity, and invest in the communities where it operates.
Examples of these efforts include:
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion training and recruitment practices
- Expanded employee resource networks and engagement programs
- Workplace safety enhancements and health benefits
- Partnerships with local organizations to support education and community development
- Charitable investment through signature global initiatives such as Colorful Communities®, which transforms public spaces with donated products and employee volunteer contributions
Responsible governance frameworks also contribute to the company’s rating—ensuring ethical decision-making, transparency in sustainability reporting, and strong oversight of ESG risks at the board level.
Continued Momentum on the Global Stage
Maintaining the highest MSCI ESG rating highlights PPG’s ability to adapt to evolving sustainability expectations while demonstrating leadership within the chemicals and coatings sector. The repeated recognition not only supports the company’s reputation as a trusted supplier and collaborator but also strengthens its appeal to sustainability-minded institutional investors.
As ESG investing continues to grow, companies with strong performance are better positioned to access capital, mitigate long-term operational risk, and achieve stable future growth. PPG’s ongoing progress signals confidence in its strategy and ability to deliver solutions aligned with a more sustainable economy.
PPG remains committed to advancing measurable progress through its sustainability goals and corporate strategy. Continued investments in research and development, operational improvements, and stakeholder support will play a vital role as the company works toward future environmental milestones and innovation leadership.
“We are proud of this recognition,” added Votruba-Drzal, “but we also know our work is never finished. Sustainability requires forward-thinking, relentless improvement, and collaboration across our entire value chain. We will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible so that our business, customers, employees, and communities can thrive.”
With this second consecutive AAA rating from MSCI, PPG solidifies its position as a global ESG leader—driving meaningful progress while delivering coatings and materials designed to protect and enhance the world.
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