Impakter Index Editorial Independence

The Impakter Index was launched in 2019 as an initiative examining the sustainability performance of major global brands.

Its earlier editions assessed leading companies and published sustainability-related findings and rankings.

The Index remained publicly accessible during 2025, although its annual updates were paused.

In November 2026, the Index was relaunched under Klimado GmbH's ownership, with expanded company coverage and research capabilities.

The Index examines publicly available information concerning companies' environmental, social and governance practices.

Research may include:

• Environmental policies, emissions, energy use and resource management.
• Social policies, workplace practices and human rights.
• Corporate governance, transparency and accountability.
• Sustainability reports and public disclosures.
• ISO standards and third-party certifications.
• Published sustainability commitments and supporting evidence.

Availability and reliability of information may vary between companies.

The Index uses a structured research methodology to analyze available sustainability information and present findings in a comparable format.

Published assessments may include ESG observations, numerical scores, letter grades and comparative rankings.

These represent research assessments based on the information available at the relevant assessment date.

A sustainability grade is not a certificate, accreditation or guarantee of overall corporate sustainability.

The Index uses technology to support the collection and analysis of publicly available company information.

Automated research systems may help identify relevant disclosures, ESG observations, and certification claims.

Research findings enter a researcher or administrative review process before acceptance.

Automated research and human review have limitations. Published information may be corrected or updated when new evidence becomes available.

The Impakter Index aims to maintain the independence and integrity of its research.

Its assessments should reflect the applicable methodology and available evidence rather than the commercial interests of individual companies.

A company cannot obtain a particular sustainability grade simply by requesting it or entering into a commercial relationship with Klimado or Impakter.

The Index welcomes factual corrections and additional supporting evidence.

The Impakter Index does not:

• Issue sustainability certificates or accreditations.
• Act as an ISO certification body.
• Guarantee that a company complies with sustainability legislation.
• Certify that a company is sustainable in every respect.
• Provide investment recommendations or personalized financial advice.
• Execute financial transactions.
• Guarantee the completeness or accuracy of all third-party disclosures.

The Index is intended to inform public understanding and encourage evidence-based sustainability research.

Companies, researchers and members of the public may report factual inaccuracies or provide additional evidence.

Requests should identify the relevant company profile, the information concerned, and any supporting documentation.

Klimado reviews substantiated requests and may correct, update or annotate published information where appropriate.

The Impakter Index is owned and operated by Klimado GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.