January 20, 2026

Ingevity Corporation Receives National Recognition for Responsible Growth

Charleston, January 20, 2026

Ingevity Corporation, based in North Charleston, SC, has been named one of America’s Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek for the fourth consecutive year. This accolade highlights the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and effective corporate governance. The recognition not only celebrates Ingevity’s internal practices but also reflects a trend among South Carolina businesses that successfully balance profitability with purpose, benefiting the broader Charleston County economy and inspiring local enterprises.

Charleston, SC —

Ingevity’s 2026 National Recognition: A Model for Responsible Growth

Charleston’s own Ingevity Corporation has once again earned a coveted spot on Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies list for 2026, marking its fourth consecutive year of recognition. This honor highlights the company’s steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sound corporate governance, underscoring a business philosophy that resonates deeply within the Charleston County economy.

Such consistent national acknowledgment reflects more than just a company’s internal policies; it speaks to a broader trend where South Carolina entrepreneurs and established businesses alike are demonstrating that profitability and purpose can indeed go hand-in-hand. For communities like Charleston, where economic vitality is often fueled by innovative local enterprises and strategic private investments, Ingevity’s achievement serves as an inspiring benchmark. It showcases how companies rooted in our region can lead by example on a national scale, fostering a climate of responsible business practices that ultimately benefit employees, shareholders, and the wider community.

Recognizing Sustained Corporate Responsibility

The “America’s Most Responsible Companies 2026” list, compiled annually by Newsweek in partnership with global data firm Statista, identifies the top 600 publicly traded companies across the United States. This rigorous evaluation considers a company’s performance across more than 30 key indicators spanning environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. Additionally, the ranking incorporates insights from a nationwide reputation survey of U.S. residents, reflecting public perception of corporate responsibility efforts. Ingevity’s repeated inclusion on this prestigious list confirms its dedication to operational excellence and ethical conduct.

For a company headquartered in North Charleston, this consistent recognition reinforces the idea that businesses operating within a framework of prudent management and community focus are those best positioned for long-term success. It highlights the value of private sector leadership in driving positive change, often more effectively and efficiently than through extensive bureaucratic oversight alone. This kind of entrepreneurial innovation, celebrated on a national stage, further elevates the reputation of Charleston SC business as a hub for forward-thinking industries.

Ingevity’s Purpose-Driven Business Model

Ingevity’s core mission is to “purify, protect, and enhance the world around us”. The company achieves this through the development, manufacturing, and marketing of specialized products and technologies designed to help customers solve complex challenges and contribute to global sustainability. Their business operations are segmented into Performance Materials, which includes activated carbon; Advanced Polymer Technologies, focusing on caprolactone polymers; and Performance Chemicals, encompassing specialty chemicals and pavement technologies.

These diverse applications touch various critical sectors, from adhesives and agrochemicals to asphalt paving, certified biodegradable bioplastics, coatings, elastomers, pavement markings, and automotive components. This broad impact demonstrates a business model that is not only innovative but also intrinsically linked to improving everyday life and environmental outcomes. It exemplifies how private enterprise, driven by market demand and innovation, can naturally align with broader societal goals of sustainability and resource efficiency without the need for excessive regulation that can stifle growth for Charleston small business owners.

The Pillars of Responsible Performance

The criteria for Newsweek’s ranking delve into various facets of corporate responsibility. Ingevity’s inclusion signifies strong performance in areas such as environmental impact, social responsibility, and robust governance practices. To be considered, companies must publish a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or sustainability report and file a corresponding 10-K, ensuring transparency and accountability. Companies with significant CSR-related controversies or those listed on major pollution indexes are excluded from consideration.

This comprehensive evaluation process underscores that true corporate responsibility is multifaceted, extending beyond mere compliance to proactive engagement in sustainable operations and community upliftment. For businesses in the Lowcountry, this serves as a reminder that a strong ethical foundation is a competitive advantage, attracting talent, investors, and loyal customers who value integrity and a commitment to shared prosperity. It illustrates that sound business practices, when left to thrive in an environment that rewards initiative, are inherently beneficial to Lowcountry economic growth.

Leadership Perspective on Sustained Success

Dave Li, Ingevity’s President and CEO, has articulated that this recurring honor reflects the deep-seated integrity and diligent care exhibited by their teams in every aspect of their work. He emphasized that by adhering to principles of responsible growth and actively strengthening the communities they serve, Ingevity is building a resilient foundation designed for long-term success. This leadership perspective champions the idea that sustainable business practices are not just an add-on but are integral to enduring economic strength.

The company’s continued commitment to these values demonstrates a private sector approach to societal challenges, proving that businesses can be powerful agents for good. Rather than relying solely on government mandates, successful companies often lead the way through voluntary initiatives and strategic investments in their people and the planet, reflecting a proactive and self-governing ethos that fosters genuine, impactful change.

Conclusion

Ingevity Corporation’s consistent recognition on Newsweek’s “America’s Most Responsible Companies” list, now for the fourth year running in 2026, is a testament to the power of dedicated entrepreneurial spirit combined with a strong sense of corporate citizenship. Their success story, originating right here in North Charleston, serves as a compelling example for other enterprises, highlighting how a commitment to ethical practices, innovation, and community engagement drives not only financial prosperity but also meaningful societal contributions.

As Charleston continues to grow and evolve, the achievements of companies like Ingevity underscore the importance of fostering an environment where businesses can thrive, innovate, and contribute responsibly without undue burden. We encourage our readers to recognize and support local businesses that embody these values, helping to cultivate a robust and conscientious Charleston County economy for generations to come. Your engagement and support are vital in championing the kind of economic growth that truly benefits everyone in the Lowcountry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ingevity Corporation?: Ingevity Corporation (NYSE:NGVT) is a publicly traded company headquartered in North Charleston, South Carolina, that provides products and technologies designed to purify, protect, and enhance the world around us.
What award did Ingevity receive in 2026?: Ingevity was named to Newsweek’s “America’s Most Responsible Companies” list for 2026.
How many times has Ingevity received this recognition?: Ingevity has been named to Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies list for the fourth consecutive year.
What criteria are used for Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies list?: The 2026 ranking evaluates companies using more than 30 performance indicators across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria and includes a nationwide reputation survey of U.S. residents. Companies must also publish a CSR or sustainability report and file a corresponding 10-K.
What are Ingevity’s main business segments?: Ingevity operates in three reporting segments: Performance Materials (including activated carbon), Advanced Polymer Technologies (including caprolactone polymers), and Performance Chemicals (including specialty chemicals and pavement technologies).

Key Features of Ingevity’s 2026 “America’s Most Responsible Companies” Recognition

Feature	Description	Scope
Company Name	Ingevity Corporation (NYSE:NGVT)	Company-specific
Award Title	Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies	Nationwide
Award Year	2026	Nationwide
Consecutive Recognition	Fourth consecutive year	Company-specific
Number of Companies Recognized	Top 600 publicly traded companies	Nationwide
Evaluation Criteria	Over 30 performance indicators across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria; nationwide reputation survey; review of CSR/sustainability reports and 10-K filings.	Nationwide
Headquarters Location	North Charleston, South Carolina	State-level
CEO Statement	Dave Li emphasized integrity, care, responsible growth, and strengthening communities for long-term success.	Company-specific
Core Mission	To purify, protect, and enhance the world around us.	Company-specific
Business Segments	Performance Materials, Advanced Polymer Technologies, Performance Chemicals	Company-specific