Smartwater

Extracted groundwater from drought-affected communities at 3x permitted rate for bottling operations.

Intimidation of union organisers at Monterrey bottling facility. Workers reported threats and selective terminations.

Named world's largest plastic polluter for 6th consecutive year by Break Free From Plastic audit.

Convicted of criminal price-fixing of lysine and citric acid markets. Paid $100M fine — largest antitrust fine at the time.

Paid $33.8M SEC settlement in 2013 for FCPA violations including bribery of Ukrainian officials through subsidiary.

Bauxite mining required for aluminum production causes significant soil erosion and water table disruption in sourcing regions.

Holds ~$25B in Chevron and ~$15B in Occidental Petroleum, making it one of the largest institutional backers of fossil fuel expansion despite climate commitments by portfolio companies.

SEC investigation into ESG fund disclosures after evidence that sustainability claims in fund prospectuses were not reflected in actual investment screening.

Linked to 5.4 million acres of deforestation in Brazil's Cerrado through soy supply chain from 2000–2020.

Documented child labour in West African cocoa supply chain across Ivory Coast and Ghana sourcing operations.

Total compensation of $16.5M in 2023 represents a 1,635:1 ratio vs. median Coca-Cola employee salary of $10,091 — one of the highest CEO-to-worker pay ratios in the beverage industry.

As the world's largest index fund manager, Vanguard's passive ownership model means it never votes against management on executive pay, environmental resolutions, or labour practices.