FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., July 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, announced today an updated sustainability strategy and goals for 2020 as part of the release of its 2014 Sustainability Report.

The company's new goals reflect a broader and more integrated agenda than in past years, recognizing four strategic areas where BD will focus its efforts and reporting going forward:


    --  Innovation - health care safety, reach and cost
    --  Access - health care in resource-limited populations
    --  Efficiency - environmentally sound products and resilient operations
    --  Empowerment - positive workforce and community impacts

"BD sees the social and environmental challenges our world faces today as an opportunity to make a difference while strengthening our company," said Vincent A. Forlenza, BD chairman, chief executive officer and president. "Our sustainability strategy has evolved to address the wide range of challenges in our industry, while helping to make a difference on relevant issues that affect society and the planet. In addition to our ongoing focus to improve environmental performance, our sustainability strategy now takes a broader view of BD's role in addressing global societal issues."

This is BD's seventh annual Sustainability Report, highlighting progress achieved within the company's past fiscal year between Oct. 1, 2013 and Sept. 30, 2014. The company plans to continue its long history of shared value creation, which addresses unmet societal needs through business models and initiatives that also contribute to commercial success.

Achievement of 2015 Targets

The report also presents the results of BD's 2015 sustainability goals - the company's first set of strategic sustainability priorities and performance targets set in 2009 that related to environmental footprint reduction.

BD exceeded four of its five targets for 2015 and is making significant progress toward achieving its energy reduction goals. As a result, the company has delivered more than $25 million in cost savings through the significant improvement of its environmental performance over the last five years.

To view the full BD 2014 Sustainability Report, visit www.bd.com/sustainability2014.

About BD

BD is a leading medical technology company that partners with customers and stakeholders to address many of the world's most pressing and evolving health needs. Our innovative solutions are focused on improving medication management and patient safety; supporting infection prevention practices; equipping surgical and interventional procedures; improving drug delivery; aiding anesthesiology and respiratory care; advancing cellular research and applications; enhancing the diagnosis of infectious diseases and cancers; and supporting the management of diabetes. We are more than 45,000 associates in 50 countries who strive to fulfill our purpose of "Helping all people live healthy lives" by advancing the quality, accessibility, safety and affordability of healthcare around the world. In 2015, BD welcomed CareFusion and its products into the BD family of solutions. For more information on BD, please visit www.bd.com.

Contact:

Ed Cook
BD Corporate Communications
+1 (201) 847-7176
Ed_Cook@bd.com

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SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)