GREEN RANKING FOR 2009
Ranking: 7
Worth: £13.2bn
Green investment: Green products

Michael Otto retired at the end of 2007 as head of the Otto Group, the world’s largest mail-order company, started by his father in 1949. With a 30% rise in online sales last year, Otto also maintains its position as the web’s biggest retailer after Amazon. The Otto Group has long touted environmentally safe products and practices. As far back as 1995 it was launching environmentally-friendly products. In 1992 Otto banned chemicals in lacquer, paints and fibres from its product ranges, as well as fur products and goods made of tropical wood. Otto also supports a foundation that funds preservation of the River Elbe.