Unilever - Sustainable Company of the Week
Unilever, the global giant in consumer goods, has got a crazy mix of brands like Ben & Jerry's and Dove under its wing. But their rock-solid commitment to sustainability makes them stand out in the crowd. Unilever's skill for blending eco-friendliness, social responsibility, and ethical vibes makes them a total ESG superstar (Environmental, Social, and Governance). So, let's dive into the world of Unilever's green game and discover what makes them legendary.
Product From Unilever: Hellman’s Mayonaise
The Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, a.k.a. The Master Plan
Launched in 2010, Unilever's Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) marked a bold step in corporate sustainability. The plan targets environmental, social, and economic challenges while maintaining the company's growth. With three main pillars, each featuring specific targets, the USLP serves as a guide for Unilever's sustainability journey.
Boosting Health & Well-being
This pillar aims to improve the health and well-being of over a billion people by 2020. It addresses nutrition, hygiene, and health concerns through initiatives such as reducing salt, sugar, and calories in foods; promoting handwashing to curb diseases; and providing safe drinking water via Pureit water purifiers.
Shrinking Environmental Impact
With a goal to halve Unilever's product environmental footprint by 2030, this pillar tackles greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing. Ambitious targets include lowering CO2 emissions, embracing renewable energy, cutting water use in manufacturing, minimising waste, and achieving 100% sustainably sourced agricultural raw materials.
Elevating Livelihoods
Unilever's third pillar focuses on improving the lives of millions by 2020. By promoting fair employment, gender equality, and inclusive business models, the company commits to creating jobs, supporting small farmers and distributors, achieving gender balance in management, and offering skills training for young people.
Since its launch, Unilever has made great strides in realising the USLP's goals. Annual progress reports showcase achievements, obstacles, and insights from their sustainability efforts. Unilever's USLP exemplifies the company's dedication to responsible corporate citizenship, integrating sustainability into its core strategy, and inspiring other organisations to follow suit.
Social Powerhouse: Lifting Lives, Spreading Good Vibes
Unilever's all about making a positive social impact, with loads of projects to help people, employees, and communities thrive, like their Lifebuoy handwashing campaign, which has reached millions in developing countries. They're also working hard to wipe out forced labour and human rights abuses in their supply chain, teaming up with partners to create change.
Transparent Ethos: Keeping it Real and Ethical
Unilever's all about sticking to ethical business practices and being transparent. They've got annual sustainability reports to show their progress. They're part of the United Nations Global Compact, promoting responsible corporate behaviour. Their compliance program makes sure all their peeps around the world are keeping it ethical.
Change Makers: Leading and Teaming Up
Unilever needs to focus on more than its own sustainability game. They're all about getting others on board too. Their leaders are active in global sustainability forums, partnering with companies, governments, and NGOs (non-governmental organisations) to tackle the planet's biggest challenges. This team spirit makes Unilever a force for change, inspiring others to go green too.
Unilever's passion for sustainability is off the charts, thanks to its all-encompassing strategy, bold goals, and teamwork in tackling global issues. By making sustainability the heart of their business, they've shown that success and responsibility can go hand in hand. Unilever's a shining example of sustainability, inspiring everyone to join the quest for a greener future.
Want to read more about Unilever.
Check out some of these articles
Unilever's Sustainability Reporting Centre
Unilever’s Planet and Society (Dutch)
