Unilever – Environmental Leadership at the beginning of the value chain

Unilever has made huge inroads in reducing the impact of direct operations. For example, in its manufacturing sites initiatives have been put in place to reduce water, waste and carbon emissions. For example the Marmite factory in Burton upon Trent now uses biogas energy from the waste by-product of the Marmite manufacturing process. Such initiatives stem from Unilever’s ‘Code of Business Principles’, which require the company to work towards the goal of ‘developing a sustainable business’ and a commitment to ‘working with others to promote environmental care, increase understanding of environmental issues, and disseminate good practice’. These principles are governed by employees through a central management system and internal strategy.

Similarly, Unilever engages its suppliers in its Business Partner Code and Sustainable Agriculture Code, working with partner organisations to engage suppliers in a positive way.

On customers, Unilever has partnered with Asda to set up ‘sustainability kitchens’ in-store, demonstrating to customers how small changes, such as washing at 30 degrees, can make a real difference. The company has also promoted Rainforest Alliance certification (on PG Tips) to its customers.