Unilever is a multinational consumer goods company that has been in operation for over 90 years. The company was formed in 1929 through a merger between Dutch margarine producer Margarine Unie and British soap maker Lever Brothers. Since then, Unilever has grown to become one of the largest consumer goods companies in the world, with a diverse portfolio of over 400 brands spanning food, beverages, cleaning products, and personal care items.
One of the key aspects that sets Unilever apart from its competitors is its commitment to sustainability. Unilever has long recognized that business can only be sustainable if it operates in a way that benefits both the company and society as a whole. In 2010, the company launched its Sustainable Living Plan, which set out a bold vision for transforming Unilever's operations and creating a more sustainable future for everyone.
The Sustainable Living Plan has three overarching goals: to improve the health and well-being of 1 billion people by 2020, to reduce the environmental impact of Unilever's products by half by 2030, and to enhance the livelihoods of millions of people by 2020. These goals are underpinned by a series of targets and commitments that touch on every aspect of Unilever's business, from sourcing sustainable raw materials to reducing waste and carbon emissions.
One of the key ways that Unilever is working towards these goals is by investing in sustainable sourcing. The company is committed to sourcing all of its agricultural raw materials, such as palm oil, soy, and tea, sustainably by 2023. This means working with suppliers to ensure that they adopt sustainable practices, such as using less water and fertilizer, protecting biodiversity, and paying fair prices to farmers.
In addition, Unilever is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its products. This includes everything from reducing packaging waste to developing products that use less water and energy. For example, the company's Dove brand has developed a range of products that use less water, and its Omo brand of laundry detergent has been reformulated to require less water and energy during the washing process.
Finally, Unilever is also focused on enhancing the livelihoods of the people who work in its supply chain. The company is committed to ensuring that all of its workers are treated fairly and paid a living wage. In addition, Unilever has launched a series of initiatives to help smallholder farmers and other vulnerable groups, such as women and children, improve their livelihoods.
Overall, Unilever is a global leader in sustainable business, with a clear commitment to making a positive impact on the world. By investing in sustainable sourcing, reducing the environmental impact of its products, and enhancing the livelihoods of its workers and suppliers, Unilever is setting an example for other companies to follow. With its diverse portfolio of brands and its focus on sustainability, Unilever is well-positioned to continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.
