Page 39 - Green Builder July-August 2019 Issue
P. 39
Unilever
CREDIT: RICK LIGTHELM With its carefully controlled supply chain, Unilever is
setting new industry standards.
T’S NOT OFTEN that a company will safe, high-quality reusable polymers; a new
take an action that is harmful to its waste-free shopping and delivery pilot in
business, but executives at Unilever did which products are shipped to consumers,
just that in 2010, when the company then returned and relled; a toilet spray
I opted to make deforestation one of its that disinfects and eliminates odors without
top three transformational goals for the end the need to flush; and even a television
of the decade. One of the key products derived commercial campaign about the merits of
from destruction of rainforests is palm oil, a handwashing that has helped reduce the
key ingredient in some of what the Dutch spread of germs in developing nations.
company sells to consumers. Unilever’s Unilever was also a key player in the
supply chain is entirely of sustainable origin, creation of the UN Sustainable Development
but the commodities that drive deforestation Goals (SDGs), a 17-point world improvement
“will continue to be stigmatized in ways that action plan set for 2030. Acknowledged by
will negatively a ect us,” according to CEO more than 170 nations, the goals range
Alan Jope. from the end of poverty and hunger, to
The consumer goods giant oversees global green partnerships. Unilever’s own
brands such as Dove, Lipton, Knorr, Surf, Sustainable Living Plan was a precursor to
Best Foods and Ben & Jerry’s, to name a SDG and is still the company’s blueprint
few. An estimated 2.5 billion people use for sustainable growth. “We don’t pretend “New technologies, new
something tied to Unilever, which gives it it will be easy,” Jope says. “Change never is.
insight into what consumers like, don’t like, Nor do we claim to have arrived there yet. business models, new
need and don’t have. But we are on the journey, and we hope that
That’s what has led to recent e orts, such many other companies will also seize the ways of thinking and new
as technology that recycles sachets into opportunities that the SDGs present.”
collaborations—they are all
vital to creating the
inclusive growth that will
ensure a sustainable future
for the world, its people
and our business.”
Alan Jope, CEO
COURTESY OF UNILEVER
Multitasker. In taking a role as a world green leader, Unilever’s goals for the next 10 years are existential,
environmental and professional.
www.greenbuildermedia.com July/August 2019 GREEN BUILDER 37
14-37 GB 0719 Eco Leaders.indd 37 7/17/19 10:18 AM
