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For Net-Zero Week, the edie podcast is split into two parts, first to discuss green recoveries with Christiana Figueres, Jonathon Porritt and Paul Polman, before embarking on a deep dive of what makes a net-zero target with engineering firm Jacobs, online retailer Zalando and episode sponsors Centrica Business Solutions.
Paul Polman: Why partnerships and purpose are critical to business survival
EXCLUSIVE: Businesses that are built on longer-term, multi-stakeholder models and have a strong purpose at their core will be much better placed to recover from the coronavirus crisis, Unilever's former chief executive Paul Polman has told edie.
Unilever's Alan Jope on repairing capitalism, Covid-19 and Sustainable Living Plans
Providing an update to Unilever's flagship Sustainable Living Plan as it enters its 10th and final year, chief executive Alan Jope reflects on the need to double down to protect the planet and society during the pandemic by "driving a new model of capitalism".
Coca-Cola and Pepsi falling short on pledges over plastic - report
Coca-Cola and Pepsi are not doing enough to reduce their plastic waste footprint globally, according to a report.
Coronavirus: Business leaders join European Green Recovery alliance
Business members of the European Corporate Leaders Group (CLG Europe) have joined the European Parliament, policymakers and NGOs in forming an alliance for a "green recovery" of the European economy that assists with the ongoing fight against the climate crisis.
'Burnt and dumped': Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Unilever and Nestlé plastics waste fuelling climate change
Four of the world's largest users of plastic packaging - Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Unilever and Nestlé - are responsible for half a million tonnes of plastic pollution that are burnt or dumped each year in six developing countries, creating emissions equivalent to adding two million cars onto roads.
Corporate leaders want decarbonisation as central focus for Europe's Industrial Strategy
Business giants including Unilever, Interface, and Coca-Cola have called for the new European Industrial Strategy to focus heavily on decarbonisation in a way that sets out clear strategies for investment into low-carbon solutions and provides price incentives for new goods and services.
Just Eat trials plastic-free takeaway boxes lined with seaweed
Just Eat will trial compostable takeaway boxes lined with seaweed at select London restaurants, a move which will prevent around 3,600 plastic boxes from entering the waste stream.
'Encourage and enable': How Unilever is walking the talk on plant-based diets
EXCLUSIVE: After its report detailing 50 foods which consumers should eat more frequently to help tackle environmental issues went viral last year, Unilever's largest food brand Knorr has detailed its work to embed the campaign's aims across its own supply chain.
Purpose and profit: Unilever on how to drive benefits across the triple bottom line
Last summer, the chief executives of more than 180 corporates signed a declaration stating that the purpose of big businesses is no longer to simply generate profit for shareholders - that action must also taken to address social and environmental issues. But how can businesses without purpose "built-in" begin this transformation?
COP26: Boris Johnson to move diesel ban forward to 2035 and call for global net-zero transition
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will use the COP26 climate conference to call on other nations to follow the UK in setting a net-zero target and is also set to reveal plans to move the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars forward five years to 2035 as part of a "year of climate action".
Sustainable Business Leadership in 2020: edie publishes results of flagship annual survey
edie has today published a comprehensive report breaking down exactly what 'business leadership' looks like from the perspective of hundreds of sustainability, CSR and energy professionals from across the country.
Tesco commits £10m to combat deforestation from soy production in Brazil
Tesco has committed £10m over the next five years to fund a new initiative to transition to producing deforestation-free soy in the Cerrado region in Brazil.
Burger King rolls out meat-free Whopper as Mars debuts vegan chocolate
Burger King has begun offering a meat-free version of its Whopper across 25 European markets, in the same week that Mars has unveiled vegan Galaxy-brand chocolate.
Just Eat and Unilever brand Hellmann's to reduce plastics through seaweed sachet trials
Just Eat has partnered with Unilever brand Hellmann's to trial sauce sachets made of seaweed in an attempt to reduce single-use plastics.
Messages from the board: CEOs outline the skills needed by the leaders of tomorrow
At the One Young World Summit in London last week, chief executives and board members from global companies including Unilever, Virgin and BP took to the stage to send powerful messages for what the leaders of tomorrow need to embrace today to drive sustainable business.
Dove unveils plastic-free beauty bar packaging and 100% recycled plastic bottles
Dove has committed to removing all non-recycled plastic from certain bottle lines by the end of the year and debuted a new, plastic-free packaging format for its beauty bar soap.
Unilever to halve use of virgin plastic and collect more plastic packaging than it sells by 2025
Unilever has announced it will halve its use of virgin plastic by 2025 by reducing plastic packaging by more than 100,000 tonnes, increasing the amount of recycled plastics it uses and collecting and processing more plastic packaging than it sells.
Climate strikes and UN Summits: The top 10 sustainability stories of September 2019
With Autumn now here, we take a look back at a September packed full of sustainability and energy news. This round-up includes all the highlights from the UN Climate Action Summit, net-zero announcements and climate strikes.
Business Avengers: Corporate giants assemble to deliver SDGs
A new "Business Avengers" coalition of 17 global corporates - including Unilever, Nike and Google - worth more than $500bn in revenue has been launched to make 2020 a year of activism to highlight how businesses can amplify actions to help hit the targets of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Blockchain-enabled supply chain sustainability scheme hailed 'successful' by business giants
A blockchain-based experiment aimed at improving social and environmental practices in tea supply chains has proven successful, according to businesses having taken part, including Unilever and Sainsbury's.
Unilever powered by 100% renewable electricity across five continents
Unilever has revealed that all its buildings across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America are now powered by 100% renewable electricity.
Unilever criticised over food nutrition claims
Unilever has been accused of offering food products that haven't been fortified to add necessary nutrients that mitigate health concerns, with a new report claiming that the companies Maizena and cornflour produce in Mexico fail to deliver on brand commitments.
Unilever turns to interactive mapping to boost tea supply chain transparency
Unilever has publicly published a full list of its global tea suppliers for the first time, along with a new interactive map to help customers understand its supply chain processes.
45-minute masterclass: Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs)
This live, online masterclass offers sustainability and energy professionals a unique opportunity to experience how Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) can be utilised by end-user businesses to achieve renewable energy commitments - all in under an hour.
Unilever's vegan mayonnaise and 'smart' e-bikes: The best green innovations of the week
Every week, numerous eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations are being developed to help businesses and nations turn their green ambitions into actions. Here, we round up six of the best.
Unilever launches recycled plastic Magnum tubs
Unilever has debuted a new Magnum ice-cream tub made using 25% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic content.
Unilever warns it will sell off brands that hurt the planet or society
Unilever has warned it will sell off brands that do not contribute positively to society, with British favourite Marmite and Magnum ice-cream among the big names thought to be vulnerable to a cull linked to the company's sustainable business agenda.
Business giants commit to delivering net-zero strategies
More than 20 companies, including Telefonica, Vodafone and Unilever, with a total market capitalisation of more than $1.2trn have committed to setting science-based targets aligned to 1.5C reductions and net-zero emissions for 2050.
Unilever: Innovation is the 'cornerstone' to plastics reduction
EXCLUSIVE: Product and systems innovations will be a "key cornerstone" in meeting Unilever's five-point plastics reduction strategy, which champions behaviour change and total phase-outs where possible alongside incremental reductions.
Unilever's refills and the 'world's first' 100% recycled hoodie: The best green innovations of the week
Every week, numerous eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations are being developed to help businesses and nations turn their green ambitions into actions. Here, we round up six of the best.
Paul Polman co-founds Imagine venture to drive corporate action towards SDGs
Ex-Unilever chief executive Paul Polman has launched a new global initiative aimed at combatting poverty and climate change as part of efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Starbucks' wind deal and Unilever's recycled plastics: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Tarmac's recycled asphalt and Unilever's plastic-free boxes: The best green innovations of the week
Every week, numerous eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations are being developed to help businesses and nations turn their green ambitions into actions. Here, we round up six of the best.
Sustainable Living Brands delivered record 75% of Unilever's 2018 turnover growth
Unilever has posted another strong set of annual results for its 'Sustainable Living' brands portfolio, which accounted for a record three-quarters of the company's turnover growth last year.
Unilever boss calls for business push on net-zero emissions
Unilever's new chief executive Alan Jope has written to trade associations and business groups that the consumer goods giant is a member of, asking for clarity on whether they believe a transition to net-zero emissions by 2050 is essential.
Climate action, net-zero advice and edie Live: Top 10 sustainability stories of May 2019
As May draws to a close, we take a look back at May's biggest sustainability and energy stories. The round-up includes Theresa May's resignation, Unilever's black plastic strategy and all the key takeaways from edie Live 2019.
edie Live Mission Possible report launch: Inspiring quotes, key takeaways and the zeronauts
I was thrilled to have formally launched edie's Mission Possible: 2019 report during a high-level panel discussion at edie Live on Tuesday (21 May). Here, I've rounded up my key takeaways from that session and the report for aspiring sustainability and environmental professionals.
Paul Polman: Courage and collaboration will help business accomplish Mission Possible
EXCLUSIVE: This year's Mission Possible: 2019 report has just landed, and edie is offering a sneak preview by way of the rousing report foreword penned by revered sustainability leader and ex-Unilever chief executive Paul Polman, in full.
Unilever unveils 'detectable and recyclable' black plastic packaging
Consumer goods giant Unilever has today (17 May) unveiled a new pigment which makes black plastics detectable by recycling equipment, as it strives to boost the recyclability of its packaging portfolio.
New Wall's tool lets consumers track positive vanilla supply chain impacts
Unilever-owned ice cream brand Wall's will launch a new digital tool enabling consumers to track how their purchases are empowering people in the communities which form its vanilla supply chains in Africa.
Business leaders call for EU net-zero target
The chief executives from more than 50 businesses, including Ikea, Unilever, Heathrow Airport and Interface have called on the European Union (EU) to create a long-term decarbonisation roadmap for a net-zero economy by 2050.
Unilever reveals mixed progress towards Sustainable Living Plan goals
Unilever has posted strong progress towards its manufacturing waste, low-carbon energy and water abstraction goals, while also revealing that is it off-track to meet its sustainability commitments regarding the consumer-level water and waste footprint of its products.
Evian unveils refillable device in bid to slash plastic waste
French bottled water company Evian is set to begin trials of a new refillable in-home water appliance next month, in a bid to gauge consumer appetite for lower-plastic alternatives to single-use bottles.
Unilever launches 100% recycled and recyclable washing up liquid bottle
Unilever has launched a fully recyclable plastic bottle made from 100% recycled content under its soap brand Sunlight, marking a first for the consumer goods firm's South African arm.
Big-name corporates collaborate to spur plastics recycling progress in Africa
A group of four multinational corporations – Unilever, Nestle, Diageo and The Coca-Cola Company – have launched a joint initiative aimed at expanding the plastics recycling economy in Africa's Sub-Saharan region.
UK doubles aid support for plastic recycling in developing nations
The UK has doubled the amount of financial aid it will send to developing nations to help combat plastic pollution and boost plastic recycling rates overseas.
CDP: Consumer goods giants prioritising plastic alternatives over low-carbon innovation
As consumer demand for plastic-free and plant-based products soars, large consumer goods firms are prioritising vegan products and recyclable packaging over low-carbon innovation, new research by CDP has concluded.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Polman's pearls of wisdom, Ikea's super-sustainable store & George's goodbye
The edie team returns to the podcast studio to reflect on the recent Sustainability Leaders Forum and Awards. Meanwhile, Sarah takes a tour of Ikea's latest sustainable store, and George delivers his final 'success story' as he leaves the team to join Defra.
Firmenich's rise and the UK's fall: 5 key trends in CDP's 2019 A-list
CDP has named 140 corporates as leaders in the fight against climate change, water scarcity and deforestation in its new A List rankings for 2019. Here, edie rounds up the key sustainability trends which have shaken up the scores this year.
Paul Polman to deliver opening address at Sustainability Leaders Awards 2019
edie is delighted to announce that Paul Polman, who recently stepped down after 10 years as chief executive of Unilever, will appear as the official Guest of Honour at the 2019 Sustainability Leaders Awards in London on Wednesday, 6 February.
Why Unilever's employees are key for a new era of sustainability leadership
EXCLUSIVE: With environmental goals approaching a 2020 deadline and chief executive and the embodiment of sustainability leadership Paul Polman announcing his departure, Unilever’s decision to ask its 172,000 staff what sustainable business meant to them may well keep the firm in the vanguard of corporate responsibility.
World's biggest palm oil firm unveils new measures to end supply chain deforestation
Palm oil sourcing giant Wilmar International has unveiled plans to use satellite tracking and other digital technologies in a bid to eliminate deforestation risks from its supply chains.
Paul Polman to step down as Unilever chief executive
Unilever's chief executive Paul Polman, who has been synonymous with corporate sustainability leadership over the last decade, will retire from the consumer goods giant at the end of 2018.
Interface, Unilever and Coca-Cola among business leaders calling for UK net-zero emissions target
The chief executives of major UK-based companies including Interface, Coca-Cola European Partners and Unilever have called for Prime Minister Theresa May to set legally binding targets that ensure the UK reaches net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.
UK businesses target resource productivity through 'waste to wealth' commitment
A group of more than 40 major businesses including Unilever, Sky, Iceland and PwC have signed a new "waste to wealth" commitment that aims to double the UK's resource productivity by 2030.
Business giants join Ellen MacArthur Foundation's global commitment to eradicate plastics pollution
Business giants, financial investors, non-profit organisations and national Governments have vowed to eradicate plastic waste and pollution, as part of a new Global Commitment spearheaded by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Unilever partners with Veolia to create circular economy for plastic packaging
Consumer goods giant Unilever has today (24 October) agreed a partnership with waste management Veolia, which will see the companies work together to develop innovative solutions to the plastic waste crisis.
Lidl becomes first UK retailer to purchase 100% sustainably-sourced soy
Discount chain Lidl has become the first UK retailer to switch to 100% sustainably-sourced soy for its own-brand products, after joining the Government's Roundtable for Sustainable Soy.
Inside Unilever's plastics packaging strategy
EXCLUSIVE: Unilever's chief R&D officer David Blanchard has outlined the company's three-pillar approach to improving the recyclability of its product packaging, focusing on "less", "better" and "no plastics" solutions.
UK business giants commit to 'world-first' Roadmap to halve food waste
Some of the UK's largest supermarkets, hospitality firms and food and drink manufacturers have committed to a "world-first" initiative from WRAP to halve food waste by measuring and acting on wastage levels across a "farm-to-fork" approach.
29 UK businesses highlighted on Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
The global 2018 Dow Jones Sustainability Indices has named 29 UK businesses as sustainability leaders, adding alcoholic beverage giant Diageo and removing Samsung Electronics from its rankings.
Business giants urge UK, EU to continue energy and climate cooperation after Brexit
A top-level business alliance has called on UK and EU leaders to ensure Brexit includes a comprehensive Climate and Energy Chapter, amid worries about the UK's commitment to international climate policies after the country leaves the European Union.
Lucozade to trial edible drinks sachets to reduce single-use plastic at sports events
Beverage giant Lucozade Ribena Suntory is set to trial edible drinks sachets made from seaweed at two sports events next month, in an effort to gauge the consumer appetite for plastic-free alternatives to single-use bottles and pouches.
Building a sustainable business: Watching your environmental footprint and the bottom line
Meeting environmental responsibilities - at a consumer and business level - has skyrocketed up the UK policy agenda this year. Now a major focus for the general public, this has led to monumental changes in everyday practices, such as charging for single-use plastic carrier bags, and more recently, the introduction of a charge on single-use paper cups.
Ending deforestation: A collective effort
As of March 2017, 447 companies had made 760 commitments to curb forest destruction in supply chains ranging from palm oil, soy, timber, pulp and cattle. At the same time, the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement saw 80% of the 196 signatories committed to halting deforestation and better managing forest and agricultural landscapes.
Unilever launches toiletry range with 100% recycled packaging in UK
Consumer goods giant Unilever has launched a range of beauty products housed in 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic bottles in the UK, following the success of the "eco-beauty" line in the US.
edie at 20: How did sustainability become so business-critical?
edie's 20th anniversary as a sustainable business media brand is an ideal opportunity to remind ourselves of the past two decades of corporate sustainability, which have seen it evolve from an environmental add-on to a fundamental aspect of growth.
London, New York and Paris to spearhead new electric vehicle accelerator
The Climate Group and C40 Cities have launched a new initiative to “massively accelerate” the adoption of electric vehicles (EV), with cities including London, New York and Paris all agreeing to support the new programme.
Innovating with technology and behavioural change to leverage the employee engagement opportunity
Whilst the majority of companies now accept that sustainability is critical to long-term success, many haven't yet figured out how to effectively engage their employees on their sustainability programmes.
Ben & Jerry's trials blockchain platform to offset consumer carbon footprints
Unilever-owned ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's is piloting a carbon offsetting scheme using blockchain technology that enables customers to purchase carbon credits that help with global anti-deforestation initiatives.
Achieving Mission Possible: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
What does ‘New Power’ mean for business?
I've attended a couple of events recently where some particularly strong themes were evident. Everything came back to fundamental shifts in power and the trend towards participation and collaboration - all intrinsically linked and it's since led me to reflect on what this all means for business.
Unleashing the next wave of sustainable business leaders
At this month's edie Live conference in Birmingham, I'll be joining a panel to discuss how we encourage more businesses to join the green revolution. I was pleased to be asked, because the question of how we support and develop sustainable business leaders is something - in my new role as ICRS Chair - I am closely concerned with.
Sustainable Living brands delivered 70% of Unilever's turnover growth last year
Unilever has continued to prove the business case for sustainability, with the firm's 'Sustainable Living' brands accounting for a record 70% of its turnover growth last year, and growing 46% faster than the rest of the business.
UK spearheads new £50m plastics innovation hub
Unilever and Waitrose have backed a new UK-led research and innovation hub that aims to tackle plastic waste through innovative solutions.
Energy blockchains, plastic pledges and coffee cup bans: Top 10 sustainability stories of April 2018
It was a month of supply chain exploration, coffee cup recycling commitments and business-led climate advocacy. Take a look back at April's biggest sustainability stories in this round-up.
Sustainability leadership: It's all about the journey
There's nothing new in businesses taking a leading role in social change, but there's growing evidence that it is beginning to happen on a scale we haven't seen before.
Unilever joins On-Pack Recycling Label scheme to boost plastics recycling
Unilever has joined the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme to promote the recyclability of its products to consumers, while a six-month trial of clean-cold technology in the company's ice cream transportation trucks has delivered cost-effective environmental benefits.
Unilever to develop closed-loop supply for food packaging plastics
In the latest corporate commitment to target plastic waste, Unilever has agreed a new partnership to develop technology capable of converting PET plastic waste into virgin-grade materials available for use in food packaging.
Ikea, Unilever and Tesla leading on climate policy, report finds
Tesla, Apple, Ikea and Unilever are amongst the highest-performing companies advocating for strong and ambitious policies that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new report from non-profit InfluenceMap.
B Corps are on the move – why it’s time to join in
Ella's Kitchen certified as a B Corporation two years ago this February, only the second company ever to certify whilst being part of a PLC, after Ben & Jerry's with Unilever. However becoming a B Corp was always about something bigger than its impact on Ella's Kitchen.
The SDGs are not for the faint-hearted but companies have much to gain
We used our latest quarterly business roundtable discussion to explore how companies across a range of sectors are engaging with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We know there are challenges in getting to grips with the framework but for me, as a CR and Sustainability professional, the discussion only served to highlight how much there is to gain for business in engaging.
Why cities are switching to renewables
Over two years after national leaders committed in Paris to keep a global temperature rise to below 2C, municipal leaders at some of the world's largest cities are stepping up to the challenge and harnessing the power of renewable energy.
Unilever implements 'radical step' on palm oil traceability
Unilever has become the first consumer goods firm to publicly disclose palm oil suppliers and mills that it sources from, both directly and indirectly, a move described by the firm as a "major milestone" in driving sustainability through the industry.
Unilever to increase sustainable palm oil production in Indonesia
Global consumer goods firm Unilever has struck a deal with a government-owned palm oil plantation firm in Indonesia to create a support framework that enables local mills and smallholders to produce palm oil according to standards of no deforestation and no peatland deterioration.
A powerful man wants purpose. What next?
Larry Fink's celebrated purpose letter has left many CEOs asking how much social benefit they should deliver.
Don’t look back in anger: Top sustainability trends in 2017
Some of us might look back on 2017 as another eventful, if somewhat discouraging year for sustainability. 2017 has seen the inauguration of Trump, which has led to the US pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, and more recently, has led to removing climate change from the list of USA national security threats. Meanwhile, closer to home, Brexit brings fears that the 1,100 EU environmental laws will become watered down in the UK among the effort to ensure Britain remains a great trading nation. Amid all this, you would be forgiven for thinking that 2017 has been a dismal year for sustainability.
SDGs and materiality: Let’s step it up in 2018
Why Simply Sustainable recommends to its clients that they include SDG mapping in their materiality assessments.
Sainsbury's and Unilever sign up to blockchain trials for supply chain practices
Global brands Unilever and Sainsbury's have partnered with leading investors to trial how blockchain technology can financially reward sustainable farming practices for Malawian tea makers.
Global companies call on nations to push for 'well-below' 2C Paris target
More than 50 global companies including Unilever, M&S and Adidas have called on nations meeting in Paris to discuss climate progress, to phase-out fossil fuel subsidies by 2025 and create the framework to limit global warming increases to well below 2C.
Corbyn backs MP pension divestment as business leaders call for improved climate disclosure
A group of 100 MPS, including Labour's Jeremy Corbyn and the the Green Party's Caroline Lucas, have called for a £612m pension fund to divest from fossil fuels, while leading chief financial officers have endorsed the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: In the green room with Unilever's Tony Dunnage
Welcome back to the green room - edie's exclusive interview hub for sustainability leaders, brought to you as part of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast. Up next to provide the insights of leading sustainable business: Unilever's group director of manufacturing sustainability Tony Dunnage.
UK Government provides £62m to combat deforestation in Latin America
The UK Government has announced two new projects worth £62m will help tackle deforestation across Latin America by promoting sustainable new business models and sourcing practices.
Why Net Positive can help big business achieve long-term success, and more
Businesses are facing unprecedented levels of disruption- and from so many different quarters that the dependable business models of old are being torn to shreds. In many sectors market share is being seized away from the incumbents by savvy - and very often values-driven - start-ups who are rewriting the rules of business, leaving those that fail to innovate and adapt facing a bleak future.
What the world needs now, is sustainable soy
Producing more responsible - and certified - soy will be critical in protecting the Cerrado region of Brazil.
The impact of the Modern Slavery Act, two years on
The Modern Slavery Act shone a spotlight on the issue of modern slavery and human trafficking when it was written into UK law two years ago. But what effect has it had so far?
Food and beverage giants agree to strengthen supply chain management
Companies such as Unilever, Mars and PepsiCo are part of a new collaborative partnership aiming to develop free science-based decision tools that improve farm-level sustainability reporting metrics and data collection.
How to expand your business sustainably: it all starts with your supply chain
The 2016 CEO Study published by Accenture and the United Nations Global Compact boldly claims that a "staggering 97% of CEO's interviewed believe that sustainability is important to the future success of their business". Despite being reminiscent of the 97% of scientists that agree on climate change, clearly, we are at a point in time where the question around business expansion is not can, but rather how, does a business grow sustainably and where should it focus its efforts?
