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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?
What does the future hold for sustainable manufacturing
We are witnessing an era of unprecedented technological change, with the fourth Industrial Revolution now well underway.
Four ways to create real business value by addressing climate change
BITC member Carbon Clear's chief executive Mark Chadwick outlines why acknowledging and acting on climate change has evolved from mitigation practices to capturing holistic business opportunities.
Brand purpose: Do it right to unleash its potential
Brand purpose is a relatively nascent business concept. There is still much confusion about its core definition and what it actually means in terms of delivery. Perhaps the most important thing to understand about brand purpose is its strategic weight and its potential to plant the work of sustainability teams firmly into the heart of a business.
IBM blockchain food safety programme attracts global firms
A host of major firms including Nestlé, Unilever and Walmart have established a collaboration with tech giant IBM to explore how the global food supply chain can benefit from blockchain technology.
What sustainability teams can learn from brand and marketing teams to crack the brand purpose code
As brand purpose becomes a mainstream business idea, brand and sustainability teams are beginning to work together more closely. Traditionally, these teams have very different ways of working - different governance structures, different measures of success and even a completely different language.
Pepsico, Unilever and Nestlé accused of complicity in illegal rainforest destruction
Pepsico, Unilever and Nestlé have been accused of complicity in the destruction of Sumatra's last tract of rainforest shared by elephants, orangutans, rhinos, and tigers together in one ecosystem.
From ‘less bad’ to ‘more good’: How purpose and sustainability come together
My friends and family don't really know what I do as a sustainability consultant. Those who don't work in the private sector think it's about 'environmental stuff' and even those who do generally think it's about 'environmental stuff and donations'.
Celebrating success for business and the environment
This week I attended our 2017 Awards Gala Dinner. Always an inspiring event where the very best of responsible business is celebrated, what I found most encouraging last night was the focus on the environment across all areas.
Unilever suspends sourcing from Indonesian palm oil supplier amid deforestation allegations
Global consumer goods firm Unilever has suspended sourcing from an Indonesian-based palm oil supplier which was found to be in breach of policy on deforestation and peatland clearance.
Building support for bioenergy in the new political climate
This year, Clearfleau is building on-site bio-energy plants for dairy, food and distillery businesses and will be doing more of these in 2018, with many new plants being built in Scotland.
The changing role of the CR practitioner: how getting internal buy-in has become a critical part of the job
Getting internal buy-in is without doubt the biggest barrier to achieving change with the work we do as corporate responsibility (CR) and sustainability practitioners, as I discussed in my recent 30-minute masterclass with edie.
Paul Polman: Businesses must champion sustainability in era of 'short-sighted' politics
Unilever's chief executive Paul Polman has called on the business community to deliver the low-carbon transition during a period of "short-sighted" politics, while business leaders from McDonald's, SC Johnson and C&A have advised that consumer trust must be at the heart of action.
Unilever's Sustainable Nutrition Manifesto aims to prove that food shouldn't 'cost the earth'
In a change of pace from the numerous electoral manifestos, Unilever has launched a new agenda that commits to creating "food that tastes good, does good and doesn't cost the earth".
The role of big business in addressing the unseen threat to climate change
The role of big business in climate change mitigation is one which has been heavily documented, and in a positive step last week we saw businesses acknowledge their role in this by calling for the introduction of a worldwide carbon pricing system, led by the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition.
Unilever goes 100% renewable across all UK manufacturing sites
Unilever has today (23 May) revealed that all of its UK manufacturing sites are 100% powered by electricity generated from certified renewable sources.
Unilever's Sustainable Living brands outstrip rest of business
Unilever has continued to present the business case for sustainability, with the consumer goods firm's 'Sustainable Living' brands delivering more than 60% of its growth last year, and growing at twice the rate of the rest of the company.
Musk, Polman and Branson among business leaders urging Trump to stay in the Paris Agreement
The mailbox at the Whitehouse is in danger of overflowing, as another letter - this time from 30 chief executives of some of the largest US firms - called on President Donald Trump to "champion" economic growth by staying in the Paris Agreement.
Unilever breakthrough technology set to tackle plastic sachet waste
Consumer goods giant Unilever has today (11 May) unveiled a breakthrough technology which aims to address the systemic global issue of multilayer plastic sachet waste.
edie Live exhibitor focus: University of Surrey
Ahead of edie Live at the NEC on 23-24 May we get up close and personal with some of our exhibitors to find out what visitors can expect to see at the show, what's new and how they can help in the drive towards sustainability targets.
The fuzzy front-end of sustainability
I used to work as a sustainability consultant in a large multi-national manufacturing business. One of my final projects was to conduct a sustainability review of the Research & Development (R&D) portfolio - the function developing new technologies to fuel future innovation for business success.
Sustainability Leaders Awards 2017 speech
In case you missed last night's Sustainability Leaders Awards ceremony, here is the short opening address I gave at the London Hilton on Hyde Park, in celebration of those who are driving the green industrial revolution.
Unilever commits to 100% recyclable plastic packaging by 2025
On the same day that the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) unveiled a business-backed action plan to crack down on plastic waste, global consumer goods giant Unilever has made a bold new pledge to ensure that 100% of its plastic packaging is fully re-usable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.
Unilever achieves carbon-neutrality at 5 UK sites following green gas deal
Just over a year on from announcing its pioneering pledge to become a carbon-positive business by 2030, Unilever has signed a contract to use biomethane to power five of its sites across the UK and Ireland.
Clearer marketing can open £800bn windfall for 'sustainable' brands, says Unilever
Brands that move to promote the sustainability credentials of their products more clearly can tap into a £817bn market opportunity catalysed by a growth in awareness amongst consumers, new research from Unilever has suggested.
Big ambitions: How SME's can become sustainability leaders
Next up in the series of contributed articles for edie's Sustainability Leadership Month, Andy Wood, chief executive of Suffolk-based brewer and distiller Adnams, outlines how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can incorporate sustainability in their business agenda.
Big ambitions: How SME's can become sustainability leaders
Next up in the series of contributed articles for edie's Sustainability Leadership Month, Andy Wood, chief executive of Suffolk-based brewer and distiller Adnams, outlines how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can incorporate sustainability in their business agenda.
US food giants pledge to halve food waste by 2030
Major food firms including PepsiCo, General Mills, Unilever and Kellogg are among the 15 US-based retail giants that have pledged to halve the amount on food waste produced within their operations by 2030.
Private sector pushes for better EU renewable energy legislation
After leaked documents revealing renewable energy will no longer be a top priority in the EU's new winter package, major corporations including Google, Unilever and IKEA have backed a call for improvements to the forthcoming package.
Business giants call on US to support the Paris Agreement
Despite president-elect Donald Trump's plans to pull out of the Paris Agreement, more than 360 US-based businesses and investors, including Ikea, Unilever, Mars and Nike, have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the historic deal and the need to accelerate the low-carbon transition.
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