Our biggest
challenges
Poverty, malnutrition, climate change and water scarcity: these are some of the big challenges facing the world and our business today. Find out more about how we are addressing these and other sustainability issues.
Less water
Water scarcity is a growing problem. We are finding ways to reduce our water use and helping consumers to reduce theirs.
Our reformulated Surf Excel washing detergent needs less water to rinse, helping consumers save water in water-scarce parts of India.
Some performance highlights
Nutrition
22 000
Food and drink products were assessed via our Nutrition Enhancement Programme.
Hygiene & well-being
120m people
Reached through Lifebuoy's hygiene education programme in India since 2002.
Greenhouse gases
39%
Reduction in CO2 from energy by our factories since 1995.
Water
63%
Reduction in water use by our factories since 1995.
Community
€91m
Invested in local communities around the world.
Employee safety
Accident rate reduced from 0.26 in 2007 to 0.21 per 100,000 hours worked in 2008.
Sustainable agricultural sourcing
In 2008 we committed to purchase all our palm oil from certified sustainable sources by 2015
Our people
Harold Bokaba AIDS Champion, Unilever South Africa
It takes a particular type of personality to dole out condoms to burly truck drivers, but that's just one of the approaches Harold Bokaba has taken in an effort to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS among his fellow South Africans.
Short stories
Unilever supports Green program at Wangsa Maju
Unilever Malaysia personified their mission statement “Adding Vitality to Life” at a fun-filled Environmental Carnival held at the SMK Zon R1 Wangsa Maju in Kuala Lumpur on 28 June.
