Unilever commits to 75% sustainable packaging
Unilever made a well-timed move to commit to sustainable sourcing of packaging in July with research studies showing consumers will change purchasing decisions to support this type of ethical commitment. Unilever published its sustainable paper and board packaging sourcing policy as part of its commitment to double the size of the business while reducing its environmental impact.
The policy outlines the Unilever’s ambitious goal to work with its suppliers to source 75 per cent of its paper and board packaging from sustainably managed forests or from recycled material by 2015, rising to 100 per cent by 2020. The commitment makes Unilever the first global FMCG company to commit to sourcing all of its paper and board packaging from sustainably managed forests or recycled material within a clearly defined timeframe. For the company’s requirements for paper from virgin sources, preference will be given to supplies delivered through the Forest Stewardship Council certification scheme. Unilever will also accept other national schemes under the framework of international Forest Management Certification standards, provided they comply with the Policy’s Implementation Guidelines.
Marc Engel, Unilever’s chief procurement officer, said: “It is important that we promote sustainable forestry practices and help combat deforestation and climate change through the responsible sourcing of these materials. We are committed to working in partnership with all of our suppliers to progressively increase the proportion of paper and board packaging which comes from recycled materials, or sustainably managed forests, in order to achieve this ambitious target.”
A major study in 15 countries in 2009 released by a leading provider of premium global business information Datamonitor found that although over half of consumers globally reported that protecting the environment is significantly more important to them now than two years ago, this is does not translate to their grocery purchasing behaviour except when it comes to packaging. In the study, 57% of consumers thought that it is important to buy ethical or socially responsible products, but only 42% reported altering their habits to do so, including products with reduced packaging.
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