Unilever

Unilever has conducted a climate scenario analysis that considers physical and transition risks in alignment with the TCFD recommendations. Using a 1.5°C scenario analysis, it has identified 40 risk and opportunity areas, including animal agriculture and protein diversification. One opportunity identified is the growth of alternative protein sources, driven by increasing environmental consciousness and regulatory changes. Also, the company is capitalising on this opportunity by offering a range of vegan and vegetarian products in its ice cream, mayonnaise and bouillon & soups section.

The company discloses its emissions from forest land and agriculture. Also, it discloses that 42% of its ice cream lifecycle emissions come from dairy. However, it does not provide disclosure for other animal proteins, such as poultry and beef.

The company set a target to reduce absolute Scope 3 FLAG GHG emissions from purchased goods and services (associated with ingredients) by 30.3% by 2030, from a 2021 baseline. This target was submitted to the SBTi for validation as being aligned with the 1.5°C target in November 2023.

The company has calculated the financial opportunity presented by protein diversification, with potential profits of €0.5 billion by 2030 and €1.7 billion by 2039.

The company has integrated protein diversification into its climate transition strategy. As part of the Future Foods initiative, Unilever aims to achieve €1.5 billion in annual sales from plant-based products by 2025. In its ice cream business division, the goal is to derive 20% of sales from non-dairy sources by 2030.

Unilever aims to achieve €1.5 billion in annual sales from plant-based products by 2025 and to derive 20% of sales from non-dairy sources by 2030. Both of these protein diversification targets are time-bound.

Unilever operates two distinct food business divisions: nutrition and ice cream. The company aims to achieve an annual sales target of €1.5 billion from plant-based products by 2025, a goal that encompasses both divisions.

There is no evidence that these targets are aligned with recognised climate and health guidelines for dietary transition.

Unilever discloses consistent sales of €1.2 billion in both 2022 and 2023.

The company reports annually on progress towards its protein diversification target.

The company's board supervises climate-related issues and strategies, which includes overseeing the company's Climate Transition Action Plan (CTAP). This plan encompasses the strategy and progress for diversifying protein sources.

The company discloses that its multiple board members have expertise in sustainability. Also, it discloses that one of its board members has expertise in climate.

It is unclear whether the company's board members have technical expertise in nutrition and/or health.

Unilever offers a comprehensive insight into its lobbying activities, both direct and indirect. The company actively engages policymakers and regulators across a diverse spectrum of topics. Notably, these topics include climate change, nutrition, product safety standards, fortification, and the labelling of plant-based products.

Unilever states that it advocates and lobbies for policies that are aligned with the Paris Agreement. However, it is unclear whether they are aligned with positive health and nutrition outcomes.

The company discloses a list of the main industry associations it comprises and geographies covered.

The company has conducted a review of its industry associations' climate policy engagements, finding that 18 are aligned with Unilever's climate position (1.5C scenario). However, eight show misalignments. Unilever underscores the necessity for associations to align their policies with scientific climate objectives, advocating for proactive engagement to discover viable policy alternatives that curtail emissions.

Unilever has publicly committed to the principles of a Just Transition in the agriculture sector.

The company offered comprehensive information about its dedication to assisting farmers within its supply chain as they shift towards regenerative farming methods. However, there was no evidence found relating to the company's support for its employees during the Just Transition.

Unilever offers a range of tools and programs to support its suppliers in adopting sustainable sourcing practices. This includes: the Cool Farm Tool for measuring and reducing agricultural carbon footprints; Sustainable Dairy Commitment Programs such as the Unilever SAC and RAPs for guidance on livestock farming and animal welfare; and Livestock Implementation Guides developed with external partners. Additionally, Unilever's Caring Dairy Initiative encourages regenerative farming practices, rewarding farmers based on their performance levels in areas like soil health, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity.

The company discusses its approach to regenerative farming practices. However, it has not developed a Just Transition strategy that covers animal agriculture.

There is no evidence for this KPI.

There is no evidence for this KPI.

There is no evidence for this KPI.

Unilever is expanding its plant-based offerings in both its nutrition and ice cream segments. Within the ice cream segment, it is introducing non-dairy options, including ice lollies and plant-based ice-cream. Additionally, through partnerships with Burger King and Domino's, its Vegetarian Butcher brand has experienced significant growth, launching innovative products such as NoBacon 2.0.

The company does not disclose quantitative data.

Unilever is allocating resources to enhance the nutritional quality and environmental sustainability of its alternative protein offerings. The company's innovation hubs are dedicated to refining attributes such as flavor, texture, nutritional content, and eco-friendliness. Unilever has formed partnerships with ENOUGH and Algenuity to explore innovative protein sources for plant-based meat products. They are researching mushroom-based protein with significantly lower environmental impact and microalgae that is nutritious and palatable. Unilever is part of consortia like Plant Meat Matters and PlantPROMISE, focusing on meat alternatives' structure, nutritional value, and consumer acceptance.

Unilever discloses its nutrition criteria, which it applies to plant-based product development. Within its ice cream business, the company ensures that its plant-based offerings align with their commitments to sugar and calorie content.

In previous years, the company has provided evidence of reformulation to improve the sustainability of its ice cream products, such as in Sweden, it reduced carbon emissions by 37% by switching to pea protein alternatives. The company encourages consumers to reduce their meat consumption through its product innovations under its brand Knorr.

There is no evidence for this KPI.

There is no evidence for this KPI.

The company promotes the nutritional benefits of its products through 'Smart Labels' which can be accessed by the consumers by scanning a QR code on the product label. However, it is unclear how the company promotes the nutritional attributes of plant-based products.

Through its brand Knorr, the company runs its 'cheat on meat' campaign which encourages consumers to opt for more plant-based options. However, the company does not provide clear evidence promoting the sustainability attributes of its alternative protein sources across all brands and its largest markets.

In 2023, the company published its blog titled "Five Trends That Will Take Plant-Based Eating Mainstream." The blog utilised third-party research and Unilever's internal expertise to identify areas to engage consumers on the need for increased uptake of plant-based products. These areas include prioritising convenience, communicating climate benefits, introducing innovative products, and expanding out-of-home options.

The company provides examples of how it is using consumer insights related to convenience and climate to inform its merchandising strategy for plant-based products. For instance, they offer plant-based recipes on Knorr product packs and utilise TikTok to encourage younger consumers to incorporate more vegetables into their diets. Additionally, The Vegetarian Butcher brand has developed an "impact calculator" that allows consumers to calculate their own positive impact when they choose plant-based options over animal meat.