Unilever reduces greenhouse gas emissions from its own and leased facilities by 77% compared to 2015, according to results corresponding to the end of 2025. The company maintains the goal of achieving a 100% reduction in its operational emissions by 2030, within the framework of its Climate Transition Action Plan.
The multinational's climate strategy is structured around three axes: the transformation of its operations, the incorporation of environmental criteria in product development, and collaboration with suppliers to advance the decarbonization of the entire value chain.
Energy efficiency and industrial digitalization
Improved energy efficiency and the transition to renewable electricity sources have been the main drivers of emission reduction in Unilever's operations. In 2025, 88% of the electricity consumed globally by the company came from renewable sources. The company is also advancing in the electrification of processes that require thermal energy, through technologies such as industrial heat pumps and electric boilers, in addition to exploring alternatives such as biomethane in certain facilities.
These initiatives are complemented by the application of artificial intelligence and digital twins to optimize production lines. These tools allow real-time analysis of operational data, detection of inefficiencies, and adjustment of energy consumption without compromising productive capacity. An example is the personal care plant in Gandhidham, India, where the application of these technologies contributed to increasing production by 24% between 2021 and 2024. Likewise, the facility recorded a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 operational emissions between 2021 and 2023, according to data published by the company.
Innovation with climate criteria from design
The second line of action consists of integrating emissions reduction in the formulation, development, and material selection phases. Unilever works on identifying ingredients with a lower carbon footprint, as well as alternatives for packaging materials and formats. This approach seeks to reduce the environmental impact associated with products without compromising their effectiveness or consumer appeal. In the area of formulation, the company also explores alternatives to fossil-based chemical ingredients, especially in categories such as detergents and cleaning products.
The incorporation of climate criteria from the early stages of development allows addressing environmental impact beyond manufacturing processes, also taking into account the materials and raw materials used.
Suppliers, a key part of the strategy
The decarbonization of its own operations represents only a part of Unilever's climate challenge. A significant proportion of its emissions are generated outside its facilities, especially in raw materials and other processes linked to the supply chain. For this reason, the company promotes joint initiatives with its suppliers to improve emissions measurement, share best practices, and develop solutions with lower environmental impact.
By the end of 2025, nearly 200 strategic suppliers participated in its Supplier Climate Programme. Together, these companies represented 40% of the Scope 3 emissions associated with Unilever's raw materials. The company thus seeks to extend its emissions reduction targets to the different stages of its activity and accelerate the transformation of the processes and materials on which its business depends.
With these advances, Unilever maintains 2030 as the horizon to eliminate Scope 1 and 2 operational emissions compared to its 2015 baseline, while continuing to work on reducing indirect emissions from its value chain.