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Unilever's Leadership in the Exponential Framework
Where Unilever Can Have the Biggest Impact: Pillar 2: Decarbonize Value Chain (50%)
As one of the world's largest consumer goods companies, Unilever's climate impact is concentrated in their supply chain. With 181+ suppliers in their Climate Programme and 97% deforestation-free key commodities, transforming agricultural and ingredient supply chains is their primary lever. Their own manufacturing (P1: 15%) is significant but secondary to the massive embedded emissions in raw materials and product use.
Highlighted areas show where Unilever demonstrates climate leadership
Click any highlighted category to see evidence
Cross-Cutting Categories
Consumer Goods & Retail
Retail, apparel, food
Decarbonize Value Chain
Scope 3 upstream emissions from suppliers and materials
Build & Scale Solutions
Climate solutions, avoided emissions, product innovation
Why These Weights?
Unilever's climate impact is dominated by its agricultural and materials supply chain (P2: 50%). Over 99% of Unilever's total GHG footprint (99.2M tCO2e in 2024) sits in Scope 3, with purchased goods & services (agricultural raw materials) as the largest category. The base Consumer Goods archetype is adjusted +10% to P2 to reflect the exceptional Scope 3 concentration and the deforestation-free supply chain programme (97% of key commodities, 2024). Secondary impact comes from product reformulation toward bio-based, lower-carbon ingredients and consumer behaviour change at scale (P3: 20%). Operational emissions are already 72% below 2015 baseline — a near-solved challenge (P1: 15%). Finance (P4: 8%) reflects green bond issuance and CTAP capital allocation. Policy (P5: 7%) reflects Race to Zero membership and annual Climate Policy Engagement Review.
Adjustments Applied
Climate Performance Across Five Pillars
Detailed assessment of commitment and reporting across each transformation pillar
Cut Operational Emissions
Commitment
100% absolute Scope 1+2 reduction by 2030 (vs 2015 baseline); Net Zero across value chain by 2039 — SBTi validated near-term targets. 72% Scope 1+2 reduction already achieved.
- 100% absolute reduction in Scope 1+2 GHG emissions by 2030 (vs 2015 baseline) — SBTi approved
- 72% Scope 1+2 reduction from 2015 baseline already achieved (2024)
- 70% Scope 1+2 reduction milestone achieved in 2023 (ahead of 2025 interim target)
- Renewable electricity procurement via PPAs and direct sourcing across global manufacturing
- Transition to renewable thermal energy in operations underway
Progress & Evidence
Scope 1+2: 1.74M tCO2e (2024) — 72% reduction from 2015 baseline of ~6.2M tCO2e. Target: 100% reduction by 2030. On track with strong trajectory.
- Scope 1+2: 1,740,000 tCO2e (2024) — 72% below 2015 baseline
- 2025 interim target (70%) achieved in 2023 — ahead of schedule
- Renewable electricity: significant share via PPAs across manufacturing sites
- Energy efficiency programmes across 300+ manufacturing sites globally
- TPI Management Quality Level 5 (maximum) — Dec 2024 assessment
Decarbonize Value Chain
Commitment
42% absolute Scope 3 energy/industrial reduction by 2030 (vs 2021); 30.3% FLAG reduction by 2030 (vs 2021) — both SBTi approved. Supplier Climate Programme with 181 enrolled suppliers. 97% deforestation-free key commodities.
- 42% absolute reduction in Scope 3 energy and industrial GHG emissions by 2030 (vs 2021) — SBTi approved
- 30.3% absolute reduction in Scope 3 forest, land and agriculture (FLAG) emissions by 2030 (vs 2021) — SBTi approved
- Supplier Climate Programme: 181 suppliers enrolled — accelerating supplier decarbonisation
- 97% deforestation-free order volumes for palm oil, paper/board, tea, soy and cocoa (2024)
- Regenerative agriculture: 1M hectares target by 2030 — 130,000 ha active (2024)
Progress & Evidence
Scope 3 total: 53.8M tCO2e (2024). Scope 3 energy/industrial: 8% reduction from 2021 baseline (target: 42% by 2030). FLAG: 14% reduction from 2021 baseline (target: 30.3% by 2030). Progress behind pace required.
- Scope 3 total: 53,800,000 tCO2e (2024) — dominated by raw materials and ingredients
- Scope 3 energy/industrial: -8% from 2021 baseline (target: -42% by 2030)
- Scope 3 FLAG: -14% from 2021 baseline (target: -30.3% by 2030)
- Supplier Climate Programme: 181 suppliers enrolled
- Deforestation-free: 97% of palm oil, paper/board, tea, soy, cocoa (2024)
- Regenerative agriculture: 23 active projects across 130,000 hectares (2024)
Build & Scale Solutions
Commitment
Reformulating products to reduce use-phase emissions (Scope 3 downstream). Developing low-carbon ingredients (bio-based surfactants, sustainable palm alternatives). Packaging innovation: 23% virgin plastic reduction. Sustainable sourcing of key crops.
- Reformulate products to reduce consumer use-phase GHG emissions (Scope 3 downstream)
- Bio-based surfactant partnership: industry-first sugar cane oil extraction for cleaning ingredients
- 30% virgin plastic reduction by 2026 (vs 2019 baseline) — 23% achieved (2024)
- 100% deforestation-free supply chain: infrastructure, monitoring and verification in place
- Sustainable sourcing: 79% of key crops sustainably sourced (2024)
Progress & Evidence
Product reformulation underway across Home Care and Personal Care. Virgin plastic: -23% from 2019 baseline (target: -30% by 2026). 79% of key crops sustainably sourced. 97% deforestation-free key commodities. Bio-based ingredient pilots in progress.
- Virgin plastic reduction: -23% from 2019 baseline (target: -30% by 2026)
- Recycled plastic: 21% of global portfolio (2024)
- Recyclable/reusable/compostable packaging: 57% of portfolio (76% rigid, 13% flexible)
- Sustainable crop sourcing: 79% of key crops (2024)
- Deforestation-free: 97% of key commodities (2024)
- Bio-based surfactant R&D: sugar cane oil extraction partnership (industry-first)
Mobilize Finance & Investment
Commitment
Climate Transition Action Plan (CTAP) backed by 97%+ shareholder vote at 2024 AGM. Sustainability integrated into Growth Action Plan 2030. ESG performance linked to executive remuneration. TCFD-aligned reporting.
- CTAP backed by >97% shareholder vote at 2024 AGM — strong governance mandate
- Sustainability embedded in Growth Action Plan 2030 as strategic imperative
- Executive remuneration linked to sustainability KPIs
- TCFD-aligned climate risk disclosure in Annual Report
- CDP Climate Change questionnaire respondent — full disclosure
Progress & Evidence
Revenue: €60.8B (2024). CTAP shareholder vote: 97%+ approval. CDP Climate: full disclosure. TCFD-aligned. Sustainability integrated into Group strategy and capital allocation. No dedicated green bond yet.
- Revenue: €60.8B (2024) — Consumer Goods, 190+ countries
- CTAP shareholder vote: >97% approval at 2024 AGM
- CDP Climate Change: full disclosure respondent
- TCFD: aligned reporting in Annual Report and Accounts 2024
- Executive remuneration: sustainability KPIs linked to pay
- TPI MQ Level 5 (maximum score) — Dec 2024
Shape Policy & Narrative
Commitment
Race to Zero member. CA100+ focus company. COP29 five-point government advocacy agenda. Climate Policy Engagement Review published annually. Active in Business Coalition for Global Plastics Treaty. UN Global Compact signatory.
- Race to Zero: member — net zero by 2039 ambition
- CA100+ Focus Company: engaged by institutional investors on climate governance
- COP29: five-point government advocacy agenda published (Nov 2024)
- Climate Policy Engagement Review: annual publication reviewing industry association alignment
- Business Coalition for Global Plastics Treaty: co-chair
- UN Global Compact: signatory
Progress & Evidence
LobbyMap Band B (Organisation 82/100, Engagement 58/100, Relationship 67/100). Race to Zero member. CA100+ focus company. TPI MQ Level 5. Annual Climate Policy Engagement Review. Active COP engagement.
- LobbyMap: Band B — Organisation score 82/100, Engagement 58/100, Relationship 67/100
- TPI Management Quality: Level 5 (maximum) — Dec 2024
- Race to Zero: member (net zero by 2039)
- CA100+ Focus Company: institutional investor engagement
- Climate Policy Engagement Review: published annually
- COP29: five government advocacy asks published (Nov 2024)
Commitments
Climate targets and ambitions aligned with 1.5°C | Updated 2024
Near-term Targets
SBTi validated targets100% absolute reduction in Scope 1+2 GHG emissions
vs baseline (2015)
SBTi: Targets Set42% absolute reduction in Scope 3 energy and industrial GHG emissions
vs baseline (2021)
SBTi: Targets Set30.3% absolute reduction in Scope 3 forest, land and agriculture (FLAG) emissions
vs baseline (2021)
SBTi: Targets SetNet Zero Target
Scope 1+2+3
Also: Race to Zero
Commitments by Pillar
P1
Operational Emissions
100% Scope 1+2 reduction by 2030 (vs 2015 baseline)
72% Scope 1+2 reduction achieved (2024)
P2
Value Chain
Engage 181+ suppliers in Climate Programme; deforestation-free supply chain
97% deforestation-free key commodities (2024)
P3
Climate Solutions
Product reformulation toward bio-based and lower-carbon ingredients
23% virgin plastic reduction; bio-based ingredient innovation
P4
Climate Finance
Align capital allocation with CTAP; green bond issuance
CTAP backed by >97% shareholder vote at 2024 AGM
P5
Policy & Advocacy
Publish annual Climate Policy Engagement Review; Race to Zero member
CA100+ focus company; TPI MQ Level 5
Race to Zero Alignment
Meeting allPledge
Net zero commitment
Plan
Transition plan
Proceed
Taking action
Publish
Progress reporting
Persuade
Advocacy & influence
Governance Body
Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE)
Executive Accountability
CEO Hein Schumacher; Chief Sustainability Officer Rebecca Marmot
Board Oversight
Board Corporate Responsibility Committee oversees climate strategy; sustainability KPIs linked to executive remuneration
Transition Plan: Published
Climate Transition Action Plan (CTAP)
Decarbonization Levers
P1: Operational Emissions
Renewable Energy Procurement
In progress100% renewable electricity across 300+ manufacturing sites via PPAs and on-site generation
Manufacturing Energy Efficiency
In progressEnergy efficiency improvements across all manufacturing sites; ISO 50001 energy management
P2: Value Chain
Supplier Climate Programme
In progress181+ suppliers engaged in Unilever Climate Programme with decarbonisation targets and support
Deforestation-Free Supply Chain
In progressDeforestation-free commitments for palm oil, soy, paper, tea, cocoa and other key commodities
Regenerative Agriculture
In progressRegenerative agriculture programmes with key agricultural suppliers to sequester carbon and restore biodiversity
P3: Climate Solutions
Product Reformulation
In progressReformulating products toward bio-based, lower-carbon ingredients and concentrated formats
Sustainable Packaging
Implemented23% virgin plastic reduction achieved; recyclable, reusable, and compostable packaging expansion
P4: Climate Finance
Climate-Linked Remuneration
ImplementedExecutive remuneration linked to climate performance metrics; CTAP backed by >97% shareholder vote
Internal Carbon Price
ImplementedInternal carbon price applied to capital allocation decisions to embed climate cost in business cases
P5: Policy & Advocacy
Government Advocacy
ImplementedFive-point government advocacy agenda for COP29; supports carbon pricing, EU ETS, and ambitious NDCs
Industry Association Alignment
ImplementedAnnual Climate Policy Engagement Review assessing alignment of industry association memberships
Key Milestones
Pioneering corporate sustainability plan with ambitious targets across the value chain
100% Scope 1+2 by 2030, 42% Scope 3 energy/industrial by 2030, 30.3% FLAG by 2030
Joined Race to Zero meeting all five criteria: Pledge, Plan, Proceed, Publish, Persuade
Comprehensive CTAP published with detailed decarbonisation roadmap to net zero by 2039
Strongest governance mandate in sector - >97% shareholder approval at 2024 AGM
72% reduction in Scope 1+2 emissions vs 2015 baseline - on track for 100% by 2030
97% of key commodities (palm oil, soy, paper, tea, cocoa) deforestation-free
Net zero own operations by 2030 (vs 2015 baseline)
SBTi-validated near-term Scope 3 target
Net zero by 2039 - ahead of Paris Agreement 2050 timeline
Transition Risks
| Risk | Category | Likelihood | Impact | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Agricultural supply chain emissions remain high | Transition | High | High | Regenerative agriculture programmes; deforestation-free commitments; supplier engagement |
Consumer behaviour change required for product use emissions | Market | Medium | Medium | Product reformulation; concentrated formats; consumer education campaigns |
Regulatory requirements (CSRD, CSDDD) increase compliance burden | Regulatory | High | Medium | Early CSRD preparation; strong disclosure infrastructure already in place |
Key Assumptions
- Renewable energy costs continue to decline enabling 100% renewable electricity by 2030
- Supplier engagement programme scales to cover all material Scope 3 categories
- Deforestation-free supply chains achievable through certification and direct engagement
- Consumer demand for sustainable products continues to grow
- Policy environment supports carbon pricing and ambitious climate regulation
Reporting & Transparency
Disclosure quality and verification status | 2024 Report
Disclosure Frameworks
Carbon Disclosure Project
Climate Change questionnaire; CDP Supplier Engagement programme participant
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
TCFD-aligned reporting integrated in Annual Report and Sustainability Report
Global Reporting Initiative
GRI Standards referenced in Sustainability Report
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
Preparing for ESRS compliance; strong disclosure infrastructure already in place
International Sustainability Standards Board
IFRS S2 climate disclosures being integrated
Third-Party Verification
Scope 1+2
Reasonable assuranceVerified by Bureau Veritas
Scope 3
Limited assuranceVerified by Bureau Veritas
Data Quality & Coverage
Scope 1
100% - all manufacturing sites and owned vehicles
coverage
Scope 2
100% - market-based and location-based methods reported
coverage
Scope 3
All 15 GHG Protocol categories assessed; material categories reported
coverage
Scope 3 Categories Reported:
GHG Protocol Corporate Standard. FLAG emissions reported separately per SBTi FLAG guidance. Market-based Scope 2 using renewable energy certificates.
Data Gaps:
- • Scope 3 Cat. 11 (product use) relies on consumer behaviour modelling
- • Some Tier 2+ agricultural supply chain emissions estimated
Performance Trajectory
Scope 1+2 absolute emissions
tCO2e
Baseline (2015)
6,400,000 tCO2e
Current (2024)
1,740,000 tCO2e
Target (2030)
0 tCO2e
Scope 3 energy/industrial GHG emissions
tCO2e
Baseline (2021)
53,800,000 tCO2e
Current (2024)
53,800,000 tCO2e
Target (2030)
30,900,000 tCO2e
Key Strengths
- •Reasonable assurance on Scope 1+2 emissions from Bureau Veritas
- •Annual Climate Policy Engagement Review - unique transparency on lobbying alignment
- •Full CDP Climate Change disclosure with A- score
- •CTAP backed by >97% shareholder vote - strongest governance mandate in sector
- •All 15 GHG Protocol Scope 3 categories assessed
- •Separate FLAG emissions reporting per SBTi FLAG guidance
Areas for Improvement
- •Scope 3 Cat. 11 (product use) relies on modelling - improve measurement methodology
- •Move Scope 3 assurance from limited to reasonable
- •Accelerate CSRD/ESRS compliance preparation
- •Scope 3 reduction progress behind target - need measurable supplier engagement outcomes
Climate Policy Engagement Assessment
Independent analysis by InfluenceMap/LobbyMap · Last updated Q4 2024
Assessment Overview
Unilever's climate policy engagement is broadly aligned with the Paris Agreement. The company actively supports ambitious climate regulation and has published a five-point government advocacy agenda for COP29. Unilever engages positively on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and deforestation-related policies. The company publishes an annual Climate Policy Engagement Review assessing alignment of its industry association memberships with its own climate positions.
Strengths
- •Paris Agreement aligned policy engagement with 97%+ shareholder mandate for CTAP
- •Annual Climate Policy Engagement Review — transparent industry association alignment disclosure
- •Active COP engagement: five-point government advocacy agenda published for COP29
- •Supports carbon pricing, EU ETS, and ambitious GHG regulation
- •Strong land use and deforestation-free policy positions (97% key commodities)
- •TPI Management Quality Level 5 (maximum) — Dec 2024
- •Race to Zero member and CA100+ focus company
Gaps & Weaknesses
- •Engagement intensity score (58/100) indicates room to increase direct policy engagement
- •Relationship score (67/100) reflects some industry associations not fully aligned with Unilever positions
- •No public position on specific carbon tax rates or ETS reform details
Policy Position Scoring Matrix
| Policy Area | Web | Media | CDP | Gov | News | CEO | Fin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Communication of Climate Science Strongly positive communication on climate science across all channels | +2 | +2 | +2 | NS | NS | +1 | NS |
Alignment with IPCC on Climate Action Supports 1.5°C aligned action; Race to Zero member; net zero by 2039 | +2 | +1 | +2 | NS | NS | +1 | NS |
Supporting the Need for Regulations Supports ambitious climate regulation including EU Green Deal | +1 | +1 | +1 | NS | NS | NS | NS |
Support of UN Climate Process Active COP engagement; published five-point government advocacy agenda for COP29 | +2 | +1 | NS | NS | NS | +1 | NS |
Transparency on Legislation Publishes annual Climate Policy Engagement Review | +1 | NS | +1 | NS | NS | NS | NS |
Carbon Tax Supports carbon pricing mechanisms | +1 | NS | +1 | NS | NS | NS | NS |
Emissions Trading Supports EU ETS and carbon market development | +1 | NS | +1 | NS | NS | NS | NS |
Energy and Resource Efficiency Strong energy efficiency programmes across 300+ manufacturing sites | +2 | +1 | +2 | NS | NS | NS | NS |
Renewable Energy Supports renewable energy expansion; PPAs across global manufacturing | +2 | +1 | +2 | NS | NS | NS | NS |
Energy Transition & Zero Carbon Technologies Supports energy transition; bio-based ingredient innovation | +1 | +1 | +1 | NS | NS | +1 | NS |
GHG Emission Regulation Supports ambitious GHG regulation including CSRD and EU Green Deal | +1 | NS | +1 | NS | NS | NS | NS |
Disclosure on Relationships Annual Climate Policy Engagement Review discloses industry association alignment | +1 | NS | +1 | NS | NS | NS | NS |
Land Use Strong deforestation-free commitments; 97% of key commodities deforestation-free (2024) | +2 | +1 | +2 | NS | NS | NS | NS |
Key Evidence
Published five-point government advocacy agenda calling for ambitious NDCs, carbon pricing, deforestation-free supply chains, and just transition support
Annual review assessing alignment of industry association memberships with Unilever climate positions — transparent disclosure
Climate Transition Action Plan backed by >97% shareholder vote at 2024 AGM — strongest governance mandate in sector
Full CDP Climate Change questionnaire disclosure; supports carbon pricing mechanisms and EU ETS
Member of Race to Zero — meeting all five criteria (Pledge, Plan, Proceed, Publish, Persuade)
Data sourced from LobbyMap by InfluenceMap · Assessment methodology available at influencemap.org/methodology
Key Performance Indicators
5 Pillars + 2 Cross-Cutting Categories (Commitment & Reporting) · FY2024 (Annual Report & CDP 2024)
Cross-Cutting Categories
Data Quality Notes
- • Scope 3 2024 (99.2M tCO2e) significantly higher than prior years due to expanded category reporting (Cat. 11 consumer use). The SBTi target uses 2021 baseline of 53.8M tCO2e.
- • TPI MQ Level 3 (2024) is lower than the Level 5 referenced in earlier data — this reflects the most recent TPI assessment in the database.
- • Scope 1+2 market-based (728K tCO2e) vs location-based (1.78M tCO2e) — market-based used here as it reflects renewable energy procurement impact.
The Value Chain Transformation Multiplier
Over 99% of Unilever's GHG footprint sits in Scope 3 — agricultural raw materials, packaging, and consumer use. Their climate impact is defined by transforming 181+ suppliers, reformulating 400+ products, and shifting 1.5 billion consumers toward lower-carbon lifestyles.
The Value Chain Transformation Multiplier
Over 99% of Unilever's GHG footprint sits in Scope 3 — agricultural raw materials, packaging, and consumer use. Their climate impact is defined by transforming 181+ suppliers, reformulating 400+ products, and shifting 1.5 billion consumers toward lower-carbon lifestyles.
Unilever's climate projects achieve multipliers ranging from 4x – 181x(project avoided emissions vs. Unilever's total operational footprint of ~99.9 Million tCO₂e (2024)).
Impact Ratio Formula: Handprint ÷ Footprint = Multiplier. The handprint is "the reduction of the carbon footprint of others" (VTT Guide, p.11). A 10x multiplier means for every tonne emitted, the company enables 10 tonnes avoided for customers.
View Full Methodology & Scientific References2030 Trajectory: Progress by Value Chain Stage
2024 status vs SBTi targets | Primary baseline: 2021 (Scope 3), 2015 (Scope 1+2)
728K tCO₂e (2024) vs 2.8M tCO₂e (2015) | Target: 100% reduction by 2030 | 72% achieved — ahead of 2025 interim target (70%)
~49M tCO₂e (2024) vs 53.8M tCO₂e (2021) | Target: -42% by 2030 | 8% achieved — behind pace; supplier engagement is primary lever
~46M tCO₂e (2024) vs 53.8M tCO₂e (2021) | Target: -30.3% by 2030 | 14% achieved — deforestation-free sourcing is key lever
Concentrated formats, lower-temp wash, bio-based surfactants | 23% virgin plastic reduction achieved | Product reformulation ongoing
21% recycled content, 79% recyclable packaging | Target: 30% virgin plastic reduction by 2026 | 23% achieved
Total Footprint Progress
99.9 MtCO₂e (2024) vs ~108 MtCO₂e (2021)
-8%
Need -42% (S3 energy/industrial) by 2030
Scope 1+2 is on track (72% reduction). Scope 3 energy/industrial and FLAG are behind pace — supplier transformation and deforestation-free sourcing at scale are the critical path to 2030 targets.
Emissions Dashboard
2024 Data | Baseline: 2015 | Net Zero Target: 2039
!Scope 3 2024 figure of 99.2M tCO2e is significantly higher than prior years due to expanded Scope 3 category reporting methodology, particularly Cat. 11 (use of sold products) and Cat. 1 (purchased goods). The 2021 baseline of 53.8M tCO2e is used for the SBTi Scope 3 target.
Science-Based Targets
All targets measured against 2015 baseline (2,800,000 tCO₂e total emissions)
SBTi Net Zero Standard: Companies must reduce emissions by at least 90% from their baseline year and neutralize residual emissions (≤10% of baseline) through permanent carbon removal.Source: SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard
| Year | Scope 1 | Scope 2 | Scope 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1,200,000 | 1,600,000 | 57,900,000 | 60,700,000 |
| 2016 | 1,100,000 | 1,550,000 | 57,500,000 | 60,150,000 |
| 2017 | 1,050,000 | 1,500,000 | 57,200,000 | 59,750,000 |
| 2018 | 980,000 | 1,000,000 | 57,000,000 | 58,980,000 |
| 2019 | 752,804 | 826,076 | - | 1,578,880 |
| 2020 | 652,831 | 409,802 | - | 1,062,633 |
| 2021 | 659,028 | 443,897 | 53,800,000 | 54,902,925 |
| 2022 | 565,988 | 144,752 | 61,445,738 | 62,156,478 |
| 2023 | 565,988 | 144,752 | 53,800,000 | 54,510,740 |
| 2024 | 613,464 | 114,897 | 99,206,544 | 99,934,905 |
Data sources: 2015-2024 from CDP Climate Change questionnaire submissions. Scope 2 shown as market-based (using renewable energy certificates). Scope 3 2019-2020 not available in CDP data; 2022 figure restated in 2023 submission.
Sources & References
Data sources and documentation supporting this profile
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