HUL plans to reduce green house emissions to net-zero by 2039

As a growing number of investors focus on ESG performance, Hindustan Unilever Limited's performance has demonstrated that a sustainability strategy contributes to long-term financial success and company growth.

Unilever claims its purpose-led brands have been growing twice as fast as the rest of our portfolio. Willem Uijen, Head - Supply Chain, Unilever - South Asia, ANZ, Indonesia, Philippines, SEAT and Vietnam, "globally, we have saved €1.2 billion of cost as a result of sustainable sourcing and eco-efficiencies in our factories."

In May 2021, Unilever had put its Climate Transition Action Plan to a shareholder vote at its Annual General Meeting and over 99% of shareholders voted in favour of the plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the company's supply chain to net-zero by 2039.

Commenting on how India's top listed companies can contribute towards India's commitment toward climate, Uijen says, "the race to net-zero carbon emissions is picking up pace. Businesses are realising the advantages of getting ahead and the risks of being left behind.

Businesses must be part of the solution. Companies should pledge and plan emission reductions drastically and transition to renewable energy to meet their energy requirements. The only way to avoid the worst possible climate outcomes is for everyone to accelerate their efforts now."

The FMCG giant has set 1.5?C aligned science-based targets to deliver zero emissions operations by 2030, to halve the lifecycle footprint of its products across the value chain by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2039.