291
© The Author(s) 2016
R. Clift, A. Druckman (eds.), Taking Stock of Industrial Ecology,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-20571-7_15
Chapter 15
The Role of Science in Shaping Sustainable
Business: Unilever Case Study
Sarah Sim , Henry King , and Edward Price
Abstract Unilever is a leading example of a multinational company in the FastMoving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector. Unilever has long been an advocate of
sustainable business, using scientifi c assessment as the basis for its strategy and
initiatives. Given its business, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is established within
the company and there is a current focus on improving the methodology and scope
of LCA. Recent developments include new approaches to fi ll data gaps for agricultural ingredients and new impact assessment methods for assessing land use change.
We have also adapted LCA approaches to inform corporate strategy and to engage
a broad range of stakeholders both within the company and outside. The most recent
and signifi cant example of this has been the use of product footprinting as an integral element of Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan (USLP); currently over 2000
products are footprinted annually across 14 countries.
LCA approaches will continue to play an important role in Unilever’s strategy.
However, there is an urgent need to develop more predictive, regional/global level
approaches that take into account the limited availability of many earth resources,
the non-linearity of certain impacts and the absolute limits of sustainability. Several
conceptual systems-level frameworks and theories already exist, but the Planetary
Boundary (PB) approach has been selected as the most promising for developments
in data, modelling and contextualization of environmental assessment. We have
identifi ed the need for developments in informatics to exploit new data gathering
approaches as well as new modelling initiatives utilizing Geographical Information
Systems (GIS) mapping and ‘big data’ approaches. In particular, we see real value
in developing a distinct and novel, ‘PB-enabled’ normative LCA approach to support product/service/sectorial decision-making.
Keywords Unilever sustainable living plan • Fast-moving consumer goods sector •
FMCG • Life cycle assessment • Environmental footprinting • Earth systems science • Resilience science • Planetary boundaries • Ecosystem services
S. Sim (*) • H. King • E. Price
Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC) , Unilever ,
Colworth Park, Sharnbrook , Bedford MK44 1LQ , UK
e-mail: sarah.sim@unilever.com
© The Author(s) 2016
R. Clift, A. Druckman (eds.), Taking Stock of Industrial Ecology,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-20571-7_15
Chapter 15
The Role of Science in Shaping Sustainable
Business: Unilever Case Study
Sarah Sim , Henry King , and Edward Price
Abstract Unilever is a leading example of a multinational company in the FastMoving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector. Unilever has long been an advocate of
sustainable business, using scientifi c assessment as the basis for its strategy and
initiatives. Given its business, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is established within
the company and there is a current focus on improving the methodology and scope
of LCA. Recent developments include new approaches to fi ll data gaps for agricultural ingredients and new impact assessment methods for assessing land use change.
We have also adapted LCA approaches to inform corporate strategy and to engage
a broad range of stakeholders both within the company and outside. The most recent
and signifi cant example of this has been the use of product footprinting as an integral element of Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan (USLP); currently over 2000
products are footprinted annually across 14 countries.
LCA approaches will continue to play an important role in Unilever’s strategy.
However, there is an urgent need to develop more predictive, regional/global level
approaches that take into account the limited availability of many earth resources,
the non-linearity of certain impacts and the absolute limits of sustainability. Several
conceptual systems-level frameworks and theories already exist, but the Planetary
Boundary (PB) approach has been selected as the most promising for developments
in data, modelling and contextualization of environmental assessment. We have
identifi ed the need for developments in informatics to exploit new data gathering
approaches as well as new modelling initiatives utilizing Geographical Information
Systems (GIS) mapping and ‘big data’ approaches. In particular, we see real value
in developing a distinct and novel, ‘PB-enabled’ normative LCA approach to support product/service/sectorial decision-making.
Keywords Unilever sustainable living plan • Fast-moving consumer goods sector •
FMCG • Life cycle assessment • Environmental footprinting • Earth systems science • Resilience science • Planetary boundaries • Ecosystem services
S. Sim (*) • H. King • E. Price
Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC) , Unilever ,
Colworth Park, Sharnbrook , Bedford MK44 1LQ , UK
e-mail: sarah.sim@unilever.com