Unilever's Plastic Sachet Dilemma

A Critical Analysis of Sustainability Commitments of multinationals

Unilever, a global consumer goods giant, is facing scrutiny from environmental advocates as it is found to be on track to sell a staggering 53 billion non-reusable plastic sachets in 2023, undermining its commitment to reducing single-use plastic. Greenpeace's recent report sheds light on Unilever's apparent failure to meet its sustainability goals, particularly the target of halving its use of virgin plastic by 2025. This essay examines the implications of Unilever's plastic sachet production, its impact on the environment, and the challenges the company faces in meeting its sustainability commitments.

Unilever's Sustainability Pledge: Unilever has been a vocal advocate for sustainability, positioning itself as a leader under former CEO Paul Polman. The company committed to creating a "waste-free world" and pledged to halve its use of virgin plastic by 2025. However, Greenpeace's research indicates that Unilever is set to miss this target by nearly a decade, raising questions about the sincerity of its commitment.

Unilever's production and sale of 53 billion non-reusable sachets, despite acknowledging their negative environmental impact, raise concerns about the company's adherence to its sustainability goals. Sachets, which include products like condiments, beauty, and health items, are marketed in large quantities to low-income consumers in the global south. While Unilever argues that sachets provide affordability and accessibility, they are also linked to pollution in land and waterways, contributing to clogged drains, flooding, and threats to wildlife.

Environmental Impact: Sachets produced by Unilever, especially under the Dove brand, have been found polluting beaches and waterways in countries like the Philippines and Indonesia. Greenpeace emphasizes the need for Unilever to recognize the severe health risks, environmental degradation, social injustices, and climate impacts associated with its plastic production and life cycle.

Greenpeace urges Unilever to phase out single-use plastic, starting with sachets, within the next decade. Additionally, the environmental NGO calls on Unilever to support a global plastics treaty with a legally binding target of reducing plastic production by at least 75% by 2040. Greenpeace contends that Unilever, as a major industry player, must use its influence to champion ambitious goals within the treaty to address the global plastic crisis.

In response, Unilever acknowledges that tackling plastic pollution is a top priority and highlights its progress across various plastic reduction goals. The company claims membership in the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, advocating for a comprehensive UN plastic treaty. Unilever emphasizes its efforts to increase the use of recycled plastic in its global portfolio and acknowledges the complexity of finding alternatives to plastic sachets. The company commits to collaborating with industry partners and stakeholders to develop scalable alternatives.

Unilever's current trajectory of plastic sachet production raises serious concerns about its commitment to sustainability. The company must address the environmental repercussions of its actions, particularly in regions where plastic pollution poses significant threats. Unilever's response indicates an awareness of the challenges and a commitment to finding alternatives, but swift and decisive action is essential to align with the urgent global need for reduced plastic consumption and pollution. The case of Unilever underscores the complex interplay between corporate responsibility, environmental impact, and the challenges of transitioning away from single-use plastics in the pursuit of a more sustainable future.

Source

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/nov/28/unilever-accused-of-breaking-plastics-pledge-53bn-sachets-greenpeace