Unilever Uses Company’s Crowdsourcing Engine To Power Sustainability Foundry

Crowdsourcing software vendor Spigit says it is working with Unilever Foundry to help the company attract and connect innovators in sustainability. California-based Spigit is the Software-as-a-Solution (SaaS) platform that provides a single entry-point and connection mechanism for individuals, start-up companies and corporations who want to partner with Unilever Foundry and tackle its “challenges.” Applicants submit ideas to: improve global nutrition, imagine the “shower of the future,” boost access to toilet and sanitation solutions, and reinvent the laundry process to use less water. Since its founding in June 2015, Unilever Foundry IDEAS has received 300 proposals from entrepreneurs around the world.

"Spigit Powers Unilever Foundry IDEAS Innovation Platform", News release, Spigit, December 03, 2015

Unilever CEO Says Concerned With Planned Cuts In UK Government Subsidies For Renewable Energy

Unilever CEO Paul Polman said he shares the solar power industry’s concern regarding the UK government’s plan to reduce subsidies to solar and wind power generation. Polman also said businesses must act to help promote sustainability and reduce greenhouse gases emissions; however, he also stressed that governments need to act to ensure environmental goals are achieved. According to the UK government, the renewable energy sector is on track to exceed its target of accounting for 5.4 percent of all annual energy provision by 2013–2014.

"Unilever questions government cuts to green energy support", BBC, December 04, 2015

Swiss Chocolate Maker Improves Sustainability Record

Barry Callebaut reports that it continues to make progress in the area of sustainable cocoa production. The company sourced 159,000 tons of sustainable cocoa in 2015, an increase of 21 percent over 2014, and trained 70,000 farmers in better farming practices. The company created the independent, non-profit Cocoa Horizons Foundation to “drive change in cocoa sustainability.” It developed a new range of sustainable cocoa and chocolate products, Horizons, to support farm productivity and community development programs. Products are traceable from farm to warehouse. The company also distributed sustainability premiums of $20 million to farmers and farmer groups.

"The Barry Callebaut Group – Chocolate Sustainability Report 2014/15", News release, Barry Callebaut, November 26, 2015

Unilever CEO Polman Commends World Leaders For Paris Agreement On Climate Change

Unilever CEO Paul Polman praised the international community for coming up with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change at COP21. According to a statement released by the company, Polman highlighted the “leadership shown by the French and Peruvian governments,” paving the way for the international agreement. He said, the agreement sends a signal to businesses and investors he believes will drive “real change in the global economy.” Also, Polman said the deal creates a “clear path” for the global economy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the lifetimes of people alive today.

"Paul Polman praises historic Paris Agreement", Unilever, December 12, 2015