Unilever CEO’s New Commission Encourages Business To Develop Sustainably

The head of Unilever has joined a former U.N. deputy secretary general to launch a commission whose goal is to inspire businesses to “take the lead in poverty reduction and sustainable development.” The Global Commission on Business and Sustainable Development will comprise business, labor and civil society leaders, according to co-founders Unilever CEO Paul Polman and Mark Malloch-Brown. The Commission will try to convince businesses of the economic value of achieving global sustainable development goals (SDGs). Benefits include new markets, investment opportunities and innovations; a reduced risk of instability, fragmentation and fragility; encouragement of a future where businesses can perform with inclusive, sustainable growth and widespread job creation.

"New global commission puts business at heart of sustainable development", News release, Unilever , January 21, 2016

Henkel Gains Recognition For Company's Sustainability Efforts

Henkel said it has received recognition for its sustainability efforts from three organizations. According to the company, it is again included in the list of Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World Index. It also received a Gold rating from EcoVadis, while RobecoSAM gave the company its Silver Class award. International rating agency EcoVadis recognized Henkel’s push for a more sustainable supply chain as a member of the Together for Sustainability initiative.

"Henkel recognized by three sustainability ratings", Henkel, January 21, 2016

Africa’s Beleagured Cocoa Farmers Get Needed Help From Chocolate Makers

Cocoa production is down, especially in Ghana, and prices have soared by 40 percent in the last four years. Worse, this frustrating situation has occurred at a time when demand is up in markets like China and India, where chocolate treats have always been considered unaffordable. To rectify the problem, Mondelez and 10 big chocolate producers and cocoa processors are investing a billion dollars in cocoa-sustainability programs to boost crop productivity. Cocoa production in Ghana in 2014 fell 18 percent from 2013 earlier, thanks to disease, dry weather and shifts in government policy. Ivory Coast’s cocoa harvest increased 2.8 percent. Global demand for chocolate rose 0.6 percent in 2015, but production fell 3.9 percent to 4.2 million tons.

"Chocolate Makers Fight a Melting Supply of Cocoa", The Wall Street Journal, January 13, 2016

Millennials Will Drive Consumption Trends In 2016, Webinar Reveals

Millennial consumers are expected to have significant influence on consumption trends in 2016, according to the “Top 10 Global Consumer Trends for 2016” webinar. Consumers are likely to continue using social media to rant against greenwashing, or brands’ insincere displays of caring for the environment. Also, demand for recycled and pre-owned products is forecast to gain strength. For millennials, owning an automobile is no longer an “icon of freedom” but more of a “strain on their finances and the environment.”

"Top 10 Global Consumer Trends for 2016: Webinar Q&As", Euromonitor International, February 08, 2016