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  • Overall approach
    8/10
    • Overarching commitment on deforestation
      4/4
      Overall commitment
      Conversion-free/zero-gross conversion/zero-net conversion commitment or a zero deforestation/deforestation-free commitment that explicitly includes all other natural ecosystems
      4/4
      Do they have a commitment for other non-Forest 500 commodities, if so which?: Tea ; Cocoa
      "We’ve committed to achieving a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023. This means that by the end of 2023, our raw materials will come from places that are verified as deforestation- and conversion-free."
      Open source document
    • Signatory to an initiative tackling deforestation
      1/1
      Signatory
      Yes
      1/1
      Which initiatives?: New York Declaration on Forests; Cerrado Manifesto Statement of Support; Tropical Forest Alliance 2020 partner; UN Global Compact; The Capitals Coalition
      "Has your organization endorsed any of the following initiatives as part of its public commitment to reduce or remove deforestation and/or forest degradation? New York Declaration on Forests Tropical Forest Alliance 2020 We Mean Business Cerrado Manifesto"[...]"We are a founding signatory to the UN Global Compact (UNGC)."[...]" Unilever is part of the Natural Capital Coalition aimed to guide businesses in the identification, measurement and management of natural capital impacts and dependencies."
      Open source document
      Open source document
      Open source document
    • Awareness of the value of forests
      1/1
      Awareness
      Yes
      1/1
      "Forests are essential to life. They are the lungs of our planet and help to regulate our climate. They are second only to oceans as the largest global store of carbon. As well as being home to up to 80% of land-based wildlife, more than 1 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods.When forests are cleared, burned or degraded, they leave soils exposed, increasing erosion and the risk of landslides. They also emit carbon dioxide. Estimates show this could account for up to 15% of global carbon emissions – more than the global transport sector."
      Open source document
    • Deforestation as a business risk
      1/1
      Business risk
      Yes
      1/1
      "Acting in an ethical manner, consistent with the expectations of customers, consumers & other stakeholders is essential for the reputation of Unilever & its brands, & we identify this as one of our Principal Risks. Deforestation & human rights allegations related to forest-risk commodities can cause brand damage, so being aware of activities within our supply chain & any campaigns or negative media coverage is vital. Damage to our corporate & brands reputation may come through our complex supply chain for purchased commodities."
      Open source document
    • High-level management of deforestion
      1/1
      High-level management
      Yes
      1/1
      How often does the committee or board meet to assess company's progress on addressing deforestation-related issues?: Not disclosed

      Which commodities does it apply to?: Palm oil; Soy; Beef; Pulp & paper
      "The Board’s delegated Corporate Responsibility Committee (CRC) tracks the progress & potential risks associated with the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP), which came to an end in 2020, & the new Unilever Compass, which was launched in 2020. The CRC feeds into the Board for key decisions on major plans of action to be made. Within the USLP & Unilever Compass, there are forests-related targets including for sustainable sourcing, a deforestation-free supply chain & helping to protect and regenerate land, forests & oceans. The CRC report their findings to the Board regularly so that they can fulfil their oversight responsibilities. The CRC’s responsibilities are complemented by those of the Audit Committee, which is responsible for reviewing the assurance of Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) targets (2020 was the final year for USLP targets assurance) & signing off our Annual Report & Accounts (ARA). In 2020 the Audit Committee continued its oversight of the independent assurance work that is performed on non-financial performance measures, including sustainable sourcing."
      Open source document
    • Executive compensation linked to deforestation
      Executive compensation
      Yes, for all commodities
      0/0
      Does it disclose the percentage of pay at risk?: Yes
      "One element of our Remuneration Policy is a share-matching scheme based on company performance called the Management CoInvestment Plan (MCIP). 25% of the total MCIP award for the CEO, other C-Suite officers and senior executive leadership is assessed on progress against the targets in the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP). Performance is determined through the Sustainability Progress Index (SPI), a qualitative and quantitative assessment made jointly by the Board-delegated Corporate Responsibility and Compensation Committees. The Committees determine a rating from 0% to 200% each year based on 7 key performance indicators. This includes performance against our environmental impact target on sustainable palm oil to purchase crude palm oil from physically certified sustainable sources. In the SPI 2020 we overachieved our target, achieving 95% sustainable palm oil sourcing. MCIP performance is assessed annually and then tallied as an average index for each four-year MCIP performance period, enabling the Compensation Committee to determine the level of matched shares. The level of monetary reward is dependent on the average score between 0 to 200% over the four years."
      Open source document
    • Target to reduce emissions from land-use change
      0/1
    • Reporting on emissions from land-use change
      0/1
    • Disclosure of conservation activity
      Conservation disclosure
      Yes
      0/0
      How many hectares of conservation area are being supported or facilitated by the company on land it does not own or manage?: 154 ha
      "Our partner WWF manages a project component, the Sabah Softwoods Berhad wildlife corridor and orangutan habitat in Trusan Sugut Forest Reserve. Through Unilever’s investment, a nursery was established to grow orangutan food plants, in Tabin Wildlife Reserve and 699 seedlings have been provided to two companies for planting, Sawit Kinabalu (SK) and Kretam Holding Berhad (KHB). They are working with PONGO Alliance to plant the seedlings and increase the extent of food sources within orangutan habitat. This experimental planting is a new paradigm of orangutan and human coexistence in a mixed oil palm and forest landscape. Baseline surveys for orangutans and other wildlife were conducted in 2019 and in 2020 this baseline data was an input to spatial & program planning by providing an understanding orangutan habitat, & distribution of this threatened species. In 2020, intended restoration areas in Lower Sugut landscape had to be re-assessed after the baseline raised challenges linked to i) land claims ii) habitat criteria for key species not being met. Monitoring of orangutan and other wildlife occurs on 6 monthly basis to measure in fauna diversity in the ecological corridor and land area of planted. In 2020, monitoring and field work was severely hampered by COVID restrictions, however, our partners replanted 154Ha of land with indigenous trees, and maintained previous plantings of >100Ha."
      Open source document
    • Disclosure of reforestation activity
    • Target to reduce emissions in scope 1/2
      Reduce emissions
      Yes
      0/0
      Type of climate target: Net-zero emissions

      What is the target date for the company to achieve their climate target?: 2030 . 2039

      Is this target aligned with/verified by SBTi?: Yes
      "Our Climate Targets Unilever has three principal targets that guide our actions:* • a Short-term Emissions Reduction Target: to reduce in absolute terms our operational (Scope 1 & 2) emissions by 70% by 2025 against a 2015 baseline; • a Medium-term Emissions Reduction Target: to reduce in absolute terms our operational emissions (Scope 1 & 2) by 100% by 2030 against a 2015 baseline; and • a Long-term Net Zero Value Chain Target: to achieve net zero emissions covering Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2039"
      Open source document
  • Commodity score
    55/90
    • Palm oil
      66/90
      • Commitment Strength
        17/17
        • Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
          4/4
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            We’ve committed to achieving a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023. This means that by the end of 2023 our raw materials will come from places that are verified as deforestation and conversion free.We’re focusing first on our supply chains for palm oil, paper and board, tea, soy, and cocoa. This is because these supply chains contribute to than 65% of Unilever’s total impact on land – and are the crops that are most often linked to deforestation and conversion of natural ecosystems to farmland." ; (HCS/Peat commitment) Unilever PLC commit to "No conversion of High Carbon Stock (HCS) forests" and "No new development on peat regardless of depth.". "work with Direct Suppliers and other supply chain stakeholders to pilot and implement best management practices and toolkits (including, but not limited to, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) peat best management practices and High Carbon Stock Approach toolkits)."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Target date
            2023
            1/1
            Target date
            2023
            1/1
            What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: verified deforestation and conversion free palm
            We’ve committed to achieving a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023. This means that by the end of 2023 our raw materials will come from places that are verified as deforestation and conversion free.We’re focusing first on our supply chains for palm oil, paper and board, tea, soy, and cocoa. This is because these supply chains contribute to than 65% of Unilever’s total impact on land – and are the crops that are most often linked to deforestation and conversion of natural ecosystems to farmland." ; (HCS/Peat commitment) Unilever PLC commit to "No conversion of High Carbon Stock (HCS) forests" and "No new development on peat regardless of depth.". "work with Direct Suppliers and other supply chain stakeholders to pilot and implement best management practices and toolkits (including, but not limited to, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) peat best management practices and High Carbon Stock Approach toolkits)."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            What date is given for the interim milestone?: 2023
            We’ve committed to achieving a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023. This means that by the end of 2023 our raw materials will come from places that are verified as deforestation and conversion free.We’re focusing first on our supply chains for palm oil, paper and board, tea, soy, and cocoa. This is because these supply chains contribute to than 65% of Unilever’s total impact on land – and are the crops that are most often linked to deforestation and conversion of natural ecosystems to farmland." ; (HCS/Peat commitment) Unilever PLC commit to "No conversion of High Carbon Stock (HCS) forests" and "No new development on peat regardless of depth.". "work with Direct Suppliers and other supply chain stakeholders to pilot and implement best management practices and toolkits (including, but not limited to, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) peat best management practices and High Carbon Stock Approach toolkits)."
            Open source document
            Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          8/7.5
          • Commitment details
            Traces to Point of production
            4/4
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Traces to Point of production
            4/4
            When was this commitment set?: 2016
            "Alongside our commitment to 100% physically certified sources, Unilever will ensure that the palm oil in our supply chain is traceable to known origins that are compliant with our Policy. Unilever is committed to 100% traceability for all of the crude palm oil and derivatives that we buy. Traceability is defined as the ability to trace back to a known catchment area that is attached to a mill, including dedicated plantations, plasma smallholders and independent smallholders. We will work with our suppliers and industry partners to develop a similar traceability system for palm kernel oil and its derivatives. [...]We want to know the exact plantations where our palm oil is grown...Tracing back to palm oil mills and plantations We can identify a universe of mills for 99% of our core volumes – and have visibility of over 17 million hectares of oil palm plantations and farms around the world"
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "Alongside our commitment to 100% physically certified sources, Unilever will ensure that the palm oil in our supply chain is traceable to known origins that are compliant with our Policy. Unilever is committed to 100% traceability for all of the crude palm oil and derivatives that we buy. Traceability is defined as the ability to trace back to a known catchment area that is attached to a mill, including dedicated plantations, plasma smallholders and independent smallholders. We will work with our suppliers and industry partners to develop a similar traceability system for palm kernel oil and its derivatives. [...]We want to know the exact plantations where our palm oil is grown...Tracing back to palm oil mills and plantations We can identify a universe of mills for 99% of our core volumes – and have visibility of over 17 million hectares of oil palm plantations and farms around the world"
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: Working with suppliers to develop traceability systems
            "Alongside our commitment to 100% physically certified sources, Unilever will ensure that the palm oil in our supply chain is traceable to known origins that are compliant with our Policy. Unilever is committed to 100% traceability for all of the crude palm oil and derivatives that we buy. Traceability is defined as the ability to trace back to a known catchment area that is attached to a mill, including dedicated plantations, plasma smallholders and independent smallholders. We will work with our suppliers and industry partners to develop a similar traceability system for palm kernel oil and its derivatives. [...]We want to know the exact plantations where our palm oil is grown...Tracing back to palm oil mills and plantations We can identify a universe of mills for 99% of our core volumes – and have visibility of over 17 million hectares of oil palm plantations and farms around the world"
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            What date is given for the interim milestone?: NA
            "Alongside our commitment to 100% physically certified sources, Unilever will ensure that the palm oil in our supply chain is traceable to known origins that are compliant with our Policy. Unilever is committed to 100% traceability for all of the crude palm oil and derivatives that we buy. Traceability is defined as the ability to trace back to a known catchment area that is attached to a mill, including dedicated plantations, plasma smallholders and independent smallholders. We will work with our suppliers and industry partners to develop a similar traceability system for palm kernel oil and its derivatives. [...]We want to know the exact plantations where our palm oil is grown...Tracing back to palm oil mills and plantations We can identify a universe of mills for 99% of our core volumes – and have visibility of over 17 million hectares of oil palm plantations and farms around the world"
            Open source document
            Open source document
      • Associated Human Rights Abuses
        12/17
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Other workers' rights commitments: Only work legal working hours

          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association

          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
          "We endorse the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and are embedding them throughout our operations. In line with the Fundamental Principles, we base our Human Rights commitment on the International Bill of Human Rights consisting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; and the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work...There is no discrimination in employment...Under no circumstances will a supplier use forced labour...Under no circumstances will a supplier employ individuals under the age of 15 or under the local legal minimum age for work or mandatory schooling, whichever is higher....Workers are not required to work more than the regular and overtime hours allowed by the law of the country where the workers are employed...The rights of workers to freedom of association and collective bargaining are recognised and respected"
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          Yes
          2/2
          Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          Yes
          2/2
          What is the nature of that support?: Technical assistance/support; Education and training, Economic

          How many smallholders do they support, and what percentage does this represent in terms of their sourcing from smallholders?: 834,000
          "Now, our smallholder programmes will focus on our priority crops of cocoa, palm oil, coconut and tea, and will progressively embed our Regenerative Agriculture Principles. These principles are focused on farming practices such as good soil management, water conservation and improving biodiversity. Holistic programmes may also include social elements, such as training programmes on health, hygiene and financial management."[...]"Since 2010, Unilever has empowered 834,000 smallholder farmers to improve their agricultural practices and increase their livelihoods.An example of this is a palm oil project we’re running in Indonesia’s Central Kalimantan region. With our partner Yayasan Inobu – a non-profit research institute – alongside local governments and farming co-operatives, we’re working to improve the yields and incomes of smallholders."
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address the inclusion of women and ensure equality in commodity supply chains
          2/2
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address the inclusion of women and ensure equality in commodity supply chains
          2/2
          "All workers are treated with respect and dignity. No worker is subject to any physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment, abuse or other form of intimidation. Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, role, gender, gender identity is prevented."[...]"We envisage a world in which every woman can create the kind of life she wishes to lead, unconstrained by harmful norms and stereotypes. It is a vision in which women and girls have the same opportunities as men and boys, without fear of prejudice, harassment or violence and regardless of age, race, ethnicity, disability, religion or sexual orientation. We are working toward this vision by adopting a holistic approach that leverages a full range of assets and expertise along our extended value chain. We start with progressive policies and practices in our own workplace and supply chain operations. Building on this foundation, we collaborate with businesses and civil society organisations to create opportunities for women in our extended supply chain, in our sales and customer development operations and, via products and brands, for consumers"
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/1
        • Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
          2/3
          Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
          2/3
          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
          "The rights and title to property and land of the individual, indigenous people and local communities are respected. All negotiations with regard to their property or land, including the use of and transfers of it, adhere to the principles of free, prior and informed consent, contract transparency and disclosure."
          Open source document
        • Commitment to respect customary rights to land, resources, and territory
          No
          0/3
        • Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          Yes
          3/3
          Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          Yes
          3/3
          "Supporting human rights defendersA wide range of individuals and organisations are engaged in the global effort to advance human rights. We recognise that there is increasing pressure and insecurity for human rights defenders, including trade unionists. We're committed to supporting them.As a matter of policy, we do not tolerate threats, intimidation, physical or legal attacks against human rights or environmental defenders in relation to our operations."
          Open source document
      • Implementation and Reporting
        37/56
        • Reporting proportion of compliant volumes
          0/0
        • Reporting is independently verified
          Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme
          2/2
          Reporting is independently verified
          Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme
          2/2
          Which tools, approaches, third-party verification, including certification, schemes are used?: RSPO

          Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: RSPO

          What percent of the company's supply volume is verified using company verification systems?: 99.6%

          Is the performance of compliance of some suppliers, sources, or origins not verified, and if so why not?: NA

          For what percent of the company's supply volume is third-party verification of performance relative to commitments conducted?: 100%

          What methods are used for verification?: RSPO
          "Zero gross/no Deforestation: We are taking action to make ensure we have no deforestation in our palm supply chain, by shifting our sourcing from 1,600 palm mills globally, to 500 mills located largely in Indonesia and Malaysia. We started in 2020 and will complete this supply chain transformation by 2023. In 2020, we sourced 99.6% RSPO-certified palm materials which indicates that we restrict sourcing of palm to credible certified sources."
          Open source document
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, required
          3/3
          Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, required
          3/3
          "We require Direct Suppliers for In-Scope Materials in Unilever’s supply chain to comply with and implement the principles outlined in this Policy across both their entire internal corporate group operations and their third-party supply chains."
          Open source document
        • Deforestation cut off date
          Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
          2/2
          Deforestation cut off date
          Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
          2/2
          What cut-off date is specified?: 2005
          In their 2021 CDP (p.133) Unilever report their cutoff date as 2005.
          Open source document
        • Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          What initiatives does the company participate in?: WWF-Malaysia to protect and restore forest and certify 60,000 hectares of oil palm in Sabah, Malaysia under the RSPO certification scheme.

          What is the nature of that participation?: Attending & contributing to meetings
          "Unilever is part of an initiative to support WWF-Malaysia to protect and restore forest and certify 60,000 hectares of oil palm in Sabah, Malaysia under the RSPO certification scheme. Approx 8% of our sourced volumes originate from Sabah, where many vital ecosystems exist as habitats for endangered species of flora & fauna, making Sabah a key priority landscape to Unilever. The initiative includes a partnership with the PONGO Alliance and Bornean Rhino Alliance (BORA) on restoration projects within oil palm landscapes in the Kinabatangan area and with Forever Sabah in establishing a permanent Secretariat for Sabah's Jurisdictional Certification Steering Committee. Through this collaboration, we aim to restore vital ecological corridors and Forest Reserves of more than 1,500 hectares between 2018-2023. These corridors link the Ulu Kalumpang Forest Reserve and Tawau Hills Park to the Ulu Segama Forest, which is part of the larger central forest complex covering almost 250,000 hectares, habitats of critically endangered species like elephants and orangutans."
          Open source document
        • Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
          Yes
          2/2
          Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
          Yes
          2/2
          What percentage of the company's non-DCF supply chain are sourced from the landscape where the jurisdictional approach is adopted?: NA

          What are the names, locations, timelines and other partners involved in the jurisdictional approaches?: Sabah state; Tawau and Lower Sugut landscapes and Siak and Pelalawan

          What methodology was used to identify the jurisdictions of focus?: Sabah’s state policy

          Does the company report on the type of engagement they are conducting in the context of the jurisdictional approach (e.g. disbursed financial support, in-kind support, capacity, preferential sourcing)?: funding

          How many jurisdictional approaches focused on land use is the company currently involved in?: 2

          How is the company engaged within the jurisdictional approach?: funding
          "Sabah’s state policy requires maintenance of riparian reserves, of 20-50m along rivers of different sizes, and it is also a RSPO requirement to maintain riparian reserves along rivers. Ecological corridors are needed to offset the negative impacts of fragmentation and isolation of wildlife populations in smaller and smaller patches, including loss of genetic diversity and constraints on adaptation to climate change impacts. Restoration of Sabah’s over-exploited forest areas is an important to ensure the maintenance of ecosystem services to underpin Sabah’s future economic development, as well as supporting its biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism. This is part of our wider strategy to achieving sustainable transformation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the palm oil industry. This project contributes to the jurisdictional approach to RSPO certification that is being piloted in Sabah, Unilever funds the Tawau and Lower Sugut landscapes." [...] "We work with governments & NGOs in jurisdictional approaches in Aceh, N Sumatra, Central Kalimantan, Riau & Sabah. We engage in multistakeholder initiatives such as RSPO, HCSA, CGF, TFA, influencing changedriving policies."[...]"We are partnering with organisations including Daemeter and Proforest to support the Siak and Pelalawan districts"
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          How frequently are assessments conducted?: more than once a year

          For what percentage of material produced or sourced by the company has forest risk been assessed?: NA
          "Policy compliance is part of our supplier risk assessment & selection process. With key suppliers, we hold regular reviews regarding their commercial performance & compliance with our People & Nature Policy requirements. We buy RSPO certified volumes & publicly report our sustainable palm sourcing annually. This is assured by a 3rd party & an internal assurance process. Supply chain complexity & lack of transparency mean we use many tools to identify, assess & manage risk, including deforestation risk assessment tools: Descartes Labs (DL), GFW, WRI-PALM,WRI’s RADD, GLAD alerts, Earthqualizer (EQ) Monitoring. DL, RADD & GLAD’s enables geospatial monitoring of forest risk within key suppliers’ own operations & supply chain. We use Rainforest Alliance to get semi-annual traceability data from suppliers & their 3rd-parties, using PalmTrace & questionnaires. In 2020, we were 99% traceable to mill, identifying almost 60% of mills in our supply chain as low deforestation risk. Our public mill list contributes to the Universal Mill List, improving the reliability of mill data management & reporting within the industry."
          Open source document
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          " Unilever will verify alignment to and implementation of the RSP’s Mandatory Requirements through the use of supplier self-declaration, online assessments and – for designated high-risk countries and supplier types – independent verification including third-party audits." "All laws and regulations are complied with in the countries in which the supplier operates. All other applicable international laws and regulations are complied with including those relating to international trade (such as those relating to sanctions, export controls and reporting obligations), data protection and antitrust/competition laws."
          Open source document
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, and published details of any grievances within the last two years (2019-2021)
          4/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, and published details of any grievances within the last two years (2019-2021)
          4/4
          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company?: Own mechanism

          Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental
          "Our Grievance Procedure for Sustainable Palm Oil (PDF 1.01MB) provides a framework for handling, investigating and resolving both social and environmental issues within our supply chain in a timely, transparent and effective manner.The process includes three important steps:An acknowledgement of the grievance and a preliminary review to determine whether the grievance is applicable to our supply chain.An in-depth review of the grievance, working with the supplier and an independent organisation to develop a time-bound action and remediation plan.Actions implemented by the supplier to resolve the issue, with the outcomes monitored.[...] if you have a palm oil grievance, you can email us at palmoil.grievances@unilever.com. Since January 2019 we’ve maintained a public list of palm oil grievances, see our Palm Oil Grievance Tracker (PDF 661KB)."
          Open source document
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          Reporting total volume
          3/3
          Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          Reporting total volume
          3/3
          Reporting certified/compliant volume: 800,387.59 tonnes

          What product types/sectors is this in?: Crude palm oil (CPO) Crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) Palm oil derivatives Palm kernel oil derivatives. Palm oil is used in Beauty & Personal Care, Home Care and Foods & Refreshment

          What is the non-DCF commodity volume sourced from known production areas, and proportion of total supply chain volume this represents?: NA

          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume: 3,214.41 tonnes

          Total volume: 803,602 tonnes
          Unilever report their total volume of palm in their 2021 CDP as 803,602 tonnes. Unilever states that "In 2020, we sourced 99.6% RSPO-certified palm materials which indicates that we restrict sourcing of palm to credible certified sources." "
          Open source document
        • Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          Yes, and publishes evidence of actions taken to implement its commitment on labour rights in the production or primary processing operations that it owns, manages or otherwise controls or its supply chains
          3/5
          Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          Yes, and publishes evidence of actions taken to implement its commitment on labour rights in the production or primary processing operations that it owns, manages or otherwise controls or its supply chains
          2.5/5
          What steps has the company taken to implement their labour rights commitment?: Audits and training

          What percentage/number of new interests, developments, or expansions has the company used FPIC to secure consent of indigenous peoples/local communities?: na

          What is the status of those FPIC processes?: na
          "Advancing good practise: A Code of Conduct, guidelines, policies and/or training covering each of the elements of this RSP are in place and readily available to workers. 1.13. There are procedures to communicate, monitor and measure the effectiveness of the Code of Conduct, guidelines, policies and/or training. 1.14. Preventive and remedial measures are taken to address adverse impacts that are directly linked to the supplier’s operations, products or through business relationships. 1.15. The supplier has in place a code of conduct or responsible sourcing policy for its direct suppliers, consistent with the requirements of this RSP. In addition, there is a process to communicate this to all of its direct suppliers and to monitor compliance by these direct suppliers."; "At a strategic and operational level, Unilever’s human rights work is led by the Global Vice President, Integrated Social Sustainability. Monitoring thirdparty compliance to the mandatory standards of our Responsible Sourcing Policy (RSP) is now delivered by our Legal – Business Integrity function. Our Integrated Social Sustainability team focuses on addressing the root causes of endemic business and human rights issues and social impact programmes, and on working with our suppliers on critical and endemic issues to move from good to best practice."
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Monitor compliance for zero tolerance approach and customary rights
          No
          0/5
        • Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          Yes, report direct suppliers
          2/4
          Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          Yes, report direct suppliers
          2/4
          For what percent of suppliers' production areas are point locations disclosed?: 0%

          For what percent of smallholder suppliers is location disclosed?: 0%

          For what percent are boundaries disclosed?: 0%

          What type of location data (boundary, point, etc.) is provided for smallholder farms?: NA

          For what percent is no location data disclosed?: 0%

          Does the company disclose location of suppliers' production areas or primary processing sites?: No

          What is the volume of each forest risk commodity that the company sourced in the previous year from each national or subnational location?: NA

          From what sub-national jurisdiction(s) does the company source material?: Para ; Kaoh Kong ; Krong Preah Sihanouk ; Meta ; Antioquia ; Bolivar ; Casanare ; Cesar ; Cundinamarca ; Narino ; Norte de Santander ; Magdaleana ; Vichada ; Esmeraldas ; Los Rios ; Manabi ; Orellana ; Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas ; Estuaire ; Ngounié ; Alta Verapaz ; Escuintla ; Atlantida ; Colon ; Cortes ; Yoro ; Andhra Pradesh ; Tamil Nadu ; Telangana ; Aceh ; Bangka Belitung ; Banten ; Bengkulu ; Gorontalo ; Jambi ; West Kalimantan ; North Kalimantan ; East Kalimantan ; South Kalimantan ; Central Kalimantan ; Riau ; Papua ; Sulawesi ; Johor ; Kedah ; Kelantan ; Malacca ; Negeri Sembilan ; Pahang, Perak, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Trengganu ; Chiapas ; Atlantico de Sur ; Chiriqui ; East New Britain, Milne Bay, Morobe, New Ireland, Oro, West New Britain ; Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kanchanaburi, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Satun, Surat Thani, Trang, Trat

          From what country(ies) does the company source material?: Brazil ; Cambodia ; Colombia ; Ecuador ; Gabon ; Guatemala ; Honduras ; India ; Indonesia ; Malaysia ; Mexico ; Nicaragua ; Papua New Guinea ; Thailand
          Unilever provide a list of their Tier-1 Palm Oil suppliers in 2020 - "The list below provides information on Unilever's tier-1 suppliers (palm oil suppliers that Unilever had direct commercial relationship with in 2020). This includes suppliers that Unilever procured palm oil and palm kernel material from including derivatives and biproduct materials such as PFAD."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          2/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          2/4
          What percentage of the company's supply chain volume does that represent?: NA

          How is compliance monitored?: Internal monitoring and verification systems

          How frequently is compliance assessed?: Unspecified

          For what percent of suppliers does the company directly monitor compliance of production or processing operations?: NA

          For what percentage of the commodity sourced by the company is deforestation/conversion monitored at the farm level on production units known to be in the company's supply chain?: NA

          For what percentage of suppliers does the company use/rely on external mechanisms to monitor compliance?: NA
          "Supplier requirements Unilever requires suppliers and their third parties to verify that the palm oil they supply to Unilever meets the Five Principles above. Adherence to the RSPO Principles & Criteria and New Planting Procedure is accepted as a form of compliance verification with this Policy, with the exception of our requirements on HCS and peat. In cases where we have identified high risk sourcing areas, third party verification will be required. This means we require: • Supplier company sourcing policy aligned with, and/or signed commitment to, Unilever’s Sustainable Palm Oil Policy and the Five Principles at the group level; and...For key suppliers, active engagement on their approach to comply with the Five Principles across their operations, their mechanisms for delivering Unilever’s target, including certified volumes, and joint approaches to sector-wide transformation. • From 2017, upstream suppliers would be required to provide independent third party verification that the palm oil supplied to Unilever meets the Five Principles if those sources are deemed high risk."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Suspend suppliers, engage to bring into compliance, and reintroduce to the supply chain
          2/2
          Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Suspend suppliers, engage to bring into compliance, and reintroduce to the supply chain
          2/2
          What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Breach Unilever People and Nature Policy

          What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: Helps address weaknesses in their policy and practices

          Does the company commit to engage with rightsholders, Indigenous peoples and local communities when developing the implementation plan?: No

          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No

          Does the company work with the non-compliant supplier to develop an implementation plan to remedy associated harms or non-compliance?: Yes
          "We suspend suppliers linked to deforestation. If they later succeed in meeting our requirements, we will give them the opportunity to join our supplier list again in the future."[...]"Our approach is always to engage with our supplier if a grievance has been raised against them, and where we can, to help them address any weaknesses in their policy or practices. Unilever will take any proven breaches by our suppliers seriously and where a supplier refuses to remediate the breach, Unilever will take appropriate steps to address this in a manner that upholds commitment to our Five Principles."
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          Yes, engaged; Yes, excluded
          2/2
          Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          Yes, engaged; Yes, excluded
          2/2
          How many noncompliant producers or suppliers are engaged through improvement plans or other processes, and what percentage of the company's supply chain volume does that represent?: NA

          Does the company have a list of blacklisted or otherwise excluded suppliers or producers?: Yes
          Unilever has a list of suppliers against whom grievances have been raised, and with whom they have investigated and resolved issues.
          Open source document
    • Pulp & Paper
      52/90
      • Commitment Strength
        17/17
        • Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
          4/4
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "We’ve committed to achieving a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023. This means that by the end of 2023, our raw materials will come from places that are verified as deforestation- and conversion-free. We’re focusing first on our supply chains for palm oil, paper and board"[...]"92.6% of our packaging carries an FSC of PEFC certification, with the balance primarily recycled.... In 2020, 98% of the directly-purchased P&B packaging materials we used were made from recycled fibre or came from certified sustainably managed forests. We also decreased the amount of recycled fiber without chain of custody from 21% to 5.5%, advancing to 92.6% total chain of custody against our commitment to reach 100% coverage by 2020."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Target date
            2023
            1/1
            Target date
            2023
            1/1
            What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: FSC and PEFC Certification
            "We’ve committed to achieving a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023. This means that by the end of 2023, our raw materials will come from places that are verified as deforestation- and conversion-free. We’re focusing first on our supply chains for palm oil, paper and board"[...]"92.6% of our packaging carries an FSC of PEFC certification, with the balance primarily recycled.... In 2020, 98% of the directly-purchased P&B packaging materials we used were made from recycled fibre or came from certified sustainably managed forests. We also decreased the amount of recycled fiber without chain of custody from 21% to 5.5%, advancing to 92.6% total chain of custody against our commitment to reach 100% coverage by 2020."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            What date is given for the interim milestone?: 2020
            "In 2020, 98% of the directly-purchased P&B packaging materials we used were made from recycled fibre or came from certified sustainably managed forests. We also decreased the amount of recycled fiber without chain of custody from 21% to 5.5%, advancing to 92.6% total chain of custody against our commitment to reach 100% coverage by 2020."
            Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          8/7.5
          • Commitment details
            Downstream company, traces to First Importer, checks compliance
            4/4
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Downstream company, traces to First Importer, checks compliance
            4/4
            When was this commitment set?: 2021
            "Through the Global Traceability Solutions system, we contact our estimated 320 suppliers with a quarterly questionnaire to collect information on volumes, sustainability status and traceability to the country level. Since 2021, we have also requested mill origin as part of the disclosure, effectively achieving traceability to the mill (TTM) for paper and board."
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "Through the Global Traceability Solutions system, we contact our estimated 320 suppliers with a quarterly questionnaire to collect information on volumes, sustainability status and traceability to the country level. Since 2021, we have also requested mill origin as part of the disclosure, effectively achieving traceability to the mill (TTM) for paper and board."
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: Collecting mill origin from suppliers
            "Through the Global Traceability Solutions system, we contact our estimated 320 suppliers with a quarterly questionnaire to collect information on volumes, sustainability status and traceability to the country level. Since 2021, we have also requested mill origin as part of the disclosure, effectively achieving traceability to the mill (TTM) for paper and board."
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            What date is given for the interim milestone?: NA
            "Through the Global Traceability Solutions system, we contact our estimated 320 suppliers with a quarterly questionnaire to collect information on volumes, sustainability status and traceability to the country level. Since 2021, we have also requested mill origin as part of the disclosure, effectively achieving traceability to the mill (TTM) for paper and board."
            Open source document
      • Associated Human Rights Abuses
        10/17
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association

          Other workers' rights commitments: Only work legal working hours

          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
          "We endorse the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and are embedding them throughout our operations. In line with the Fundamental Principles, we base our Human Rights commitment on the International Bill of Human Rights consisting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; and the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work...There is no discrimination in employment...Under no circumstances will a supplier use forced labour...Under no circumstances will a supplier employ individuals under the age of 15 or under the local legal minimum age for work or mandatory schooling, whichever is higher....Workers are not required to work more than the regular and overtime hours allowed by the law of the country where the workers are employed...The rights of workers to freedom of association and collective bargaining are recognised and respected"
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/2
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address the inclusion of women and ensure equality in commodity supply chains
          2/2
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address the inclusion of women and ensure equality in commodity supply chains
          2/2
          "All workers are treated with respect and dignity. No worker is subject to any physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment, abuse or other form of intimidation. Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, role, gender, gender identity is prevented."[...]"We envisage a world in which every woman can create the kind of life she wishes to lead, unconstrained by harmful norms and stereotypes. It is a vision in which women and girls have the same opportunities as men and boys, without fear of prejudice, harassment or violence and regardless of age, race, ethnicity, disability, religion or sexual orientation. We are working toward this vision by adopting a holistic approach that leverages a full range of assets and expertise along our extended value chain. We start with progressive policies and practices in our own workplace and supply chain operations. Building on this foundation, we collaborate with businesses and civil society organisations to create opportunities for women in our extended supply chain, in our sales and customer development operations and, via products and brands, for consumers"
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/1
        • Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
          2/3
          Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
          2/3
          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
          "The rights and title to property and land of the individual, indigenous people and local communities are respected. All negotiations with regard to their property or land, including the use of and transfers of it, adhere to the principles of free, prior and informed consent, contract transparency and disclosure."
          Open source document
        • Commitment to respect customary rights to land, resources, and territory
          No
          0/3
        • Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          Yes
          3/3
          Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          Yes
          3/3
          "Supporting human rights defenders A wide range of individuals and organisations are engaged in the global effort to advance human rights. We recognise that there is increasing pressure and insecurity for human rights defenders, including trade unionists. We're committed to supporting them. As a matter of policy, we do not tolerate threats, intimidation, physical or legal attacks against human rights or environmental defenders in relation to our operations."
          Open source document
      • Implementation and Reporting
        25/56
        • Reporting proportion of compliant volumes
          0/0
        • Reporting is independently verified
          No
          0/2
          Reporting is independently verified
          No
          0/2
          "We’ve committed to achieving a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023. This means that by the end of 2023, our raw materials will come from places that are verified as deforestation- and conversion-free. We’re focusing first on our supply chains for palm oil, paper and board"[...]"92.6% of our packaging carries an FSC of PEFC certification, with the balance primarily recycled.... In 2020, 98% of the directly-purchased P&B packaging materials we used were made from recycled fibre or came from certified sustainably managed forests. We also decreased the amount of recycled fiber without chain of custody from 21% to 5.5%, advancing to 92.6% total chain of custody against our commitment to reach 100% coverage by 2020." They report in their CDP 855642 Metric Tonnes of FSC and PEFC certified timber products used in 2020.
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, required
          3/3
          Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, required
          3/3
          "We require Direct Suppliers for In-Scope Materials in Unilever’s supply chain to comply with and implement the principles outlined in this Policy across both their entire internal corporate group operations and their third-party supply chains."
          Open source document
        • Deforestation cut off date
          Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
          2/2
          Deforestation cut off date
          Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
          2/2
          What cut-off date is specified?: 1993-1997
          In their 2021 Forests CDP (p.131) Unilever give their cut-off date for timber as 1993-1997
          Open source document
        • Collaborative actions
          No
          0/2
        • Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          For what percentage of material produced or sourced by the company has forest risk been assessed?: NA

          How frequently are assessments conducted?: Quarterly
          "We conduct quarterly risk assessments on all our 421 timber suppliers using questionnaires, managed by our partner GTS. This covers chain of custody fiber to country, FSC/PEFC certified or recycled declaration & includes verification by suppliers on sustainability. GTS gives oversight of our supply chain, enabling us to assess & track supplier performance over time e.g. we use GTS to guide action plans for suppliers with non-compliance issues."
          Open source document
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          " Unilever will verify alignment to and implementation of the RSP’s Mandatory Requirements through the use of supplier self-declaration, online assessments and – for designated high-risk countries and supplier types – independent verification including third-party audits." "All laws and regulations are complied with in the countries in which the supplier operates. All other applicable international laws and regulations are complied with including those relating to international trade (such as those relating to sanctions, export controls and reporting obligations), data protection and antitrust/competition laws."
          Open source document
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental

          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company?: Own mechanism
          "Suppliers, their employees, workers, contractors or the public may report actual or suspected breaches of Unilever's Responsible Sourcing Policy by phone or online."
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          Reporting total volume
          3/3
          Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          Reporting total volume
          3/3
          Total volume: 920,000 tonnnes

          What product types/sectors is this in?: packaging and marketing materials

          What is the non-DCF commodity volume sourced from known production areas, and proportion of total supply chain volume this represents?: NA

          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume: 64,558 tonnes

          Reporting certified/compliant volume: 855442 tonnes
          Unilever reports in their 2021 CDP report as using 920,000 tonnnes of timber. They report 855642 Metric Tonnes of FSC and PEFC certified timber products used in 2020.
          Open source document
        • Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          Yes, and publishes evidence of actions taken to implement its commitment on labour rights in the production or primary processing operations that it owns, manages or otherwise controls or its supply chains
          3/5
          Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          Yes, and publishes evidence of actions taken to implement its commitment on labour rights in the production or primary processing operations that it owns, manages or otherwise controls or its supply chains
          2.5/5
          What steps has the company taken to implement their labour rights commitment?: Training and Audits

          What percentage/number of new interests, developments, or expansions has the company used FPIC to secure consent of indigenous peoples/local communities?: NA

          What is the status of those FPIC processes?: NA
          "Advancing good practise: A Code of Conduct, guidelines, policies and/or training covering each of the elements of this RSP are in place and readily available to workers. 1.13. There are procedures to communicate, monitor and measure the effectiveness of the Code of Conduct, guidelines, policies and/or training. 1.14. Preventive and remedial measures are taken to address adverse impacts that are directly linked to the supplier’s operations, products or through business relationships. 1.15. The supplier has in place a code of conduct or responsible sourcing policy for its direct suppliers, consistent with the requirements of this RSP. In addition, there is a process to communicate this to all of its direct suppliers and to monitor compliance by these direct suppliers."; "At a strategic and operational level, Unilever’s human rights work is led by the Global Vice President, Integrated Social Sustainability. Monitoring thirdparty compliance to the mandatory standards of our Responsible Sourcing Policy (RSP) is now delivered by our Legal – Business Integrity function. Our Integrated Social Sustainability team focuses on addressing the root causes of endemic business and human rights issues and social impact programmes, and on working with our suppliers on critical and endemic issues to move from good to best practice."
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Monitor compliance for zero tolerance approach and customary rights
          No
          0/5
        • Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          Yes, report direct suppliers
          2/4
          Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          Yes, report direct suppliers
          2/4
          For what percent of suppliers' production areas are point locations disclosed?: 0%

          What type of location data (boundary, point, etc.) is provided for smallholder farms?: na

          Does the company disclose location of suppliers' production areas or primary processing sites?: No

          For what percent of smallholder suppliers is location disclosed?: 0%

          For what percent are boundaries disclosed?: 0%

          What is the volume of each forest risk commodity that the company sourced in the previous year from each national or subnational location?: na

          From what sub-national jurisdiction(s) does the company source material?: NA

          For what percent is no location data disclosed?: 100%

          From what country(ies) does the company source material?: Argentina Australia Bolivia (Plurinational State of) Brazil Colombia Côte d'Ivoire Ecuador Guatemala Honduras India Indonesia Kenya Malaysia Mexico Myanmar Nigeria Philippines Thailand Viet Nam
          Unilever 2020 Paper and Board Suppliers
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          2/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          2/4
          What percentage of the company's supply chain volume does that represent?: NA

          How is compliance monitored?: Internal monitoring and verification systems

          For what percentage of suppliers does the company use/rely on external mechanisms to monitor compliance?: NA

          For what percent of suppliers does the company directly monitor compliance of production or processing operations?: NA

          For what percentage of the commodity sourced by the company is deforestation/conversion monitored at the farm level on production units known to be in the company's supply chain?: NA

          How frequently is compliance assessed?: NA
          "Unilever will verify alignment to the RSP’s Mandatory Requirements through the use of supplier self declaration, online assessments and in designated high risk countries third party audits."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Suspend suppliers, engage to bring into compliance, and reintroduce to the supply chain
          2/2
          Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Suspend suppliers, engage to bring into compliance, and reintroduce to the supply chain
          2/2
          What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Non compliance with Responsible Sourcing Policy

          Does the company work with the non-compliant supplier to develop an implementation plan to remedy associated harms or non-compliance?: Yes

          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No

          Does the company commit to engage with rightsholders, Indigenous peoples and local communities when developing the implementation plan?: No

          What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: Engage to ensure remedial action is undertaken - details unspecified.
          "We suspend suppliers linked to deforestation. If they later succeed in meeting our requirements, we will give them the opportunity to join our supplier list again in the future."[...]"Deforestation & human rights allegations related to forest-risk commodities can cause brand damage, so being aware of activities within our supply chain & any campaigns or negative media coverage is vital Using this information in our risk assessments across commodities, we can take appropriate action, eg directly engaging suppliers who breach our policies, to ensure remedial action plans are in place."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
    • Soy
      55/90
      • Commitment Strength
        16/17
        • Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
          4/4
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "We’ve committed to achieving a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023. This means that by the end of 2023, our raw materials will come from places that are verified as deforestation- and conversion-free.We’re focusing first on our supply chains for palm oil, paper and board, tea, soy and cocoa."[...]"In 2020, we sourced 100% of soybean oil sustainably via own impact programs, recognized industry standards, and RTRS certificates. Over 90% of our soybean oil was classed as being low risk of deforestation in 2020 (Proforest's traceability assessment). We aim to source 100% of our soy deforestation & conversion-free by 2023, in line with our People & Nature Policy"
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Target date
            2023
            1/1
            Target date
            2023
            1/1
            What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: RTRS Certification
            "We’ve committed to achieving a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023. This means that by the end of 2023, our raw materials will come from places that are verified as deforestation- and conversion-free.We’re focusing first on our supply chains for palm oil, paper and board, tea, soy and cocoa."[...]"In 2020, we sourced 100% of soybean oil sustainably via own impact programs, recognized industry standards, and RTRS certificates. Over 90% of our soybean oil was classed as being low risk of deforestation in 2020 (Proforest's traceability assessment). We aim to source 100% of our soy deforestation & conversion-free by 2023, in line with our People & Nature Policy"
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            What date is given for the interim milestone?: 2020
            "In 2020, we sourced 100% of soybean oil sustainably via own impact programs, recognized industry standards, and RTRS certificates. Over 90% of our soybean oil was classed as being low risk of deforestation in 2020 (Proforest's traceability assessment). We aim to source 100% of our soy deforestation & conversion-free by 2023, in line with our People & Nature Policy"
            Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          6/7.5
          • Commitment details
            Downstream company, traces to Processing Facility, checks compliance
            4/4
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Downstream company, traces to Processing Facility, checks compliance
            4/4
            When was this commitment set?: 2020
            "Our People and Nature Policy requires all suppliers to provide traceability information to a level defined by the specific country risk. In high-risk countries, traceability to the farm level is required in order to be able to monitor and verify compliance with our Policy. In 2020, we were 97% traceable to mill and 96% traceable to the country of origin of the soybean (country origins can sometimes be less clear than mill origins in soy SC). [...] For soybean oil originated in high-risk countries, 68% is traceable to state level and 60% is traceable to municipality level. Going forward we will focus on improving our traceability to municipality level for all high-risk countries."
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            "Our People and Nature Policy requires all suppliers to provide traceability information to a level defined by the specific country risk. In high-risk countries, traceability to the farm level is required in order to be able to monitor and verify compliance with our Policy. In 2020, we were 97% traceable to mill and 96% traceable to the country of origin of the soybean (country origins can sometimes be less clear than mill origins in soy SC). [...] For soybean oil originated in high-risk countries, 68% is traceable to state level and 60% is traceable to municipality level. Going forward we will focus on improving our traceability to municipality level for all high-risk countries."
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Post 2050 or no target date
            0/1
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.5
      • Associated Human Rights Abuses
        10/17
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1

          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association

          Other workers' rights commitments: Only work legal working hours
          "We endorse the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and are embedding them throughout our operations. In line with the Fundamental Principles, we base our Human Rights commitment on the International Bill of Human Rights consisting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; and the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work...There is no discrimination in employment...Under no circumstances will a supplier use forced labour...Under no circumstances will a supplier employ individuals under the age of 15 or under the local legal minimum age for work or mandatory schooling, whichever is higher....Workers are not required to work more than the regular and overtime hours allowed by the law of the country where the workers are employed...The rights of workers to freedom of association and collective bargaining are recognised and respected"
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/2
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address the inclusion of women and ensure equality in commodity supply chains
          2/2
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address the inclusion of women and ensure equality in commodity supply chains
          2/2
          "All workers are treated with respect and dignity. No worker is subject to any physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment, abuse or other form of intimidation. Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, role, gender, gender identity is prevented."[...]"We envisage a world in which every woman can create the kind of life she wishes to lead, unconstrained by harmful norms and stereotypes. It is a vision in which women and girls have the same opportunities as men and boys, without fear of prejudice, harassment or violence and regardless of age, race, ethnicity, disability, religion or sexual orientation. We are working toward this vision by adopting a holistic approach that leverages a full range of assets and expertise along our extended value chain. We start with progressive policies and practices in our own workplace and supply chain operations. Building on this foundation, we collaborate with businesses and civil society organisations to create opportunities for women in our extended supply chain, in our sales and customer development operations and, via products and brands, for consumers"
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/1
        • Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
          2/3
          Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
          2/3
          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
          "The rights and title to property and land of the individual, indigenous people and local communities are respected. All negotiations with regard to their property or land, including the use of and transfers of it, adhere to the principles of free, prior and informed consent, contract transparency and disclosure."
          Open source document
        • Commitment to respect customary rights to land, resources, and territory
          No
          0/3
        • Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          Yes
          3/3
          Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          Yes
          3/3
          "Supporting human rights defendersA wide range of individuals and organisations are engaged in the global effort to advance human rights. We recognise that there is increasing pressure and insecurity for human rights defenders, including trade unionists. We're committed to supporting them.As a matter of policy, we do not tolerate threats, intimidation, physical or legal attacks against human rights or environmental defenders in relation to our operations."
          Open source document
      • Implementation and Reporting
        30/56
        • Reporting proportion of compliant volumes
          0/0
        • Reporting is independently verified
          Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme
          2/2
          Reporting is independently verified
          Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme
          2/2
          Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: Trase ; RTRS ; Mapbiomas ; Proterra

          What methods are used for verification?: Trase ; RTRS ; Mapbiomas ; Proterra

          For what percent of the company's supply volume is third-party verification of performance relative to commitments conducted?: NA

          Which tools, approaches, third-party verification, including certification, schemes are used?: Trase ; RTRS ; Mapbiomas ; Proterra

          Is the performance of compliance of some suppliers, sources, or origins not verified, and if so why not?: NA

          What percent of the company's supply volume is verified using company verification systems?: NA
          "We also conduct a corporate risk assessment regularly for all soybean oil suppliers via traceability assessments in partnership with Proforest & supplier engagements to assess compliance with our People & Nature Policy. We use National specific tools & standards for each sourcing origin, to identify regions experiencing deforestation, habitat conversion. In US, we use the FieldPrint Calculator at farm level. In Brazil, we use Trase, Mapbiomas, RTRS & Proterra. We have supported & implemented RTRS standard since 2015 & our program produced roughly 281,049t of deforestation-free soybean in 2020 in Cerrado. The RTRS diagnostic tool helps farmers see & address forest risks in their land, contributing to 17,000 ha of protected native vegetation in the Cerrado Biome."
          Open source document
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, required
          3/3
          Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, required
          3/3
          "We require Direct Suppliers for In-Scope Materials in Unilever’s supply chain to comply with and implement the principles outlined in this Policy across both their entire internal corporate group operations and their third-party supply chains."
          Open source document
        • Deforestation cut off date
          Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
          2/2
          Deforestation cut off date
          Yes, for all sourcing regions/operations
          2/2
          What cut-off date is specified?: 2015
          In their 2020 CDP Report Unilever state their cutoff date for soy is 2015 with 100% of total production/consumption covered by that commitment
          Open source document
        • Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          What is the nature of that participation?: Attending & contributing to meetings; Providing support/ advice/ experience/ expertise; Providing financial support; Providing technical capacity

          What initiatives does the company participate in?: Consumer Goods Forum Forests Positive Coalition Brazilian Cerrado traceability efforts and RTRS Certification scheme with Alianca da Terra ; Cerrado Working Group
          "During 2018, Unilever invested EUR 110,000 in our program with Alianca da Terra, which promoted the RTRS certification of farmers in Southern Cerrado. RTRS certification covers the Brazilian Forest Code requirements and beyond, so by supporting RTRS certification we are also able to monitor farmers’ compliance with the Brazilian Forest Code. Through our program, we covered 150,000 hectares of soy production and ensured the protection of 28,000 hectares of native vegetation in the Brazilian Cerrado Biome. We are assessing how to expand this partnership, which we plan to launch after 2020, when we revamp our Sustainable Living Plan."[...]". The farmers have received technical assistance from our local partner, Alianca da Terra, to improve their farming practices, comply with legal regulations and achieve RTRS certification. In addition, we are connecting with our peers in order to develop potential opportunities to cooperate driving wider impact. For example, as part of the CGF Forests Positive Coalition, we are working together with like-minded companies to map soybean origins and to set-up or support existing initiatives to stop deforestation in the Brazilian Cerrado biome"[...]"However, given that RTRS certification does not have the scale by itself to stop deforestation, Unilever has joined the Statement of Business Support for the Cerrado Manifesto (SoS) in 2017 and is part of its Steering Committee The SoS has been working on an encompassing solution to stop habitat conversion in Cerrado via the engagement of the key players in the biome, such as the Cerrado Working Group, feed sector, and financial institutions, among others."
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          For what percentage of material produced or sourced by the company has forest risk been assessed?: 100%

          How frequently are assessments conducted?: More than once a year
          "Sustainable soy sourcing is part of this. Our Sustainable Agriculture Code (SAC) provides guidelines to inform risk assessments & suppliers must conduct a risk assessment to identify issues affecting farmers or supply chains as the 1st step of SAC. We also conduct a corporate risk assessment regularly for all soybean oil suppliers via traceability assessments in partnership with Proforest & supplier engagements to assess compliance with our People & Nature Policy. We use National specific tools & standards for each sourcing origin, to identify regions experiencing deforestation, habitat conversion. In US, we use the FieldPrint Calculator at farm level. In Brazil, we use Trase, Mapbiomas, RTRS & Proterra. We have supported & implemented RTRS standard since 2015 & our program produced roughly 281,049t of deforestation-free soybean in 2020 in Cerrado. The RTRS diagnostic tool helps farmers see & address forest risks in their land, contributing to 17,000 ha of protected native vegetation in the Cerrado Biome. Our forest risk assessment tools have proven highly effective in identifying soy origins and deforestation risk."
          Open source document
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          " Unilever will verify alignment to and implementation of the RSP’s Mandatory Requirements through the use of supplier self-declaration, online assessments and – for designated high-risk countries and supplier types – independent verification including third-party audits." "All laws and regulations are complied with in the countries in which the supplier operates. All other applicable international laws and regulations are complied with including those relating to international trade (such as those relating to sanctions, export controls and reporting obligations), data protection and antitrust/competition laws."
          Open source document
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company?: Own mechanism

          Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental
          "Suppliers, their employees, workers, contractors or the public may report actual or suspected breaches of Unilever's Responsible Sourcing Policy by phone or online."
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          Reporting total volume
          3/3
          Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          Reporting total volume
          3/3
          Reporting certified/compliant volume: 232,653 Metric tonnes

          What is the non-DCF commodity volume sourced from known production areas, and proportion of total supply chain volume this represents?: NA

          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume: 83777 metric tonnes

          What product types/sectors is this in?: Food processing

          Total volume: 316,430 metric tonnes
          Unilever report in their 2020 CDP report having 316,430 metric tonnes of soy in 2020, 232,653 Metric tonnes of which was RTRS certified.
          Open source document
        • Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          Yes, and publishes evidence of actions taken to implement its commitment on labour rights in the production or primary processing operations that it owns, manages or otherwise controls or its supply chains
          3/5
          Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          Yes, and publishes evidence of actions taken to implement its commitment on labour rights in the production or primary processing operations that it owns, manages or otherwise controls or its supply chains
          2.5/5
          What is the status of those FPIC processes?: NA

          What percentage/number of new interests, developments, or expansions has the company used FPIC to secure consent of indigenous peoples/local communities?: NA

          What steps has the company taken to implement their labour rights commitment?: Audits and training
          "Advancing good practise: A Code of Conduct, guidelines, policies and/or training covering each of the elements of this RSP are in place and readily available to workers. 1.13. There are procedures to communicate, monitor and measure the effectiveness of the Code of Conduct, guidelines, policies and/or training. 1.14. Preventive and remedial measures are taken to address adverse impacts that are directly linked to the supplier’s operations, products or through business relationships. 1.15. The supplier has in place a code of conduct or responsible sourcing policy for its direct suppliers, consistent with the requirements of this RSP. In addition, there is a process to communicate this to all of its direct suppliers and to monitor compliance by these direct suppliers."; "At a strategic and operational level, Unilever’s human rights work is led by the Global Vice President, Integrated Social Sustainability. Monitoring thirdparty compliance to the mandatory standards of our Responsible Sourcing Policy (RSP) is now delivered by our Legal – Business Integrity function. Our Integrated Social Sustainability team focuses on addressing the root causes of endemic business and human rights issues and social impact programmes, and on working with our suppliers on critical and endemic issues to move from good to best practice."
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Monitor compliance for zero tolerance approach and customary rights
          No
          0/5
        • Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          Yes, report direct suppliers
          2/4
          Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          Yes, report direct suppliers
          2/4
          For what percent are boundaries disclosed?: 0%

          For what percent of suppliers' production areas are point locations disclosed?: 0%

          For what percent is no location data disclosed?: 100%

          What is the volume of each forest risk commodity that the company sourced in the previous year from each national or subnational location?: NA

          Does the company disclose location of suppliers' production areas or primary processing sites?: No

          From what sub-national jurisdiction(s) does the company source material?: Minas Gerais, Goias, Parana, Mato Grosso, Bahia ; Santa Cruz ; Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, La Pampa, Entre Rios, Cordoba, Chaco, Santiago Del Estero

          What type of location data (boundary, point, etc.) is provided for smallholder farms?: NA

          For what percent of smallholder suppliers is location disclosed?: 0%

          From what country(ies) does the company source material?: Brazil ; Bolivia ; Argentina ; Austria, Canada, China, Croatia, Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, United States of America
          Unilever publish a 2020 direct soybean oil supplier list and in their CDP publish the jurisdictions and countries of origins of their soy supply chain.
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          2/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          2/4
          How is compliance monitored?: Internal monitoring and verification systems

          How frequently is compliance assessed?: Unclear/not disclosed

          What percentage of the company's supply chain volume does that represent?: NA

          For what percentage of the commodity sourced by the company is deforestation/conversion monitored at the farm level on production units known to be in the company's supply chain?: NA

          For what percent of suppliers does the company directly monitor compliance of production or processing operations?: na

          For what percentage of suppliers does the company use/rely on external mechanisms to monitor compliance?: NA
          "Unilever will verify alignment to the RSP’s Mandatory Requirements through the use of supplier self declaration, online assessments and in designated high risk countries third party audits."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Suspend suppliers, engage to bring into compliance, and reintroduce to the supply chain
          2/2
          Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Suspend suppliers, engage to bring into compliance, and reintroduce to the supply chain
          2/2
          Does the company commit to engage with rightsholders, Indigenous peoples and local communities when developing the implementation plan?: No

          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: Yes

          Does the company work with the non-compliant supplier to develop an implementation plan to remedy associated harms or non-compliance?: Yes

          What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Non compliance with Responsible Sourcing Policy

          What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: Engage to ensure remedial action is undertaken - details unspecified.
          "We suspend suppliers linked to deforestation. If they later succeed in meeting our requirements, we will give them the opportunity to join our supplier list again in the future."[...]"Deforestation & human rights allegations related to forest-risk commodities can cause brand damage, so being aware of activities within our supply chain & any campaigns or negative media coverage is vital Using this information in our risk assessments across commodities, we can take appropriate action, eg directly engaging suppliers who breach our policies, to ensure remedial action plans are in place."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
          Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
          Does the company have a list of blacklisted or otherwise excluded suppliers or producers?: No
    • Beef *
      37/90
      • Commitment Strength
        11/17
        • Commodity-specific deforestation commitment
          2/4
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            2/2
            " Unilever together with other CGF members committed to mobilize resources within our respective businesses to help achieve zero net deforestation associated with four commodities: palm oil, soy, paper and board, and beef by 2020. [...] . Given our footprint and our sourcing of beef by-products compared with fresh beef cuts, our impact and influence on the supply chain is limited. In the future, we anticipate sourcing even less beef by-product due to trends and meeting the preferences of our consumers."
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Past target date, not updated or not achieved
            0/1
            Target date
            Past target date, not updated or not achieved
            0/1
            " Unilever together with other CGF members committed to mobilize resources within our respective businesses to help achieve zero net deforestation associated with four commodities: palm oil, soy, paper and board, and beef by 2020. [...] . Given our footprint and our sourcing of beef by-products compared with fresh beef cuts, our impact and influence on the supply chain is limited. In the future, we anticipate sourcing even less beef by-product due to trends and meeting the preferences of our consumers."
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.5
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          6/7.5
          • Commitment details
            Traces to Point of production
            4/4
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Traces to Point of production
            4/4
            When was this commitment set?: NA

            Do they have a traceability commitment which goes back to the birth farm?: No
            "Although we are not a significant buyer of cattle products, traceability of our supply chain is of great importance to us, as it is across all of the ingredients we source. Our Brazilian suppliers source from vertically integrated farms and therefore we know the region, slaughterhouse and farm where the cattle were raised. This allows Unilever to have assurance that the beef byproduct it sources from Brazil is not connected to deforestation."
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/2
            What subsidiaries are explicitly excluded?: Non-Brazilian operators

            What subsidiaries are explicitly included?: Brazilian operators

            If no, what is excluded?: Location

            What percentage of commodity production/sourcing is excluded?: NA

            What is the rationale for any exclusions?: Deforestation risk
            "Although we are not a significant buyer of cattle products, traceability of our supply chain is of great importance to us, as it is across all of the ingredients we source. Our Brazilian suppliers source from vertically integrated farms and therefore we know the region, slaughterhouse and farm where the cattle were raised. This allows Unilever to have assurance that the beef byproduct it sources from Brazil is not connected to deforestation."
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            Target date
            Current/achieved
            1/1
            What actions or steps are identified for time-bound implementation?: NA
            "Although we are not a significant buyer of cattle products, traceability of our supply chain is of great importance to us, as it is across all of the ingredients we source. Our Brazilian suppliers source from vertically integrated farms and therefore we know the region, slaughterhouse and farm where the cattle were raised. This allows Unilever to have assurance that the beef byproduct it sources from Brazil is not connected to deforestation."
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            Interim target date
            NA (target date current or achieved or 2023)
            0.5/0.5
            What date is given for the interim milestone?: NA
            "Although we are not a significant buyer of cattle products, traceability of our supply chain is of great importance to us, as it is across all of the ingredients we source. Our Brazilian suppliers source from vertically integrated farms and therefore we know the region, slaughterhouse and farm where the cattle were raised. This allows Unilever to have assurance that the beef byproduct it sources from Brazil is not connected to deforestation."
            Open source document
      • Associated Human Rights Abuses
        10/17
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          3/3
          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1

          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association

          Other workers' rights commitments: Only work legal working hours
          "We endorse the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and are embedding them throughout our operations. In line with the Fundamental Principles, we base our Human Rights commitment on the International Bill of Human Rights consisting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; and the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work...There is no discrimination in employment...Under no circumstances will a supplier use forced labour...Under no circumstances will a supplier employ individuals under the age of 15 or under the local legal minimum age for work or mandatory schooling, whichever is higher....Workers are not required to work more than the regular and overtime hours allowed by the law of the country where the workers are employed...The rights of workers to freedom of association and collective bargaining are recognised and respected"
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/2
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address the inclusion of women and ensure equality in commodity supply chains
          2/2
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Commitment to address the inclusion of women and ensure equality in commodity supply chains
          2/2
          "All workers are treated with respect and dignity. No worker is subject to any physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment, abuse or other form of intimidation. Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, role, gender, gender identity is prevented."[...]"We envisage a world in which every woman can create the kind of life she wishes to lead, unconstrained by harmful norms and stereotypes. It is a vision in which women and girls have the same opportunities as men and boys, without fear of prejudice, harassment or violence and regardless of age, race, ethnicity, disability, religion or sexual orientation. We are working toward this vision by adopting a holistic approach that leverages a full range of assets and expertise along our extended value chain. We start with progressive policies and practices in our own workplace and supply chain operations. Building on this foundation, we collaborate with businesses and civil society organisations to create opportunities for women in our extended supply chain, in our sales and customer development operations and, via products and brands, for consumers"
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          No
          0/1
        • Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
          2/3
          Commitment to test Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes, the company commits to test for FPIC prior to acquiring new interests, developments, or expansions
          2/3
          How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply?: Tier 1
          "The rights and title to property and land of the individual, indigenous people and local communities are respected. All negotiations with regard to their property or land, including the use of and transfers of it, adhere to the principles of free, prior and informed consent, contract transparency and disclosure."
          Open source document
        • Commitment to respect customary rights to land, resources, and territory
          No
          0/3
        • Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          Yes
          3/3
          Zero-tolerance approach to violence and threats
          Yes
          3/3
          "Supporting human rights defendersA wide range of individuals and organisations are engaged in the global effort to advance human rights. We recognise that there is increasing pressure and insecurity for human rights defenders, including trade unionists. We're committed to supporting them.As a matter of policy, we do not tolerate threats, intimidation, physical or legal attacks against human rights or environmental defenders in relation to our operations."
          Open source document
      • Implementation and Reporting
        17/56
        • Reporting proportion of compliant volumes
          0/0
        • Reporting is independently verified
          No
          0/2
        • Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, required
          3/3
          Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
          Yes, required
          3/3
          "We require Direct Suppliers for In-Scope Materials in Unilever’s supply chain to comply with and implement the principles outlined in this Policy across both their entire internal corporate group operations and their third-party supply chains."
          Open source document
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          No
          0/2
        • Jurisdictional approach focused on sustainable land use
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          For what percentage of material produced or sourced by the company has forest risk been assessed?: NA

          How frequently are assessments conducted?: Unclear/undisclosed
          "Suppliers & business partners are a vital element in how we create value via our multistakeholder business model, so ensuring we are considering them in our forest-related risk assessments is imperative. With manufacturing operations across 290 factories, Unilever buys from around 56,000 suppliers & spent around €19b on ingredients & raw materials in 2020. turned these materials into products."
          Open source document
        • Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          Operations assessed to comply with law
          Yes
          2/2
          " Unilever will verify alignment to and implementation of the RSP’s Mandatory Requirements through the use of supplier self-declaration, online assessments and – for designated high-risk countries and supplier types – independent verification including third-party audits." "All laws and regulations are complied with in the countries in which the supplier operates. All other applicable international laws and regulations are complied with including those relating to international trade (such as those relating to sanctions, export controls and reporting obligations), data protection and antitrust/competition laws."
          Open source document
        • Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
          2/4
          Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental

          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company?: Own mechanism
          "Suppliers, their employees, workers, contractors or the public may report actual or suspected breaches of Unilever's Responsible Sourcing Policy by phone or online."
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity sourced/used
          No reporting
          0/3
        • Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          Yes, and publishes evidence of actions taken to implement its commitment on labour rights in the production or primary processing operations that it owns, manages or otherwise controls or its supply chains
          3/5
          Monitor compliance for labour rights and FPIC
          Yes, and publishes evidence of actions taken to implement its commitment on labour rights in the production or primary processing operations that it owns, manages or otherwise controls or its supply chains
          2.5/5
          What is the status of those FPIC processes?: NA

          What percentage/number of new interests, developments, or expansions has the company used FPIC to secure consent of indigenous peoples/local communities?: NA

          What steps has the company taken to implement their labour rights commitment?: Training and Audits
          "Advancing good practise: A Code of Conduct, guidelines, policies and/or training covering each of the elements of this RSP are in place and readily available to workers. 1.13. There are procedures to communicate, monitor and measure the effectiveness of the Code of Conduct, guidelines, policies and/or training. 1.14. Preventive and remedial measures are taken to address adverse impacts that are directly linked to the supplier’s operations, products or through business relationships. 1.15. The supplier has in place a code of conduct or responsible sourcing policy for its direct suppliers, consistent with the requirements of this RSP. In addition, there is a process to communicate this to all of its direct suppliers and to monitor compliance by these direct suppliers."; "At a strategic and operational level, Unilever’s human rights work is led by the Global Vice President, Integrated Social Sustainability. Monitoring thirdparty compliance to the mandatory standards of our Responsible Sourcing Policy (RSP) is now delivered by our Legal – Business Integrity function. Our Integrated Social Sustainability team focuses on addressing the root causes of endemic business and human rights issues and social impact programmes, and on working with our suppliers on critical and endemic issues to move from good to best practice."
          Open source document
          Open source document
        • Monitor compliance for zero tolerance approach and customary rights
          No
          0/5
        • Downstream: Reporting suppliers
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          2/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes, for its suppliers
          2/4
          How frequently is compliance assessed?: Unspecified

          What percentage of the company's supply chain volume does that represent?: NA

          How is compliance monitored?: Internal monitoring and verification systems

          For what percent of suppliers does the company directly monitor compliance of production or processing operations?: NA

          For what percentage of the commodity sourced by the company is deforestation/conversion monitored at the farm level on production units known to be in the company's supply chain?: NA

          For what percentage of suppliers does the company use/rely on external mechanisms to monitor compliance?: NA
          "Unilever will verify alignment to the RSP’s Mandatory Requirements through the use of supplier self declaration, online assessments and in designated high risk countries third party audits."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
          No
          0/4
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Suspend suppliers, engage to bring into compliance, and reintroduce to the supply chain
          2/2
          Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Suspend suppliers, engage to bring into compliance, and reintroduce to the supply chain
          2/2
          What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Non compliance with Responsible Sourcing Policy

          Does the company commit to engage with rightsholders, Indigenous peoples and local communities when developing the implementation plan?: No

          Does the company work with the non-compliant supplier to develop an implementation plan to remedy associated harms or non-compliance?: Yes

          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: Yes

          What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: Engage to ensure remedial action is undertaken - details unspecified.
          "We suspend suppliers linked to deforestation. If they later succeed in meeting our requirements, we will give them the opportunity to join our supplier list again in the future."[...]"Deforestation & human rights allegations related to forest-risk commodities can cause brand damage, so being aware of activities within our supply chain & any campaigns or negative media coverage is vital Using this information in our risk assessments across commodities, we can take appropriate action, eg directly engaging suppliers who breach our policies, to ensure remedial action plans are in place."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
          Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
          Does the company have a list of blacklisted or otherwise excluded suppliers or producers?: No

    • * commodity scores for which a company is not a powerbroker are given half the weighting of other commodities in total scores

  • Commitment strength
    16/17
    Avg. score
  • Implementation and Reporting
    29/56
    Avg. score
  • Associated Human Rights Abuses
    11/17
    Avg. score

Profile

Unilever is one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, with operations across a wide range of market segments. The company has over 400 brands, including many household names such as Lipton, Knorr, Dove and Hellman’s. Its range of products leaves it exposed to a variety of forest risk commodities. Unilever PLC is selected as a powerbroker for palm oil, soy and paper packaging.

Sector
Industry sector 
Paper Packaging, Personal Products
Segments
Manufacturer
HQ
HQ 
United Kingdom
Company Type
Company type 
CO
Collective Commitments
Consumer Goods Forum member
New York Declaration on Forests signatory

Top Brands

Alberto Balsam, Baby Dove, Ben & Jerrys, Bertolli, Breyers, Brylcreem, Carte Dor, Cif, Colmans, Comfort, Cornetto, Cup a Soup, Domestos, Dove, Flora, Graze, Hellmanns, Impulse, Knorr, Lipton, Love Beauty & Planet, Lynx, Lyons, Magnum, Maille, Marmite, Neutral, Nexxus, Persil, Pg Tips, Pot Noodle, Pukka, Pure Leaf, Radox, Simple, Solero, Sure, Surf, Swedish Glace, Toni & Guy, Tresemme, Unbranded, Vaseline, Vo5, Vienetta, Walls

How we assess the Forest 500

To ensure deforestation free supply chains, companies need to adopt and implement timebound and measurable policies for forest risk commodities.

All assessments use policies published on company websites, some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Full corporate sector performance data Forest 500 assessment methodology

Related articles and press coverage

Forest Fire in the Amazon in Novo Progresso. Credit: Greenpeace

Why transparency is essential for eliminating deforestation in supply chains

1 June 2023

From foe to friend? The brands seeking to partner with indigenous peoples to end deforestation

4 April 2023
Forest 500 annual report 2023 cover image, burning forest

40% of the Forest 500 have yet to set a single policy on deforestation

15 February 2023

See all articlesSee all press coverage

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Disclaimer

This assessment has been carried out following the methodology developed for the Forest 500 project, available here. Please see our disclaimer applicable to all information contained within this site and our terms and conditions for use of data presented on this site.

All assessments use policies published on company and financial institution websites, and while we endeavor to keep them updated some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Please contact us with any concerns or feedback about this or other assessments included in the Forest 500.