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  • Overall approach
    8/16
    • Overarching commitment on deforestation
      4/6
      Deforestation commitment
      Zero-deforestation
      4/6
      "We will achieve a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023. To do this, we will increase traceability and transparency by using emerging digital technologies – such as satellite monitoring, geolocation tracking and blockchain – accelerating smallholder inclusion and changing our approach to derivates sourcing."
      Open source document
    • Signatory to an initiative tackling deforestation
      1/1
      Signatory
      Yes
      1/1
      Which initiatives?: Consumer Goods Forum; New York Declaration on Forests; Soy Moratorium; Cerrado Manifesto Statement of Support; Tropical Forest Alliance 2020 partner; UN Global Compact; Natural Capital Coalition

      If Other Initiative, specify::
      Unilever PLC is a signatory to the Consumer Goods Forum , the New York Declaration on Forests , Soy Moratorium , the Cerrado Manifesto , the UN Global Compact, the Natural Capital Coalition, the Tropical Forest Alliance,
      Open source document
      Open source document
      Open source document
      Open source document
      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’re second only to oceans as the largest global store of carbon. Up to 80% of terrestrial biodiversity and more than 1 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods.1 When forests are cleared, burned or degraded, they emit carbon. It’s estimated that deforestation contributes 15% of all global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions2 – more than the global transport sector. Yet by protecting and restoring forests we would achieve 18% of the emissions cuts needed by 2030 to prevent catastrophic climate change."
      Open source document
    • Deforestation as a business risk
      1/1
      Business risk
      Yes
      1/1
      Does the company recognise the risk as financial, operational, competition, reputational, or other? Please detail.: Reputation
      "Acting in an ethical manner, consistent with the expectations of customers, consumers & other stakeholders, is essential for the reputation of Unilever (UL) & its brands. 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 sometimes complex supply chain for purchased commodities. Risks are associated with the way commodities are grown, produced & traded"
      Open source document
    • High-level management of deforestion
      1/1
      High-level management
      Yes
      1/1
      Which commodities does it apply to?: Palm oil; Soy; Beef & Leather; Pulp & Paper

      How often does the committee or board meet to assess company's progress on addressing deforestation-related issues?: not disclosed
      "The Boards (NV & PLC) are responsible for management, direction & performance of the Group. The operational running of is delegated to the CEO, except some key matters ie governance, structural & constitutional matters. The Boards & CEO are supported by the Corporate Responsibility Committee (CRC), Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE) & USLP Steering Team. The CRC feed into the CEO & Boards regularly so they can fulfill their oversight responsibilities. This includes tracking progress & the potential risks associated with the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP), inc all sustainable sourcing targets".
      Open source document
    • Executive compensation linked to deforestation
      Yes for all commodities
      0/0
      Does it disclose the percentage of pay at risk?: weighted as 25% of score
      "Sustainability Progress Index (SPI) for MCIP year 2019 (based on 2018 USLP performance): The SPI is a two-fold assessment by the Corporate Responsibility Committee and the Compensation Committee that captures quantitative and qualitative elements (see page 57). For 2019, the Corporate Responsibility Committee and Compensation Committee agreed a framework for SPI assessment for the 2018 performance year that captures the breadth and depth of the USLP in relation to a number of key performance indicators (KPIs). These KPIs illustrate how Unilever aims to address a number of its principal risks such as brand preference, climate change, supply chain and ethics. [...] The Committees reviewed qualitative and quantitative progress across each category and delivery against the KPIs. The Committees agreed on a SPI achievement level against the KPI taking into account performance across the entire SPI Category. "
      Open source document
    • Target to reduce emissions from land-use change
      0/3
    • Reporting on emissions from land-use change
      0/3
    • Disclosure of conservation activity
    • Disclosure of reforestation activity
      Yes
      0/0
      How many hectares of reforestation or restoration are being or have been conducted or facilitated by the company?: 104,000 HT
      As part of Unilever's reforestation commitments (specifically for Coffee growers - "UNILEVER ACTION PLAN FOR COCOA FOREST INITIATIVE MARCH 2019 [...] Support distribution and planting of multi-purpose trees for on-farm restoration via mixed agroforestry"
      Open source document
  • Commodity score
    62/84
    • Palm oil
      67/84
      • Commitment Strength
        24/28
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          9/12
          • Commitment details
            Zero-gross deforestation
            6/8
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Zero-gross deforestation
            6/8
            "Much work has been done to deliver our commitment to achieve a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023 in soy, palm oil, paper and pulp and beef supply chains." "Nevertheless, we’ve made progress in both oil varieties and can report that in 2019, we sourced 95% physically certified palm oil and palm kernel oil for our core volumes." "Physically certified’ palm oil means sustainable palm oil that is certified through either the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil’s (RSPO) Mass Balance or Segregated certification standards, or an equivalent standard that is independently verified by a third party."
            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
            "Much work has been done to deliver our commitment to achieve a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023 in soy, palm oil, paper and pulp and beef supply chains." "Nevertheless, we’ve made progress in both oil varieties and can report that in 2019, we sourced 95% physically certified palm oil and palm kernel oil for our core volumes." "Physically certified’ palm oil means sustainable palm oil that is certified through either the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil’s (RSPO) Mass Balance or Segregated certification standards, or an equivalent standard that is independently verified by a third party."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Target date
            2023
            0.8/1.3
            Target date
            2023
            0.8/1.3
            "Much work has been done to deliver our commitment to achieve a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023 in soy, palm oil, paper and pulp and beef supply chains." "Nevertheless, we’ve made progress in both oil varieties and can report that in 2019, we sourced 95% physically certified palm oil and palm kernel oil for our core volumes." "Physically certified’ palm oil means sustainable palm oil that is certified through either the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil’s (RSPO) Mass Balance or Segregated certification standards, or an equivalent standard that is independently verified by a third party."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.7
            Interim target date
            No
            0/0.7
            "Much work has been done to deliver our commitment to achieve a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023 in soy, palm oil, paper and pulp and beef supply chains." "Nevertheless, we’ve made progress in both oil varieties and can report that in 2019, we sourced 95% physically certified palm oil and palm kernel oil for our core volumes." "Physically certified’ palm oil means sustainable palm oil that is certified through either the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil’s (RSPO) Mass Balance or Segregated certification standards, or an equivalent standard that is independently verified by a third party."
            Open source document
            Open source document
        • Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
          7/8
          • Commitment details
            Yes
            4/4
            Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes
            4/4
            Type of commitment: HCS; Peat
            Unilever PLC commit to "No conversion of High Carbon Stock (HCS) forests" and "No new development on peat regardless of depth.".
            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
            Unilever PLC commit to "No conversion of High Carbon Stock (HCS) forests" and "No new development on peat regardless of depth.".
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            1.3/1.3
            Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            1.3/1.3
            Unilever PLC commit to "No conversion of High Carbon Stock (HCS) forests" and "No new development on peat regardless of depth.".
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/0.7
            Interim target date
            No
            0/0.7
            Unilever PLC commit to "No conversion of High Carbon Stock (HCS) forests" and "No new development on peat regardless of depth.".
            Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          8/8
          • Commitment details
            Traces to Point of production
            4/4
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Traces to Point of production
            4/4
            "Traceability to known sources • 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"
            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
            "Traceability to known sources • 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"
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            1.3/1.3
            Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            1.3/1.3
            "Traceability to known sources • 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"
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            "Traceability to known sources • 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"
            Open source document
      • Social Considerations
        16/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          "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. [...] Discrimination [...] Forced Labour [...] Child Labour [...] Freedom of association"
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          Yes
          4/4
          Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          Yes
          4/4
          How many smallholders do they support, and what percentage does this represent in terms of their sourcing from smallholders?: 793,000 across total supply chain

          What is the nature of that support?: Technical assistance/support; Education and training
          "We're committed to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and their communities – in particular, by helping them to improve their agricultural practices and look at income diversification. By 2019, we had enabled around 793,000 smallholder farmers to access initiatives aiming to improve their agricultural practices. [...] ELF awards grants to partners in our supply chains who have projects that improve their social impact in sourcing from smallholder producers. The projects must either minimise risk for the smallholders, empower women in the supply chain or improve conditions for workers. They must also support our sustainable sourcing objectives."
          Open source document
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          "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 "
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          Yes
          2/2
          Commitment to remediation
          Yes
          2/2
          In the Responsible Sourcing Policy, Unilever PLC state that "If remediation is required, the supplier will devise and inform Unilever of their corrective action and implementation plans and timeline to effectively and promptly resolve the breach."
          Open source document
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes the company commits to securing FPIC prior to acquiring new interests/developments/expansions
          2/4
          Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes the company commits to securing FPIC prior to acquiring new interests/developments/expansions
          2/4
          "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
      • Reporting and Implementation
        27/38
        • Reporting against commitments
          6/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            Does the company report on the degree of compliance/progress with commitments, disaggregated by relevant factors such as origin or supply chain stage?: No
            "Nevertheless, we’ve made progress in both oil varieties and can report that in 2019, we sourced 95% physically certified palm oil and palm kernel oil for our core volumes." "Physically certified’ palm oil means sustainable palm oil that is certified through either the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil’s (RSPO) Mass Balance or Segregated certification standards, or an equivalent standard that is independently verified by a third party."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes
            2/2
            Does the company report on the degree of compliance/progress with commitments, disaggregated by relevant factors such as origin or supply chain stage?: No
            "Nevertheless, we’ve made progress in both oil varieties and can report that in 2019, we sourced 95% physically certified palm oil and palm kernel oil for our core volumes." "Physically certified’ palm oil means sustainable palm oil that is certified through either the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil’s (RSPO) Mass Balance or Segregated certification standards, or an equivalent standard that is independently verified by a third party."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Yes
            2/2
            Does the company report on the degree of compliance/progress with commitments, disaggregated by relevant factors such as origin or supply chain stage?: Yes
            "We can trace the universe of mills associated with 97% of our core volumes, linked to more than 1,500 mills. In February 2018, we became the first FMCG company to publish comprehensive supplier and mill data."
            Open source document
        • Reporting is independently verified
          3/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: RSPO

            Which tools, approaches, third-party verification, including certification, schemes are used?: Certification schemes
            "Nevertheless, we’ve made progress in both oil varieties and can report that in 2019, we sourced 95% physically certified palm oil and palm kernel oil for our core volumes." "Physically certified’ palm oil means sustainable palm oil that is certified through either the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil’s (RSPO) Mass Balance or Segregated certification standards, or an equivalent standard that is independently verified by a third party."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            Commitment to protect High Carbon Stock areas and/or peatlands
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            Which tools, approaches, third-party verification, including certification, schemes are used?: Certification scheme

            Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: RSPO
            "Nevertheless, we’ve made progress in both oil varieties and can report that in 2019, we sourced 95% physically certified palm oil and palm kernel oil for our core volumes." "Physically certified’ palm oil means sustainable palm oil that is certified through either the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil’s (RSPO) Mass Balance or Segregated certification standards, or an equivalent standard that is independently verified by a third party."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/1.3
        • Deforestation cut off date
          Yes
          2/2
          Deforestation cut off date
          Yes
          2/2
          Cut-off date: 2008
          "We don’t report externally on the indicator 'suppliers with no gross deforestation after July 2008' but we monitor suppliers compliance with our Sustainable Agriculture Code which includes our Land conversion requirement 'no deforestation (cut-off date when SAC 2017 implemented)."
          Open source document
        • Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          What is the nature of that participation?: Providing support/advice/experience/expertise; Providing financial support

          What initiatives does the company participate in?: "Unilever is part of programme led by NGOs Forever Sabah and WWF Malaysia and the industry–NGO coalition PONGO Alliance"
          "Our Code of Business Principles and Code Policies guide how we interact with our partners – whether it’s a government, an NGO or trade association. Unilever is part of programme led by NGOs Forever Sabah and WWF Malaysia and the industry–NGO coalition PONGO Alliance. Through this partnership we will be helping to get 60,000 hectares of land certified through RSPO. By doing so, we aim to benefit 200–300 palm oil farmers."
          Open source document
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          How frequently are assessments conducted?: not specified
          "Our global manufacturing operations across more than 300 factories in 69 countries turn these materials into products. Due to the scale and complexity of our supply chain, our suppliers are factored in to our forest-related risk assessments [...] We consider regulators in our forest-related risk assessments as they may take action to reduce climate change through the introduction of a carbon taxes or zero net deforestation requirements for example, impacting our business through higher costs or reduced flexibility of operations."
          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
          4/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company (own mechanism, that of external company, internationally recognised mechanism, focused on social issues, focused on environmental issues, etc.)?: Internal

          Details of the mechanism: Social; Environmental

          Does the company publish grievances that have been made against it, as well as responses and resolutions including status and timeframes: Yes -https://www.unilever.com/Images/unilever-palm-oil-grievance-tracker_tcm244-530071_en.pdf
          "Unilever defines a palm oil grievance as a complaint or allegation that goes against our Sustainable Palm Oil Sourcing Policy (PDF | 167KB) and/or our Responsible Sourcing Policy (PDF | 9MB). Your grievance will go through our Grievance Procedure (PDF | 2MB) for sustainable palm oil."
          Open source document
        • Report volumes of commodity
          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume; Reporting certified/compliant volume
          4/4
          Report volumes of commodity
          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume; Reporting certified/compliant volume
          4/4
          What is the certified volume?: 872,365 tonnes

          What is the non-certified/non-compliant volume?: 3,898 tonnes

          Which certification schemes are used?: RSPO
          In their 2019 ACOP report, Unilever report a total of 876,263 tonnes of palm oil in their supply chain, of which 872,365 tonnes is certified
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          Yes report direct suppliers
          2/4
          Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          Yes report direct suppliers
          2/4
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers only
          3/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers only
          3/4
          How frequently is compliance assessed?: not specified

          Details of monitoring: Using internal monitoring and verification systems; Using third party verification
          "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 Adherence to Unilever’s Responsible Sourcing Policy and the principles of FPIC during the land mapping process prior to new development; and • RSPO membership6 or equivalent and for all new developments to adhere to the RSPO New Planting Procedure or equivalent"
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: action plans

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

          What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: non compliance with the palm oil sourcing policy
          "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
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          Yes (engaged); Yes (excluded)
          2/2
          Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          Yes (engaged); Yes (excluded)
          2/2
          Does the company have a list of blacklisted or otherwise excluded suppliers or producers?: Yes
          Unilever lists both excluded suppliers as well as "current grievances" - "The list below provides information of previous direct palm oil suppliers or indirect oil palm growers that have been suspended from Unilever’s supply chain due to grievances brought to our attention alleging non-compliance against the Unilever Sustainable Palm Oil Sourcing Policy (“USPOSP”) and/or Unilever’s Responsible Sourcing Policy [...] The list of palm oil mills associated with these companies but were declared by our suppliers in 2019 can be found in the Suspended Palm Oil Mills list of this document."
          Open source document
          Open source document
    • Pulp & Paper
      58/84
      • Commitment Strength
        24/28
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          10/12
          • Commitment details
            Zero-gross deforestation
            6/8
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Zero-gross deforestation
            6/8
            Which certification schemes are used?: FSC; PEFC
            "86% of our packaging carries an FSC of PEFC certification, with the balance primarily recycled". "Much work has been done to deliver our commitment to achieve a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023 in soy, palm oil, paper and pulp and beef supply chains."
            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
            "86% of our packaging carries an FSC of PEFC certification, with the balance primarily recycled". "Much work has been done to deliver our commitment to achieve a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023 in soy, palm oil, paper and pulp and beef supply chains."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Target date
            2023
            0.8/1.3
            Target date
            2023
            0.8/1.3
            "86% of our packaging carries an FSC of PEFC certification, with the balance primarily recycled". "Much work has been done to deliver our commitment to achieve a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023 in soy, palm oil, paper and pulp and beef supply chains."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            What date is given for the interim milestone(s)?: 2020
            "86% of our packaging carries an FSC of PEFC certification, with the balance primarily recycled". "Much work has been done to deliver our commitment to achieve a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023 in soy, palm oil, paper and pulp and beef supply chains." "We will source 75% of the paper and board for our packaging from certified sustainably managed forests or from recycled material by 2015. We will reach 100% by 2020."
            Open source document
            Open source document
            Open source document
        • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
          8/8
          • Commitment details
            Yes
            4/4
            Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            Yes
            4/4
            Type of commitment: Recycled content
            "In 2019, 97% of the directly-purchased paper and board packaging materials we used were made from recycled fibre or came from certified sustainably managed forests. When we drew up the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan in 2010, our target was to achieve 75% by 2015 and 100% by 2020. We’re on schedule, but that does not mean we’ve overcome all the challenges, or that we should relax our efforts."
            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
            "In 2019, 97% of the directly-purchased paper and board packaging materials we used were made from recycled fibre or came from certified sustainably managed forests. When we drew up the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan in 2010, our target was to achieve 75% by 2015 and 100% by 2020. We’re on schedule, but that does not mean we’ve overcome all the challenges, or that we should relax our efforts."
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            1.3/1.3
            Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            1.3/1.3
            "In 2019, 97% of the directly-purchased paper and board packaging materials we used were made from recycled fibre or came from certified sustainably managed forests. When we drew up the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan in 2010, our target was to achieve 75% by 2015 and 100% by 2020. We’re on schedule, but that does not mean we’ve overcome all the challenges, or that we should relax our efforts."
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            "In 2019, 97% of the directly-purchased paper and board packaging materials we used were made from recycled fibre or came from certified sustainably managed forests. When we drew up the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan in 2010, our target was to achieve 75% by 2015 and 100% by 2020. We’re on schedule, but that does not mean we’ve overcome all the challenges, or that we should relax our efforts."
            Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          6/8
          • 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
            "On a quarterly basis, through the Global Traceability System, we contact our ~320 suppliers with a questionnaire to collect information on volumes, sustainability status and traceability to the country level. Our suppliers do not provide us with information beyond country-level, so we do not have state or region information currently. For virgin products, Chain of Custody certification (see further information) provides a mechanism for tracking certified material from the forest to the final product. It means we can be sure that the wood fibre contained in the product can be traced back to certified forests. A forest certification provides reassurance of sustainable forest management at site".
            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
            If no, what is excluded?: Product line
            "On a quarterly basis, through the Global Traceability System, we contact our ~320 suppliers with a questionnaire to collect information on volumes, sustainability status and traceability to the country level. Our suppliers do not provide us with information beyond country-level, so we do not have state or region information currently. For virgin products, Chain of Custody certification (see further information) provides a mechanism for tracking certified material from the forest to the final product. It means we can be sure that the wood fibre contained in the product can be traced back to certified forests. A forest certification provides reassurance of sustainable forest management at site".
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            1.3/1.3
            Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            1.3/1.3
            "On a quarterly basis, through the Global Traceability System, we contact our ~320 suppliers with a questionnaire to collect information on volumes, sustainability status and traceability to the country level. Our suppliers do not provide us with information beyond country-level, so we do not have state or region information currently. For virgin products, Chain of Custody certification (see further information) provides a mechanism for tracking certified material from the forest to the final product. It means we can be sure that the wood fibre contained in the product can be traced back to certified forests. A forest certification provides reassurance of sustainable forest management at site".
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            Interim target date
            Yes
            0.7/0.7
            "On a quarterly basis, through the Global Traceability System, we contact our ~320 suppliers with a questionnaire to collect information on volumes, sustainability status and traceability to the country level. Our suppliers do not provide us with information beyond country-level, so we do not have state or region information currently. For virgin products, Chain of Custody certification (see further information) provides a mechanism for tracking certified material from the forest to the final product. It means we can be sure that the wood fibre contained in the product can be traced back to certified forests. A forest certification provides reassurance of sustainable forest management at site".
            Open source document
      • Social Considerations
        16/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          "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. [...] Discrimination [...] Forced Labour [...] Child Labour [...] Freedom of association"
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          Yes
          4/4
          Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          Yes
          4/4
          What is the nature of that support?: Technical assistance/support; Education and training

          How many smallholders do they support, and what percentage does this represent in terms of their sourcing from smallholders?: 793,000 across total supply chain
          "We're committed to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and their communities – in particular, by helping them to improve their agricultural practices and look at income diversification. By 2019, we had enabled around 793,000 smallholder farmers to access initiatives aiming to improve their agricultural practices. [...] ELF awards grants to partners in our supply chains who have projects that improve their social impact in sourcing from smallholder producers. The projects must either minimise risk for the smallholders, empower women in the supply chain or improve conditions for workers. They must also support our sustainable sourcing objectives."
          Open source document
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          "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 "
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          Yes
          2/2
          Commitment to remediation
          Yes
          2/2
          In the Responsible Sourcing Policy, Unilever PLC state that "If remediation is required, the supplier will devise and inform Unilever of their corrective action and implementation plans and timeline to effectively and promptly resolve the breach."
          Open source document
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes the company commits to securing FPIC prior to acquiring new interests/developments/expansions
          2/4
          Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes the company commits to securing FPIC prior to acquiring new interests/developments/expansions
          2/4
          "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
      • Reporting and Implementation
        18/38
        • Reporting against commitments
          4/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            2/2
            Does the company report on the degree of compliance/progress with commitments, disaggregated by relevant factors such as origin or supply chain stage?: No
            "86% of our packaging carries an FSC of PEFC certification, with the balance primarily recycled"
            Open source document
          • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            Yes
            2/2
            Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            Yes
            2/2
            Does the company report on the degree of compliance/progress with commitments, disaggregated by relevant factors such as origin or supply chain stage?: No
            "In 2018, 98% of the directly-purchased paper and board packaging materials we used were made from recycled fiber or came from certified sustainably managed forests"
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/2
        • Reporting is independently verified
          3/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            Which tools, approaches, third-party verification, including certification, schemes are used?: Certification scheme

            Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: FSC/PEFC
            "86% of our packaging carries an FSC of PEFC certification, with the balance primarily recycled"
            Open source document
          • Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
            Yes: third-party
            1.3/1.3
            Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: FSC Certification

            Which tools, approaches, third-party verification, including certification, schemes are used?: FSC Certification
            "In 2019, 97% of the directly-purchased paper and board packaging materials we used were made from recycled fibre or came from certified sustainably managed forests. When we drew up the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan in 2010, our target was to achieve 75% by 2015 and 100% by 2020. We’re on schedule, but that does not mean we’ve overcome all the challenges, or that we should relax our efforts."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/1.3
        • Deforestation cut off date
          Yes
          2/2
          Deforestation cut off date
          Yes
          2/2
          Cut-off date: 2008
          "We don’t report externally on the indicator 'suppliers with no gross deforestation after July 2008' but we monitor suppliers compliance with our Sustainable Agriculture Code which includes our Land conversion requirement 'no deforestation (cut-off date when SAC 2017 implemented)."
          Open source document
        • Collaborative actions
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          How frequently are assessments conducted?: not specified
          "Our global manufacturing operations across more than 300 factories in 69 countries turn these materials into products. Due to the scale and complexity of our supply chain, our suppliers are factored in to our forest-related risk assessments [...] We consider regulators in our forest-related risk assessments as they may take action to reduce climate change through the introduction of a carbon taxes or zero net deforestation requirements for example, impacting our business through higher costs or reduced flexibility of operations."
          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
          No
          0/4
        • Report volumes of commodity
          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume; Reporting certified/compliant volume
          4/4
          Report volumes of commodity
          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume; Reporting certified/compliant volume
          4/4
          Which certification schemes are used?: FSC

          What is the non-certified/non-compliant volume?: 153,600 tonnnes

          What is the certified volume?: 806,400 tonnes
          Unilever reports in their 2019 CDP report as using 960,000 tonnnes of "timber", 84% of which is FSC certified. The total volume includes "Figure covers all branded food and home and personal care product usage as well as customer packaging and marketing and promotional materials."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          Yes report direct suppliers
          2/4
          Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          Yes report direct suppliers
          2/4
          "We believe that transparency helps us to build a more sustainable supply chain. In July 2019, we published details of direct suppliers accounting for in excess of 99.5% of the wood fibre-based materials purchased in 2018 under Unilever’s Sustainable Paper & Board Packaging Policy (October 2018). This includes all folding cartons, customer packaging, aseptics and ice cream sticks."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers only
          3/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers only
          3/4
          Details of monitoring: Using internal monitoring and verification systems; Using third party verification

          How frequently is compliance assessed?: Quarterly
          "As timber is a key commodity, we conduct regular risk assessments using questionnaires managed by our GTS to determine the volumes of wood fibre sourced & the sustainability status. The questionnaire covers chain of custody of fibre to country of origin, declaration if materials are FSC or PEFC certified, or recycled, & includes verification by suppliers on sustainability. In 2018, our assessment covered 98% of our supply base (based on spend). We use data from GFW tool to assess risk in regions of the world we know to supply global markets with fiber. The GFW tool allows us to monitor conditions at the local level & share data across colleagues through a centralized system" [...] "We produce our questionnaire quarterly & report our USLP performance (sustainable paper & board metric) annually. This is assured by a third party & we also have an internal assurance process for robustness. In 2018, we drew a sample of data received from suppliers which underwent verification by a 3rd party & extrapolation based on the deviation of the responses from the reported values to our total results. Quarterly we monitor & assess change in sustainability status at a regional, national & supplier level."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No
          "Quarterly we monitor & assess change in sustainability status at a regional, national & supplier level. For suppliers with policy non-compliance issues, we use GTS data to assess performance over time & guide supplier-specific action plans. GTS gives oversight of our supply chain, enabling us to track production & monitor safety & quality"
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
          No disclosure
          0/2
    • Soy
      69/84
      • Commitment Strength
        27/28
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          16/17
          • Commitment details
            Zero-gross conversion
            10.7/10.7
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Zero-gross conversion
            10.7/10.7
            (For downstream soy companies only) Does the company commitment also apply to hidden/indirect soy?: No

            Which certification schemes are used?: RTRS
            "Much work has been done to deliver our commitment to achieve a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023 in soy, palm oil, paper and pulp and beef supply chains." "72% of our soy was [...] sustainably sourced via mass-balance or RTRS certificates in 2018 and we expect to reach 100% by 2020."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            3/3
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            3/3
            "Much work has been done to deliver our commitment to achieve a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023 in soy, palm oil, paper and pulp and beef supply chains." "72% of our soy was [...] sustainably sourced via mass-balance or RTRS certificates in 2018 and we expect to reach 100% by 2020."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Target date
            2023
            1.3/2
            Target date
            2023
            1.3/2
            "Much work has been done to deliver our commitment to achieve a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023 in soy, palm oil, paper and pulp and beef supply chains." "72% of our soy was [...] sustainably sourced via mass-balance or RTRS certificates in 2018 and we expect to reach 100% by 2020."
            Open source document
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            Yes
            1/1
            Interim target date
            Yes
            1/1
            What date is given for the interim milestone(s)?: 2020
            "Much work has been done to deliver our commitment to achieve a deforestation-free supply chain by 2023 in soy, palm oil, paper and pulp and beef supply chains." "72% of our soy was [...] sustainably sourced via mass-balance or RTRS certificates in 2018 and we expect to reach 100% by 2020."
            Open source document
            Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          11/11
          • Commitment details
            Downstream company - traces to First Importer - checks compliance
            5.3/5.3
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Downstream company - traces to First Importer - checks compliance
            5.3/5.3
            "Working with our NGO partner Alianca da Terra, we have identified the soy origins for part of our Brazilian Supply chain and it originates in Minas Gerais and Goaia. For the rest of our supply chain, where traceability is currently limited, we are actively working with our supplier partners to gain even greater visibility into origins for our soy. We are committed to continuing our efforts to gain further visibility into our soy SC and we expect to disclose our soy supply chain throughout 2019."
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            3/3
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            3/3
            "Working with our NGO partner Alianca da Terra, we have identified the soy origins for part of our Brazilian Supply chain and it originates in Minas Gerais and Goaia. For the rest of our supply chain, where traceability is currently limited, we are actively working with our supplier partners to gain even greater visibility into origins for our soy. We are committed to continuing our efforts to gain further visibility into our soy SC and we expect to disclose our soy supply chain throughout 2019."
            Open source document
          • Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            2/2
            Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            2/2
            "Working with our NGO partner Alianca da Terra, we have identified the soy origins for part of our Brazilian Supply chain and it originates in Minas Gerais and Goaia. For the rest of our supply chain, where traceability is currently limited, we are actively working with our supplier partners to gain even greater visibility into origins for our soy. We are committed to continuing our efforts to gain further visibility into our soy SC and we expect to disclose our soy supply chain throughout 2019."
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            Yes
            1/1
            Interim target date
            Yes
            1/1
            "Working with our NGO partner Alianca da Terra, we have identified the soy origins for part of our Brazilian Supply chain and it originates in Minas Gerais and Goaia. For the rest of our supply chain, where traceability is currently limited, we are actively working with our supplier partners to gain even greater visibility into origins for our soy. We are committed to continuing our efforts to gain further visibility into our soy SC and we expect to disclose our soy supply chain throughout 2019."
            Open source document
      • Social Considerations
        16/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          "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. [...] Discrimination [...] Forced Labour [...] Child Labour [...] Freedom of association"
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          Yes
          4/4
          Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          Yes
          4/4
          What is the nature of that support?: Technical assistance/support; Education and training

          How many smallholders do they support, and what percentage does this represent in terms of their sourcing from smallholders?: 793,000 across total supply chain
          "We're committed to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and their communities – in particular, by helping them to improve their agricultural practices and look at income diversification. By 2019, we had enabled around 793,000 smallholder farmers to access initiatives aiming to improve their agricultural practices. [...] ELF awards grants to partners in our supply chains who have projects that improve their social impact in sourcing from smallholder producers. The projects must either minimise risk for the smallholders, empower women in the supply chain or improve conditions for workers. They must also support our sustainable sourcing objectives."
          Open source document
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          "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 "
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          Yes
          2/2
          Commitment to remediation
          Yes
          2/2
          In the Responsible Sourcing Policy, Unilever PLC state that "If remediation is required, the supplier will devise and inform Unilever of their corrective action and implementation plans and timeline to effectively and promptly resolve the breach."
          Open source document
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes the company commits to securing FPIC prior to acquiring new interests/developments/expansions
          2/4
          Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes the company commits to securing FPIC prior to acquiring new interests/developments/expansions
          2/4
          "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
      • Reporting and Implementation
        26/38
        • Reporting against commitments
          6/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            3/3
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            3/3
            Does the company report on the degree of compliance/progress with commitments, disaggregated by relevant factors such as origin or supply chain stage?: No
            "72% of our soy was [...] sustainably sourced via mass-balance or RTRS certificates in 2018 and we expect to reach 100% by 2020."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Yes
            3/3
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Yes
            3/3
            "We have engaged our suppliers to map our soy supply chain and have identified the countries of origin and mills for approximately 75% of our soybean oil. We have significantly deeper levels of traceability within certain countries. 100% of our US soy supply (which represents approximately 64% of global volume) is traceable to the mill. Its origins are in Iowa and we consider this a low risk origin. We are also able to trace 100% of the Brazilian soy used for the local market to the mill level (which represents approximately 11% of the global volume). We are working to improve traceability for the remaining 25% of our soy, which is used across dozens of countries and is spread among many tail suppliers which import soybean oil or soybeans from other traders"
            Open source document
        • Reporting is independently verified
          2/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes: third-party
            2/2
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes: third-party
            2/2
            Which tools, approaches, third-party verification, including certification, schemes are used?: Certification schemes

            Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: RTRS
            "72% of our soy was [...] sustainably sourced via mass-balance or RTRS certificates in 2018 and we expect to reach 100% by 2020."
            Open source document
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/2
        • Deforestation cut off date
          Yes
          2/2
          Deforestation cut off date
          Yes
          2/2
          Cut-off date: 2008
          "We don’t report externally on the indicator 'suppliers with no gross deforestation after July 2008' but we monitor suppliers compliance with our Sustainable Agriculture Code which includes our Land conversion requirement 'no deforestation (cut-off date when SAC 2017 implemented)."
          Open source document
        • Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          Collaborative actions
          Yes
          2/2
          What initiatives does the company participate in?: RTRS certification of farmers in Southern Cerrado

          What is the nature of that participation?: Providing support/advice/experience/expertise; Providing financial support
          "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."
          Open source document
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          How frequently are assessments conducted?: not specified
          "Our global manufacturing operations across more than 300 factories in 69 countries turn these materials into products. Due to the scale and complexity of our supply chain, our suppliers are factored in to our forest-related risk assessments [...] We consider regulators in our forest-related risk assessments as they may take action to reduce climate change through the introduction of a carbon taxes or zero net deforestation requirements for example, impacting our business through higher costs or reduced flexibility of operations."
          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
          4/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company (own mechanism, that of external company, internationally recognised mechanism, focused on social issues, focused on environmental issues, etc.)?: social; environmental

          Details of the mechanism: website and phone number

          Does the company publish grievances that have been made against it, as well as responses and resolutions including status and timeframes: no
          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
          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume; Reporting certified/compliant volume
          4/4
          Report volumes of commodity
          Reporting non-certified/non-compliant volume; Reporting certified/compliant volume
          4/4
          What is the non-certified/non-compliant volume?: 361,198 tonnes

          Which certification schemes are used?: RTRS
          Unilever reports a total of 361,198 tonnes of soy used in their 2019 CDP report. Various percentages of which are certified (in different countries/areas)
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          Yes report direct suppliers
          2/4
          Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          Yes report direct suppliers
          2/4
          From what country(ies) does the company source material?: Not disclosed

          From what sub-national jurisdiction(s) does the company source material?: Not disclosed

          Does the company disclose location of suppliers' production areas or primary processing sites?: Not disclosed

          What type of location data (boundary, point, etc.) is provided for smallholder farms?: Not disclosed
          In 2019, Unilever PLC reported their direct soy suppliers, "accounting for in excess of 99.9% of Unilever’s soy oil purchases in 2018."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers only
          3/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers only
          3/4
          Details of monitoring: Using third party verification

          How frequently is compliance assessed?: Not disclosed
          "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."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: non compliance or breach of compliance with policy

          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No
          "For our forestry commodities, we are driving transparency in the supply chains to better manage & mitigate environmental & social risks that impact our brands [...] It is important we factor this into our risk assessments across commodities & ensure we take appropriate actions, including 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
    • Beef *
      48/84
      • Commitment Strength
        21/28
        • Commitment to protect priority forests
          12/17
          • Commitment details
            Zero-gross deforestation
            8/10.7
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Zero-gross deforestation
            8/10.7
            Unilever commits to having a "A deforestation-free supply chain by 2023" which includes beef as part of the commodities within that commitment
            Open source document
          • Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            3/3
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            Yes
            3/3
            A deforestation-free supply chain by 2023" which includes beef as part of the commodities within that commitment
            Open source document
          • Target date
            2023
            1.3/2
            Target date
            2023
            1.3/2
            A deforestation-free supply chain by 2023" which includes beef as part of the commodities within that commitment
            Open source document
          • Interim target date
            No
            0/1
            Interim target date
            No
            0/1
            Open source document
        • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
          8/11
          • Commitment details
            Traces to Point of production
            5.3/5.3
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Traces to Point of production
            5.3/5.3
            "We have also assessed our footprint relative to the total production of cattle in Brazil and estimate that our footprint equates to less than 0.01% of total cattle production from Brazil. Given our footprint and our sourcing of beef byproducts compared with fresh beef cuts, our impact and influence on the supply chain is limited. 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
            0/3
            Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
            No
            0/3
            If no, what is excluded?: Location
            "We have also assessed our footprint relative to the total production of cattle in Brazil and estimate that our footprint equates to less than 0.01% of total cattle production from Brazil. Given our footprint and our sourcing of beef byproducts compared with fresh beef cuts, our impact and influence on the supply chain is limited. 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/2020/Pre-2020
            2/2
            Target date
            Current/2020/Pre-2020
            2/2
            "We have also assessed our footprint relative to the total production of cattle in Brazil and estimate that our footprint equates to less than 0.01% of total cattle production from Brazil. Given our footprint and our sourcing of beef byproducts compared with fresh beef cuts, our impact and influence on the supply chain is limited. 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
            Yes
            1/1
            Interim target date
            Yes
            1/1
            "We have also assessed our footprint relative to the total production of cattle in Brazil and estimate that our footprint equates to less than 0.01% of total cattle production from Brazil. Given our footprint and our sourcing of beef byproducts compared with fresh beef cuts, our impact and influence on the supply chain is limited. 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
      • Social Considerations
        12/18
        • Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Labour rights in the supply chain
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of commitment: ILO; UNGP; UN Declaration for HR; Discrimination; Forced Labour; Child Labour; Freedom of association
          "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. [...] Discrimination [...] Forced Labour [...] Child Labour [...] Freedom of association"
          Open source document
        • Inclusion of small-scale farmers
          No
          0/4
        • Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          Gender equality in the supply chain
          Equality and Inclusion of women in the supply chain
          4/4
          "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 "
          Open source document
        • Commitment to remediation
          Yes
          2/2
          Commitment to remediation
          Yes
          2/2
          In the Responsible Sourcing Policy, Unilever PLC state that "If remediation is required, the supplier will devise and inform Unilever of their corrective action and implementation plans and timeline to effectively and promptly resolve the breach."
          Open source document
        • Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes the company commits to securing FPIC prior to acquiring new interests/developments/expansions
          2/4
          Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          Yes the company commits to securing FPIC prior to acquiring new interests/developments/expansions
          2/4
          "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
      • Reporting and Implementation
        15/38
        • Reporting against commitments
          6/6
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            3/3
            Commitment to protect priority forests
            Yes
            3/3
            Does the company report on the degree of compliance/progress with commitments, disaggregated by relevant factors such as origin or supply chain stage?: Yes
            "We have also assessed our footprint relative to the total production of cattle in Brazil and estimate that our footprint equates to less than 0.01% of total cattle production from Brazil. Given our footprint and our sourcing of beef byproducts compared with fresh beef cuts, our impact and influence on the supply chain is limited. 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 to a traceable supply chain
            Yes
            3/3
            Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            Yes
            3/3
            Does the company report on the degree of compliance/progress with commitments, disaggregated by relevant factors such as origin or supply chain stage?: No
            "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
        • Reporting is independently verified
          0/4
          • Commitment to protect priority forests
            No
            0/2
          • Commitment to a traceable supply chain
            No
            0/2
        • Deforestation cut off date
          No
          0/2
        • Collaborative actions
          No
          0/2
        • Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          Risk assessments for forest risk
          Yes
          2/2
          How frequently are assessments conducted?: not specified
          "Our global manufacturing operations across more than 300 factories in 69 countries turn these materials into products. Due to the scale and complexity of our supply chain, our suppliers are factored in to our forest-related risk assessments [...] We consider regulators in our forest-related risk assessments as they may take action to reduce climate change through the introduction of a carbon taxes or zero net deforestation requirements for example, impacting our business through higher costs or reduced flexibility of operations."
          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
          4/4
          Accessible grievance mechanism
          Yes
          4/4
          Details of the mechanism: website and phone number

          What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company (own mechanism, that of external company, internationally recognised mechanism, focused on social issues, focused on environmental issues, etc.)?: social; environmental

          Does the company publish grievances that have been made against it, as well as responses and resolutions including status and timeframes: no
          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
          No reporting
          0/4
        • Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
          No disclosure
          0/4
        • Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers only
          3/4
          Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
          Yes for its suppliers only
          3/4
          Details of monitoring: Using third party verification

          How frequently is compliance assessed?: not specified
          "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."
          Open source document
        • Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
          Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
          1/2
          Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No
          "For our forestry commodities, we are driving transparency in the supply chains to better manage & mitigate environmental & social risks that impact our brands [...] It is important we factor this into our risk assessments across commodities & ensure we take appropriate actions, including 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

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

  • Commitment strength
    24/28
    Avg. score
  • Reporting and Implementation
    22/38
    Avg. score
  • Social considerations
    15/18
    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 
Cosmetics & personal care, Home care, Packaged food
Segments
Manufacturer
HQ
HQ 
United Kingdom
Company Type
Company type 
Public listed
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

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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.