03/05/2024 – 16:50
Even more efficient and sustainable cleaning. To advance its goal of zero emissions from its operations by 2039, the giant Unilever has expanded the use of green energy in its industrial parks. At the Indaiatuba (SP) unit, the largest powder detergent production factory in the world, the company now has renewable energy generation with eucalyptus biomass. “The company was a pioneer in bringing sustainability agendas into the corporate world, even before the term ESG gained global prominence. We raised the standards of commitment and brought new topics, in addition to climate issues”told MONEY Suelma Rosa, head of reputation and corporate affairs at Unilever.
With an investment of R$48 million, the biomass factory will contribute to reducing the emission of 37 thousand tons of CO2 per year, which is equivalent to 14 thousand square kilometers of forest.
• “We only managed to bring this solution when we combined biomass technology with artificial intelligence, through the digitalization of the operation”
• “Our system equalizes the volume of steam produced by biomass, which allowed the use of this method. All this with Brazilian technology.”
Another important action by Unilever on the path to decarbonization in Brazil was the implementation, last year, of a biodigester with the capacity to produce thermal and renewable energy to supply 100% of the factory in Pouso Alegre (MG), the company’s largest food production plant in Latin America, in addition to treating around 80% of the organic waste generated by the production process at the unit. The Minas Gerais factory is capable of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 300 tons per year. The number corresponds to 166 cars circulating in one year. “It’s a giant compost bin, which, in addition to generating energy, also consumes production waste to generate fertilizer,” he said.
“The company was a pioneer in bringing sustainability agendas to the corporate world, before the term ESG had global projection.”
Suelma Rosa, head of Reputation and Corporate Affairs at Unilever
In addition to the Pouso Alegre and Indaiatuba factories, Unilever also carried out the renewable energy transition at the Valinhos (SP) unit, using recycled wood chips. In products, the company has invested in the use of low-carbon ingredients, new plant-based formulas and cleaning products free of fossil fuels.
LESS PLASTIC
Unilever has also accelerated its process of using recycled plastic in Brazil.
• Recently the company jumped from 21% to 27% in the recyclability index, which brought forward the initial goal, which was to have 25% of post-consumer plastic used by 2025. “And we continue to increase volumes because we have formed more partnerships to accelerate initiatives in this direction”stated the executive.
• Among the pillars associated with the recycled plastic target are new packaging design and the removal of the equivalent volume of plastic released on the market. “We take actions to create an environment favorable to circularity.”
And Suelma is aware that changing this culture has a lot to do with habit.
• “This includes working to generate decent income for waste pickers, associated with the protection of human rights.”
• “As an industry, we learned that it is possible to recycle, but we need to take care of the people who work in this sector.”
In the case of Omo brand, Unilever managed to reduce the use of virgin plastic by 2.2 million tons per year. Among the initiatives are investments in concentrates, which use 72% less plastic compared to liquid Omo, and even caps produced 100% with recycled plastic resin.
In addition to its own commitment to reduce the carbon footprint in your production processUnilever has worked to ensure that the company’s suppliers follow the same path. “Unilever has an obligation to lead the transformation of its suppliers. The impact we promote also happens with our surroundings. We updated our low-carbon transition plan, deepening the actions of these partners who supply our company. This is very important”said Suelma.
#Unilever #expands #green #energy