COP30: Unilever calls for governments to unlock sustainable business growth

Unilever’s success relies on resilient supply chains, protected from climate instability. We spoke to Hannah Hislop, Head of Sustainability – Climate, and Andrés González, Head of Brazil and General Manager, Beauty & Wellbeing LATAM, who are in Belém, Brazil, at COP30, to explore what Unilever is asking of governments on climate and why it matters now.

Why is it important for Unilever to be at COP30?

Hannah Hislop: Climate change poses a significant risk to our business, particularly through supply chain disruptions such as severe flooding or drought. The UN has warned that although global temperature rise will now inevitably pass 1.5°C, there is still a chance it could be reversed. COP remains the most important multilateral process to address climate breakdown.

With countries expected to submit updated NDCs – national climate plans – at COP30, now is the moment when bolder national ambition can minimise the likelihood of the worst climate scenarios. These roadmaps outline how each country can reach their individual climate targets up to 2035. Unilever is in Belém to advocate for policies that will encourage businesses to invest in climate solutions in their global value chains, in turn supporting countries with decarbonisation.

Andrés González: I’m encouraged that COP has come to Brazil, where we know nature is a critical asset in the fight against climate change. From maintaining no-deforestation for our primary deforestation-linked commodities to changing the way we grow our ingredients, nature-based solutions are an important part of our Climate Action Transition Plan – our CTAP.

So, part of Unilever’s role at COP is highlighting these solutions. At the invitation of Brazil’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, we’re leading a COP30 panel discussion on regenerative agriculture, a way of farming that aims to reduce emissions, build climate resilience and support nature. Partnering with CJ Selecta, we’re rolling out regenerative soybean farming across 45,000 hectares by 2030, which will cover 70–90% of the soy used in Hellmann’s mayonnaise production in Brazil. By sharing our actions and learnings, we’re hoping to help drive transformative change across the industry.

What would stronger national climate plans unlock for Unilever?

HH: Stronger NDCs and ambitious climate policies will help Unilever progress towards our climate targets as we continue to grow our business. They will guide how and where Unilever invests in climate solutions through our Climate & Nature Fund – it makes sense to focus this investment in markets where conditions are most favourable.

Guided by our CTAP, we’re also asking governments to price carbon effectively, triple global renewable energy capacity and phase out fossil fuels, and incentivise the transformation of the chemicals industry. This will help reduce energy and industrial emissions in our supply chains.

What is Unilever doing to overcome our biggest barriers to climate progress?

HH: Most of our emissions come from our raw ingredients, and finding lower-emission alternative ingredients that are affordable and commercially available is our No.1 challenge.

Fossil-based chemical ingredients and feedstocks significantly impact our carbon footprint in our major Home Care markets, as they are used in many laundry and cleaning products to help remove dirt. We’re working with partners and suppliers to identify bio-based alternatives and building coalitions to drive industry-wide changes that will gradually lower costs and bring those alternatives to scale.

We know tackling climate change will affect us financially through transition costs, but we believe there is a strong business case for acting sooner. And supportive policies, regulations and market tools are the starting point for building collective action. If governments can make sure these are applied widely and fairly, they will help us attract talent, drive innovation and invest in solutions compatible with a net zero world.

Where are we already making headway with climate solutions?

AG: Our work on renewable energy is a great example. Over 80% of our own energy use in Brazil already comes from renewable sources such as biomethane, biomass and organic waste. This is supporting our progress towards Unilever’s global target to reduce operational emissions by 100% by 2030 (vs 2015), while supporting Brazil’s NDC ambition to expand biofuel use.

HH: We’re helping key partners to accelerate their uptake of renewable energy too. A power purchase agreement (PPA) we signed in India recently will supply renewable electricity at a fixed, competitive price to ten collaborative manufacturers and Unilever factories. Enabled by supportive government policies, the deal is expected to cut emissions and reduce our electricity costs by around 25% compared to grid rates over 20 years. We plan to do more of this in the future through our Supplier Climate Programme.

Why is faster climate action a business imperative?

AG: Climate change is an urgent reality that demands coordinated and rapid action. The intensifying impacts of climate change are already affecting communities and supply chains.

HH: Unilever has five years left to meet our targets for reducing our emissions. By calling for policies that create a level playing field and accelerate climate action, we aim to de-risk the transition, helping us move towards net zero without putting the business at a competitive disadvantage.

But to reach our goals we also need governments, and industries in our value chain and beyond, to come with us. That’s where the COP process remains vital.