Unilever saves over N97.2 billion through waste reduction programmes

Unilever group said it has saved over €400 million ( N97.2billion ) through its waste reduction program in the last four years. This was contained in its recently published report that provides an overview of Unilever’s sustainability approach involving its actions in Africa from 2010 till 2014. The updates are supported by data on key priority areas such as improving health and wellbeing, reducing environmental impact and enhancing livelihoods.

According to the report on Sustainability Living Plan, the FMCG major player further said it was able to help 397 million people in Africa improve their health and hygiene habits within the period. The company also emphasized that 55 percent of agricultural raw materials used were sustainably sourced and this resulted in a significant growth over the past 4 years.

The report which it said serves as a blueprint for sustainable growth in Nigerian industries is also a strategic response to the unprecedented challenges business faces today. “As a global company, Unilever has leveraged the full scale of its resources to build solutions that will work for Nigeria”.

It said Unilever Nigeria, in alignment with the group’s Sustainable Living Plan has also streamlined its projects with 3 key priority areas of focus, ensuring that sustainable development initiatives are fully embedded in the strategy and operations of its brands.

“As the Millennium Development Goals winds up this year and the world takes on the Sustainable Development Goals in September, a number of private sector led initiatives have now become critical to achieving national and global sustainable development”, it said.

The company has therefore strategically embarked on using its portfolio to drive behaviour change programs which would tackle several social and health issues in Nigeria involving Unilever produced brands.

For instance, Pepsodent a Unilever product has partnered with the Nigerian Dental Association through its successful behaviour change program whichfocuses on promoting better oral care habits. This program allows children to learn and spread the recommended daily brushing routine and to build long-lasting dental care habits from childhood, in order to reduce cavities and improve overall dental health and hygiene in the country.

As a result of the company’s growth due to sustainability, Unilever also announced the launching of its new product,  Puriet in-home water purifier. According to Unilever’s corporate affairs director, Soromidayo Goerge, “the new product is a unique and scientifically-proven germ killing device that will improve the lives of many Nigerians especially in rural communities where safe drinking water is uncommon.”

“Pureit works with a break-through “Germkill Technology” and has an advanced multi-stage purification process which provides water that’s completely free from all harmful germs, thus giving 100 per cent protection from all water-borne diseases and providing high quality water at an affordable price”, she said.

 

Jumoke Akiyode