On 27th November 2023, we hosted a pivotal pre-COP dialogue on climate action at our Dubai Personal Care factory themed “Catalyzing Collaborative Climate Action to Achieve Net Zero.” Key thought leaders from vital climate sectors, including government, industry, academia, and non-profits, convened to exchange knowledge and strategies on dramatically decarbonizing supply and value chains.
The goal was to slash global emissions, achieve Net Zero by 2050, meet the targets of the COP Paris Agreement, and keep the 1.5°C target within reach. Our Head of Supply Chain, Ahmed Kadous, highlighted Unilever’s regional sustainability agenda and achievements, particularly in forging successful partnerships across their value chain to champion climate action. The evening ended with a guided tour of Unilever’s flagship DPC factory located at Dubai Industrial City.
Speaking on the occasion, Ahmed Kadous said: “At Unilever, we have committed to reducing emissions from our operations by 100% by 2030 (against a 2015 baseline) and achieving net zero emissions across our value chain by 2039. This reinforces our dedication to a future defined by net-zero emissions. Our Dubai Personal Care factory, recognized by the World Economic Forum as the first ‘Advanced 4th Industrial Revolution Lighthouse’ in the UAE and the broader MENA region, serves as a testament to our dedication to harnessing technology to drive operational efficiency and secure a more sustainable footprint. In 2023, we took the lead in driving logistics and warehousing transformation aligned with our decarbonization processes and the rigorous standards of Scope 3 emissions.”
Dubai Personal Care Factory
Since 2014, Unilever’s Dubai Personal Care factory has been a beacon of sustainability, consistently striving to minimize its environmental impact. The factory achieved a remarkable zero-waste-to-landfill status. Additionally, since 2019, the factory made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint, achieving an impressive 90% reduction in CO2 emissions and a noteworthy 34% decrease in energy consumption.
In a bold commitment to renewable energy, the factory since 2019, actively sourced 100% renewable electricity, with 20% derived from its on-site 1MW solar park and the remaining 80% obtained from renewable electrical energy certified through the purchase of IRECs. These commendable efforts were duly recognized through prestigious awards, including the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Certification and the Dubai Green Industrial Award.
The factory’s dedication to sustainability aligned with Unilever’s global ambition to reduce its logistics carbon emissions. This commitment was further reflected in the company’s unwavering pursuit of a circular economy, evidenced by 100% of its water effluence being treated, recycled, and used in cooling towers and irrigation facilities. It also committed itself to the use of sustainable ingredients and the implementation of recyclable, reusable, and compostable packaging solutions, with 82% of GCC packaging now designed to be recyclable.
As the UAE hosted COP28, our event at Unilever’s Dubai Personal Care factory stood as our dedication to fostering critical dialogue on collaborative climate action and shaping a sustainable, net-zero future.
In a bold commitment to renewable energy, the factory since 2019, actively sourced 100% renewable electricity, with 20% derived from its on-site 1MW solar park and the remaining 80% obtained from renewable electrical energy certified through the purchase of IRECs. These commendable efforts were duly recognized through prestigious awards, including the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Certification and the Dubai Green Industrial Award.