Unilever, a leading multinational in the retail trade services sector, is headquartered in the United Kingdom and operates extensively across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Founded in 1929, the company has established itself as a key player in the industry, focusing on personal care, home care, and food products.
With a diverse portfolio that includes well-known brands such as Dove, Knorr, and Persil, Unilever is recognised for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The company has achieved significant milestones, including its ambitious goal to reduce its environmental footprint while enhancing the livelihoods of millions.
As a market leader, Unilever continues to set trends in consumer goods, leveraging its extensive research and development capabilities to deliver unique products that resonate with consumers worldwide.
+64 vs industry average
Unilever’s score of 100 is higher than 100% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Industry Intensity
Retail Trade Services has below-average carbon intensity
Industry performance
The Retail Trade Services industry has reduced its overall emissions by 31% since 2018
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2028
Reported emissions
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
Unilever's reported carbon emissions
Unilever, a global retailer headquartered in GB, has made significant commitments to address its carbon emissions. In 2025, the company reported total emissions of approximately 47.7 billion kg CO2e, comprising about 430 million kg CO2e from Scope 1 (direct emissions), approximately 60 million kg CO2e from Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy, market-based), and around 47.21 billion kg CO2e from Scope 3 (all other indirect emissions). Scope 3 emissions are largely driven by purchased goods and services (approximately 37.91 billion kg CO2e) and the use of sold products (about 1.58 billion kg CO2e).
Unilever has set ambitious reduction targets. The company aims for a 100% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from its own operations by 2030, with a goal of becoming carbon positive in its manufacturing. Additionally, Unilever is committed to reducing the full value chain emissions (Scope 1 to 3) of its products by 50% per consumer use by 2030, relative to a 2010 baseline. They also aim to achieve net zero emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 by 2039.
In 2024, Unilever's total emissions were approximately 57.3 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 1 at about 480 million kg CO2e, Scope 2 (market-based) at approximately 210 million kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at roughly 56.61 billion kg CO2e. Purchased goods and services constituted the largest portion of Scope 3 emissions at approximately 45.28 billion kg CO2e.
By 2023, the company reported total emissions of about 56.56 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 1 at approximately 570 million kg CO2e, Scope 2 (market-based) at around 180 million kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at approximately 55.81 billion kg CO2e. Scope 3 emissions in 2023 were dominated by purchased goods and services (approximately 44.92 billion kg CO2e).
In 2022, Unilever's total emissions were approximately 53.69 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 1 at about 640 million kg CO2e, Scope 2 (market-based) at around 230 million kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at approximately 52.82 billion kg CO2e.
Unilever has demonstrated a commitment to reducing its environmental impact, with various targets aligned with SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) validated goals. The company has pledged to maintain no deforestation across its primary deforestation-linked commodities and is actively working towards a net zero future.
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Unilever’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
5 goals2030
100% reduction in all scopes
Reduce absolute operational GHG emissions (Scope 1 & 2) by 100% by 2030 from a 2015 baseline(b)(c)(d)
2030
62% reduction in total GHG
Vs 2019 baseline. Validated by SBTi. Includes full supply chain.
2040
50% reduction in Scope 3 intensity
Across purchased goods and services and logistics.
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Scope 3 top emissions categories
4 of 15 categories disclosedSee all scope 3 categories
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Climate initiatives
Science Based Targets Initiative
Carbon Disclosure Project
The Climate Pledge
UN Global Compact Climate Champions initiative
RE 100
Climate Action 100
Emissions comparison with industry peers
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Unilever
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Unilever’s sustainability data and climate commitments
Data year: 2024
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