Expansion Management

Unilever's Doing Its Part - 11 Sites Across UK are Zero Landfill

Sept. 17, 2011

As part of its global Sustainable Living Plan, Unilever set out to become a "zero to landfill" manufacturer in the UK as well as doubling the size of its business.

Unilever is working with waste supplier Veolia to ensure that 97% of its waste is recycled. The remaining 3% will be converted into usable energy.

As well as Unilever's manufacturing sites, the company's two strategic research and development laboratories in at Port Sunlight and Colworth Science Park, and its two major offices in Blackfriars, London, and Leatherhead, Surrey, are also included in the waste recycling efforts.

"Managing waste in a manufacturing process has similarities to managing waste as a consumer -- it requires the application of the "three R's" principle: reduce, reuse, recycle. While this announcement is all about our commitment to recycling, we are also determined to find ways to reduce and reuse the materials which we need in our factories," said Tony Dunnage, Unilever European Eco-Efficiency Manager.

Unilever has reduced its total waste in manufacturing per ton of production by 77% since 1995.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

Email: [email protected]

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Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.