Unilever Zero Waste Expands

Unilever North America (Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey) has achieved 100% zero waste to landfill (ZLF) at all dedicated distribution centers in North America.

The ZLF target for its global factories was reached in January as part of the company's Unilever Sustainable Living Plan.

Reaching ZLF requires inventory management, packaging recycling, composting and other tactics.

According to the company, "Eliminating waste in distribution centers resulted in cost savings of more than $1.9 million in 2013 ... It has meant reconsidering every single material that is consumed in a factory and distribution center – from reusing packing materials from supplier deliveries to food waste from staff cafeterias."

“Reaching 100% zero waste to landfill on all waste streams at our North America distribution centers is a great example of how we are putting our sustainability strategy into action and reducing our environmental footprint to strengthen our business, as well as our commitment to partnership and collaboration,” said Reginaldo Ecclissato, SVP Americas supply chain and chairman, Unilever Americas Supply Chain Company.

 “The Unilever Supply Chain team worked closely with our distribution centers to ensure each location had the right tools to achieve 100% zero waste to landfill,” said Wendy Herrick, Vice President Logistics & Customer Service Unilever, North America, Supply Chain. “Sustainability is at the core of our business strategy and this milestone is an important step in reducing our environmental footprint.”

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