The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry
Unilever has revealed that an ‘overwhelming majority’ of its shareholders voted in favour of its climate transition action plan, according to Reuters.
The company first announced that it would seek shareholder approval for its plan back in December, claiming that it was the first ‘major global company’ to voluntarily commit to putting its climate transition plans before a shareholder vote.
The vote took place at a virtual meeting on 5 May, in which Unilever intended to strengthen its engagement and dialogue with its investors.
According to Reuters, Unilever said that over 99% of shareholders who voted, backed its plan to become a net-zero business by 2039.
The company’s climate action plan includes transitioning to renewable energy sources, eliminating fossil fuels from its cleaning products, as well as reducing corporate travel and refrigeration emissions.
"Climate change represents a clear and present danger to our value chain," said Unilever CEO, Alan Jope at the virtual meeting, as cited by Reuters.
"The overwhelming vote shows support to our ambitious emission reduction targets,” he added.
Unilever first plans to become net zero within its own operations and halve the impact of its products across its supply chain by 2030.