Unilever
What do our scores mean?
The organizational score represents the degree to which the organization influencing climate policy and legislation. Corporations also have relationship scores reflecting their links with influencers like trade associations. Both are combined to place the corporation in a performance band. Full details can be found here.
Update August 2021: If limited evidence had been collected either on a company's direct policy engagement (Organization Score) or industry association links (Relationship Score) this is signified with an ‘n/a’ (not available). If limited evidence has been collected in both areas, the Total Score is also given as n/a. Full details and links back to any primary evidence that has been collected can still be located on the company’s profile.
Engagement Intensity
The engagement intensity (EI) is a metric of the extent to which the company is engaging on climate change policy matters, whether positively or negatively. It is a number from 0 (no engagement at all) to 100 (full engagement on all queries/data points). Clearly energy companies are more affected by climate regulations and will have a higher EI than, for example retailers. So an organization’s score should be looked at in conjunction with this metric to gauge the amount of evidence we are using in each case as a basis for scoring. On our scale, an EI of more than 35 indicates a relatively large amount of climate policy engagement.
Relationship Score, December 2020
A new batch of industry associations has been uploaded onto the InfluenceMap system and the relationship scores recalculated accordingly.
Updated terminology, February 2021
We adjusted the terminology used to describe the queries running down the left-hand side of our scoring matrix and added additional explanatory text to the info-boxes. This has no impact on the scores and methodology. It has been done following user feedback to improve clarity.
- Details of Organization Score
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What do the 0,1,2 and NSs, NAs mean?
Each cell in the organization's matrix presents a chance for us to assess each data source against our column of climate change policy queries. We score from -2 to 2, with negative scores representing evidence of obstructive influence. "NA" means "not applicable" and "NS" means "not scored" - that is we did not find any evidence either way. In both cases, the cell's weighting is re-distributed over others. Red and blue cells represent highly interesting negative or positive influence respectively. Full details can be found here.
- Details of Relationship Score
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What is the Relationship Score
A corporation, as well as its organizational score will have a relationship score. It is computed by aggregating the organizational scores of the Influencers (trade bodies etc.) it has relationships with, weighted by both the strength of these relationships and the relative importance of the Influencers towards climate change policy. Full details can be found here.
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QUERIES
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DATA SOURCES | ||||||
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Main Web Site
The main organizational Web site of the company and its direct links to major affiliates and attached documents. |
Social Media
We search other media and sites funded or controlled by the organization, such as social media (Twitter, Facebook) and direct advertising campaigns of the organization. |
CDP Responses
We assess and score responses to two questions from CDP's climate change information request (12.3 a & 12.3c) related to political influence questions (currently these are not numerically scored by the CDP process). |
Legislative Consultations
Comments from the entity being scored on governmental regulatory consultation processes, including those obtained by InfluenceMap through Freedom of Information requests. |
Media Reports
Here we search in a consistent manner (the organization name and relevant query search terms) a set of web sites of representing reputable news or data aggregations. Supported by targeted searches of proprietary databases. |
CEO Messaging
Here we search in a consistent manner (the CEO/Chairman, organization name and relevant query search terms) a set of web sites of representing reputable news or data aggregations. Supported by targeted searches of proprietary databases. |
Financial Disclosures
We search 10-K and 20-F SEC filings where available, and non US equivalents where not. . |
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Communication of Climate Science
Is the organization transparent and clear about its position on climate change science? |
2
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1
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NA |
1
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NS |
1
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1
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|
Alignment with IPCC on Climate Action
Is the organization supporting the science-based response to climate change as set out by the IPCC? (the IPCC) |
2
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2
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NA |
2
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2
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2
|
NS |
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Supporting the Need for Regulations
To what extent does the organization express the need for regulatory intervention to resolve the climate crisis? |
1
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2
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NS |
2
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2
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2
|
NS |
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Support of UN Climate Process
Is the organization supporting the UN FCCC process on climate change? |
1
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2
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NA | NS |
2
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1
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NS |
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Transparency on Legislation
Is the organisation transparent about its positions on climate change legislation/policy and its activities to influence it? |
1
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NA |
1
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NA | NA | NA | NS |
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Carbon Tax
Is the organisation supporting policy and legislative measures to address climate change: carbon tax. |
0
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0
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NS | NS |
2
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NS | NS |
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Emissions Trading
Is the organisation supporting policy and legislative measures to address climate change: emissions trading. |
NS |
2
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1
|
NS |
2
|
NS | NS |
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Energy and Resource Efficiency
Is the organization supporting policy and legislative measures to address climate change: energy efficiency policy, standards, and targets |
2
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2
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2
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NS |
2
|
2
|
NS |
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Renewable Energy
Is the organization supporting policy and legislative measures to address climate change: Renewable energy legislation, targets, subsidies, and other policy |
1
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2
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2
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NS |
2
|
NS | NS |
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Energy Transition & Zero Carbon Technologies
Is the organization supporting an IPCC-aligned transition of the economy away from carbon-emitting technologies, including supporting relevant policy and legislative measures to enable this transition? |
1
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1
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2
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NS |
2
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1
|
NS |
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GHG Emission Regulation
Is the organization supporting policy and legislative measures to address climate change: GHG emission standards and targets. Is the organization supporting policy and legislative measures to address climate change: Standards, targets, and other regulatory measures directly targeting Greenhouse Gas emissions |
2
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2
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2
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2
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2
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2
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NS |
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Disclosure on Relationships
Is the organization transparent about its involvement with industry associations that are influencing climate policy, including the extent to which it is aligned with these groups on climate? |
0
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NS |
1
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NA | NA | NA | NA |
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Unilever plc is a member of the CBI Taxation Committee
Open PDF file of Data Source
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Unilever UK Ltd is a member of CBI Manufacturing Council and Taxation Committee
not specified
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Executive Vice President is Chair of CBI Taxation Committee
Janine Juggins
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Unilever plc is a member of the CBI Taxation Committee
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Unilever UK Ltd is a member of CBI Manufacturing Council and Taxation Committee
not specified
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Executive Vice President is Chair of CBI Taxation Committee
Janine Juggins
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
InfluenceMap Comment:
Unilever has publically communicated to its trade groups that it supports strong climate policy and has asked them to confirm whether they have alignment with this. [Extract]: Unilever advocates for policies that advance the goal of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change to limit the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees, and ideally no more than 1.5 degrees, above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century. We believe this means achieving a net zero emissions world by 2050. [...] would be grateful if you could confirm whether, as a trade association or business group of which Unilever is a member, your current lobbying position on climate policy is consistent with Unilever’s position and the 1.5 degree ambition set out in the Paris Agreement.
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
InfluenceMap Comment:
Unilever is an indirect member of BusinessEurope through Medef
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
InfluenceMap Comment:
Unilever has publically communicated to its trade groups that it supports strong climate policy and has asked them to confirm whether they have alignment with this. [Extract]: Unilever advocates for policies that advance the goal of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change to limit the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees, and ideally no more than 1.5 degrees, above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century. We believe this means achieving a net zero emissions world by 2050. [...] would be grateful if you could confirm whether, as a trade association or business group of which Unilever is a member, your current lobbying position on climate policy is consistent with Unilever’s position and the 1.5 degree ambition set out in the Paris Agreement.
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
InfluenceMap Comment:
Unilever is an indirect member of BusinessEurope through Medef
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Unilever is an indirect member of MEDEF through AFISE which is a member of France Chimie
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Unilever has publically communicated to its trade groups that it supports strong climate policy and has asked them to confirm whether they have alignment with this. [Extract]: Unilever advocates for policies that advance the goal of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change to limit the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees, and ideally no more than 1.5 degrees, above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century. We believe this means achieving a net zero emissions world by 2050. [...] would be grateful if you could confirm whether, as a trade association or business group of which Unilever is a member, your current lobbying position on climate policy is consistent with Unilever’s position and the 1.5 degree ambition set out in the Paris Agreement.
not specified
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Unilever has indirect relationship with MEDEF through ANIA. A Unilever France senior executive is on the board of a ANIA
Nicolas LIABEUF
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Unilever is an indirect member of MEDEF through AFISE which is a member of France Chimie
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Unilever has publically communicated to its trade groups that it supports strong climate policy and has asked them to confirm whether they have alignment with this. [Extract]: Unilever advocates for policies that advance the goal of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change to limit the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees, and ideally no more than 1.5 degrees, above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century. We believe this means achieving a net zero emissions world by 2050. [...] would be grateful if you could confirm whether, as a trade association or business group of which Unilever is a member, your current lobbying position on climate policy is consistent with Unilever’s position and the 1.5 degree ambition set out in the Paris Agreement.
not specified
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Unilever has indirect relationship with MEDEF through ANIA. A Unilever France senior executive is on the board of a ANIA
Nicolas LIABEUF
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Unilever has publicly communicated to its trade groups that it supports strong climate policy and has asked them to confirm whether they have alignment with this. [Extract]: Unilever advocates for policies that advance the goal of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change to limit the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees, and ideally no more than 1.5 degrees, above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century. We believe this means achieving a net zero emissions world by 2050. [...] would be grateful if you could confirm whether, as a trade association or business group of which Unilever is a member, your current lobbying position on climate policy is consistent with Unilever’s position and the 1.5 degree ambition set out in the Paris Agreement.
not specified
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Subsidiaries of Unilever are members of VCI
not specified
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Unilever has publicly communicated to its trade groups that it supports strong climate policy and has asked them to confirm whether they have alignment with this. [Extract]: Unilever advocates for policies that advance the goal of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change to limit the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees, and ideally no more than 1.5 degrees, above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century. We believe this means achieving a net zero emissions world by 2050. [...] would be grateful if you could confirm whether, as a trade association or business group of which Unilever is a member, your current lobbying position on climate policy is consistent with Unilever’s position and the 1.5 degree ambition set out in the Paris Agreement.
not specified
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Subsidiaries of Unilever are members of VCI
not specified
How to Read our Relationship Score Map
In this section, we depict graphically the relationships the corporation has with trade associations, federations, advocacy groups and other third parties who may be acting on their behalf to influence climate change policy. Each of the columns above represents one relationship the corporation appears to have with such a third party. In these columns, the top, dark section represents the strength of the relationship the corporation has with the influencer. For example if a corporation's senior executive also held a key role in the trade association, we would deem this to be a strong relationship and it would be on the far left of the chart above, with the weaker ones to the right. Click on these grey shaded upper sections for details of these relationships. The middle section contains a link to the organization score details of the influencer concerned, so you can see the details of its climate change policy influence. Click on the middle sections for for details of the trade associations. The lower section contains the organization score of that influencer, the lower the more negatively it is influencing climate policy.
Climate Lobbying Overview: Unilever appears to support ambitious action on climate change and has actively supported various strands of climate-related regulation including emissions trading, energy efficiency, renewable energy legislation and GHG emissions targets. Unilever also appears to support the energy transition, including the phase-out of coal and the removal of fossil fuel subsidies.
Top-line Messaging on Climate Policy: Unilever’s top-line messaging appears supportive of ambitious action on climate change. In its 2019 Annual Report, published in March 2020, Unilever called for public policy frameworks to advance the goals of the Paris Agreement and limit the increase in global average temperatures to “ideally no more than 1.5°C”. In 2019-20, Unilever has directly advocated for legislated net-zero by 2050 targets in the UK, the EU, the US and Australia. In 2017-20, Unilever has also consistently supported US participation in the Paris Agreement.
Engagement with Climate-related Regulations: Unilever appears to actively support multiple strands of climate change related regulations and policies. In 2020, Unilever signed joint letters to policymakers advocating for regional cap and trade schemes in the US, specifically on the Pacific Coast and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in Virginia. In December 2020, Unilever directly advocated for policymakers in California to support ambitious energy efficiency policies to decarbonize buildings. Unilever has stated support for renewable energy legislation in the US on its corporate website in 2020. In 2020, it also signed a joint letter to leaders of Congress that advocated to policymakers to support the renewable energy sector in the COVID-19 recovery in the same year.
Unilever also appears to support ambitious GHG emission targets. , and in 2019 In a 2019 joint letter to EU Commission leaders, Unilever backed increasing the EU’s 2030 GHG target towards 55%, which it reportedly continues to support in 2020. The company has also advocated to keep in place CO2 emission targets for vehicles during the COVID-19 pandemic in a joint letter to EU policymakers in 2020.
Positioning on Energy Transition: In its 2019 Annual Report, Unilever called for public policy frameworks to decarbonize the economy in line with “the upper level of ambition of the Paris Agreement”. In 2020, on Unilever’s corporate website, the company supported the removal of fossil fuel subsidies and the phase out of coal in the energy mix. In a joint letter to EU policymakers in 2020, the company also advocated for the electrification of transportation. In March 2021, it was reported in the Wall Street Journal that Unilever has shifted its strategy to focus on directly lobbying governments to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and decarbonize energy.
Industry Association Governance: Unilever currently has limited disclosure on its corporate website regarding industry associations and has not detailed the positions they have taken on climate change, nor its influence over these positions. There is, however, more detailed disclosure in Unilever’s 2020 CDP Climate Change response. Unilever has also taken an active approach to addressing potential misalignments, with its CEO in 2019 writing an open letter to the company's industry associations asking them to confirm alignment of their climate positions with those of Unilever and the 1.5°C ambition set out in the Paris Agreement. However, the company has not publicly disclosed a review of its industry association alignment on climate change.