Leading in the next era of corporate sustainability

Sustainability in Canada

In Canada, we are working to make sustainable living commonplace across our business by: improving the health of the planet; improving people’s health, confidence and wellbeing; and contributing to a fairer, more socially inclusive world

Improving the Health of the Planet

We’re working both internally and with others to create a circular economy where plastic is reused and kept in productive cycles so that it doesn’t end up as waste. Unilever Canada is a proud founding member of the Canada Plastics Pact, a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Global Plastics Pact network. We are also working to create no, better and less plastic solutions in our packaging. In fact, 50% of the plastic used in our packaging across North America is from recycled plastic. Some examples of our packaging reformulations include the launch of our Vim Refill Ecopack which uses 75% less plastic, our Love Beauty and Planet shampoo bar with no wrapper, and our ultra-concentrated Seventh Generation laundry detergent.

Taking meaningful action to address climate change is also essential for us in reducing our environmental footprint. That’s why we have been sourcing only renewable electricity for our Canadian facilities since 2011 which has helped us avoid over 60,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the past 10 years.

Improving People’s Health and Wellbeing:

We believe physical and mental health, wellbeing and inclusion are crucial contributors to a wider view of what good health is. One of our largest health initiatives is the Dove Self-Esteem Project, now a global movement for change, which was created in Canada.Since 2005, Dove has reached over 3.6 million young Canadians with Dove Self-Esteem resources to help raise their self-esteem and realize their full potential.The “Reverse Selfie” campaign addresses the issue of the increased use of photo editing apps in response to the pressure young people are feeling through social media.

Contributing to a Fairer More Socially Inclusive World:

We want to see a society where everyone is treated equally. That’s why we're working to create a fairer, more socially inclusive world through our brands and within our own company.

Through our global commitment to ‘Act 2 Unstereotype’, which will see a broadening of our 2016 commitment to ‘Unstereotype’, we are challenging ourselves to create marketing, not just advertising, that will help influence the next generation of people to be free from prejudice. Our SheaMoisture brand funds educational and entrepreneurial programs which are designed to create an inclusive and thriving society from North America to Africa. Ben & Jerry's is committed to creating awareness on social justice issues including marriage equality, climate justice and peace building.

Within our own business at Unilever Canada, we are on a journey to create a culture of belonging where our people can be their best authentic self. We are proud to have a gender balanced workforce. We are also working to ensure that we have an organization that is representative of the unique diversity that makes up the Canadian population.