Company Directory - Unilever
Company Details - Unilever
Unilever
A multinational consumer goods company known for its diverse portfolio of brands, including Ben & Jerry's. The company is involved in various legal disputes regarding the management and social mission of some of its brands.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Unilever
27.32
-0.02%
Latest Event
Unilever Accused of Suppressing Progressive Politics by Firing Ben & Jerry's CEO
Ben & Jerry’s alleges that parent company Unilever fired its CEO, David Stever, for supporting the brand’s progressive politics. The accusations include interfering with the social mission and silencing progressive voices, raising concerns about corporate suppression of political activism.
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DISSENTER
Unilever is currently rated as a Dissenter.
Latest Events
- MAR032025
Ben & Jerry’s alleges that parent company Unilever fired its CEO, David Stever, for supporting the brand’s progressive politics. The accusations include interfering with the social mission and silencing progressive voices, raising concerns about corporate suppression of political activism.
- FEB192025Unilever Lobbying Profile
-39.36
OpenSecrets data reveals significant lobbying activity by Unilever in 2022, indicating corporate engagement in political influence that may undermine democratic accountability and contribute to authoritarian practices.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 19
The OpenSecrets report on Unilever's lobbying profile highlights the company's active engagement in lobbying activities. This involvement raises concerns about the corporate influence on political processes, which may support policies aligned with authoritarian interests. Given the left-leaning perspective, such political contributions and lobbying efforts are viewed as enabling the erosion of democratic accountability.
- FEB192025
An OpenSecrets profile reveals that a significant portion of Unilever lobbyists had previously held government positions, suggesting a revolving door that could undermine democratic oversight and facilitate undue corporate influence in politics.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 19
The article from OpenSecrets highlights that 10 out of 12 Unilever lobbyists in 2023 (and similarly in 2024) had previously held government positions. This revolving door practice raises concerns about regulatory capture and the potential erosion of democratic accountability. Such close ties between former government officials and corporate lobbying efforts are seen as contributing factors to authoritarian practices, as they blur the lines between public service and corporate interests.
- FEB062025
Unilever, alongside Nestlé, conducted a comprehensive review of its lobbying practices following shareholder pressure. The company inserted disclaimers in communications from the European Round Table on Industry to distance itself from trade associations misaligned with its sustainability commitments, garnering praise from investors.
+80
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 19
Unilever demonstrated positive public and political behavior by undertaking a shareholder-requested review of its lobbying activities. By including disclaimers in proposals and distancing itself from trade bodies that may support policies contrary to its sustainability agenda, Unilever shows a commitment to transparency and accountable political engagement, which helps counter authoritarian influences.
Shareholders praise Unilever and Nestlé for breaking ranks with trade associations
- JAN152025
Unilever has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving labor conditions by launching the Living Wage Supplier Programme. Through this initiative, suppliers are required to sign the Living Wage Promise, ensuring that workers are paid at least a living wage, thereby strengthening labor rights and ethical supply chain practices.
+80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
January 15
The article highlights Unilever’s decade-long efforts to secure living wages for workers by requiring suppliers to sign the Living Wage Promise. This initiative significantly bolsters labor rights and exemplifies robust human rights practices within its labor relations framework.
+80
Supply Chain Ethics
January 15
By launching the Living Wage Supplier Programme in partnership with the Sustainable Trade Initiative, Unilever is actively ensuring that its suppliers adhere to a commitment for fair wage practices. This action promotes ethical supply chain management and accountability, reducing wage disparities and benefiting worker communities.
- DEC182024
Procurement Magazine highlighted Unilever's Enhancing Livelihoods programme that supports over 2.5 million smallholder farmers, showcasing the company's progressive approach to ethical labor practices and robust supply chain ethics.
+80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 19
Unilever's Enhancing Livelihoods programme demonstrates a strong commitment to labor rights by investing in worker development and supporting over 2.5 million smallholder farmers. This initiative helps improve fair labor practices, worker dignity, and overall human rights within its global supply chain.
+75
Supply Chain Ethics
March 19
Unilever has been recognized for its transparent and ethical supply chain management. Its initiatives in supplier assessment and sustainable sourcing not only align with best practices in supply chain ethics but also contribute to mitigating exploitation and enhancing accountability.
- OCT082024
Unilever’s first Climate Policy Engagement Review sets a new benchmark in climate lobbying by encouraging industry associations to step up their climate efforts in line with the Paris Agreement, demonstrating a proactive stance in advancing environmental policies rather than supporting authoritarian agendas.
+80
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 19
The review highlights Unilever's strategic use of climate lobbying to mobilize industry associations, reflecting a transparent and responsible approach to policy engagement. This positive initiative supports comprehensive climate action and stands in contrast to corporate activities that enable authoritarian practices through opaque political contributions.
Unilever: Driving industry associations to step up climate efforts
- MAR052024
Unilever published its inaugural Climate Policy Engagement Review to assess the climate-related lobbying activities of 27 industry associations. The review calls for enhanced transparency and stronger government policies to ensure that associations actively promote effective climate action in alignment with the Paris Agreement.
+80
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 19
The review highlights Unilever’s proactive stance on political engagement by scrutinizing the lobbying practices of its partner industry associations. By calling for greater transparency and stronger government policies, Unilever is setting a positive example in political contributions and lobbying efforts. This initiative supports accountability and opposes opaque lobbying practices that can foster authoritarian influence.
Unilever publishes review of key trade associations climate-related lobbying
- JAN212021
Unilever has announced that by 2030, all its suppliers will be required to pay their staff a living wage. This move is part of a broader initiative to improve labor rights, enhance supply chain ethics, and promote social equity across its global operations.
+90
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 19
Unilever's initiative to enforce a living wage through its suppliers is a strong step towards upholding labor rights and human rights practices. This policy not only aims to provide fair compensation to workers but also sets a high standard for corporate responsibility in its operations and those of its supply chain partners.
+85
Supply Chain Ethics
March 19
By extending its commitment to fair labor practices beyond its immediate workforce and mandating that suppliers also meet living wage standards, Unilever is reinforcing ethical supply chain practices. This proactive measure not only improves the quality of life for workers within its extended network but also sets a benchmark for industry-wide social responsibility.
- SEP112020
An analysis of Unilever's repeated failures in upholding worker rights and addressing unethical supply chain practices, including forced labor, inadequate remediation for affected workers, and sourcing palm oil from suppliers linked to human rights abuses.
-80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 19
Unilever has been repeatedly criticized for severe labor rights violations such as forced labor, child labor, and the lack of appropriate remediation following catastrophic events affecting its workers. The company's failure to uphold the UN's guiding principles on business and human rights, as highlighted by incidents in Kenya and India, reflects a significant neglect in protecting employee welfare.
-60
Supply Chain Ethics
March 19
The company's supply chain has been questioned for unethical sourcing practices, particularly in its palm oil suppliers. Reports of deforestation coupled with associations with companies linked to forced and child labor highlight critical shortcomings in Unilever's adherence to ethical supply chain management.
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Industries
- 311942
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- 325611
- Soap and Other Detergent Manufacturing
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- Toilet Preparation Manufacturing
- 444220
- Garden Centers